One of the two previous champions at the top of the weight scale, this horse demonstrated his capabilities in 2024 by staying competitive with Nick Rockett until the Elbow last year, ultimately conceding defeat. Prior to that standout performance, he had not shown much resemblance to his National-winning form in his earlier outings. However, this year, he has additional credentials, having secured second place in a Grade One event in December and finishing fifth in the Irish Gold Cup. While he may be slightly outclassed on paper, his aptitude for Aintree could be a significant asset, making a podium finish a realistic possibility.
Verdict: A solid each-way prospect based on Aintree performance, but no top-weight winner has emerged since the 1970s.
Due to strict eligibility rules, even last year’s champion needed to compete in a chase this season to qualify for a repeat attempt. He managed to secure his spot by finishing seven lengths behind Gerri Colombe—another competitor for Saturday—at Down Royal last month. The reason for his lengthy absence following last year’s race remains somewhat unclear; the explanation of “he took time to come to hand” could apply to various scenarios. He is only 4 pounds heavier in the weights and could be competitive if he can reproduce his previous form and attitude.
Verdict: Capable of a strong performance, but his long absence before the last race raises concerns.
This horse has an impressive record with three Grade One victories over fences, including the prestigious King George VI Chase at Kempton in 2024. He narrowly missed out on a fourth win in the same race this season. However, he displayed a significant drop in form during the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, which aligns with his inconsistent history at the top level. Additionally, he has yet to prove himself over distances like this one. “If it were three miles, I would be confident,” remarked trainer Joseph O’Brien, but it isn’t, and that poses a challenge.
Verdict: Exceptional at his best, yet inconsistent and untested over long distances.
This horse ended a prolonged losing streak over fences with a victory in the Bobbyjo Chase, a significant trial for the National, in February. While he is slightly behind the leading Grade One chasers in terms of weight, he finished third in his first attempt at this race last year. A costly mistake at the last may have cost him a closer finish against Nick Rockett. However, his tendency to make occasional jumping errors late in races is becoming a pattern. He carries more weight this time, raising questions about his capabilities.
Verdict: A solid contender based on last year’s third-place finish, but jumping issues may hinder performance.
With five Grade One wins over fences, this horse boasts an exceptional record, particularly considering he has faced several lengthy breaks due to injury in recent seasons. His last top-level victory was in the Bowl at Aintree two years ago, and his current weight of 11st 10lb for his first handicap start suggests it may have been a while since his last success. His only victory since April 2024 occurred in a weak four-runner race at Down Royal, but he finished second behind Grangeclare West in the Bobbyjo, indicating he still has competitive stamina. Despite this, younger, more promising rivals may outpace him.
Verdict: Has previously held his own against the best, but may face challenges now.
With form figures of 1P11P this season, the Welsh Grand National winner has shown both brilliance and vulnerability, with his poor performances occurring in Grade One races, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, where he led until the final stretch. If the version of Rebecca Curtis’s chaser that convincingly won at Chepstow in December shows up on Saturday, he could be a formidable competitor. Curtis has successfully brought him back to peak form after an earlier disappointing performance in the Betfair Chase in November. He is a powerful, traditional chaser capable of managing a significant weight over two laps at Aintree, presenting a strong chance if his trainer can replicate past successes.
Verdict: A traditional chaser with numerous attributes for Aintree, but recent poor performance is concerning.
He remains in the running at the final declaration stage, should the ground dry out, allowing him to bypass Thursday’s Bowl. This could potentially give Jimmy Mangan’s small family farming and training operation in County Cork a second National victory, 23 years after Monty’s Pass achieved the same in 2003. Another win would be remarkable considering Mangan’s operation size. In terms of age, form, and racing weight, his latest contender shows promise, but he skipped the Gold Cup at Cheltenham due to unsuitable ground conditions, and his stamina for a full four-mile race remains uncertain.
Verdict: An improving eight-year-old, but the final half-mile could be a challenge.
This horse consistently performs well in tough competition but often struggles to secure victories. This should enhance his chances as he receives 6 pounds or more from the top contenders in the race. Gordon Elliott’s gelding reached a new level when he was stepped up to three miles for the first time in the Irish Gold Cup in February. However, he significantly underperformed in the recent Cheltenham Gold Cup, appearing to be exhausted in the final quarter-mile. An additional mile on Saturday is unlikely to favor him.
Verdict: Did not stay the distance at Cheltenham, making him hard to support over the extended trip.
Similar to several competitors around the 11st range, Henry de Bromhead’s nine-year-old has come close to breaking into the Grade One Winners’ Club multiple times, only to fall short. He performed admirably to finish sixth in the Irish Gold Cup last time after making an early push for victory. However, he was well behind Panic Attack and Three Card Brag from the same starting mark in his only prior handicap attempt. While he is not an unlikely winner if circumstances align, he does not appear to be significantly underpriced.
Verdict: Carrying weight up to his best and has less potential for improvement compared to rivals.
