What's your fancy for Aintree?
The Aintree Grand National could produce a Meath winner with trainer Tony Martin, Gavin Cromwell, Gordon Elliott and possible Noel Meade (first reserve) all with runners.
Jockeys Barry Geraghty, Andrew Lynch and Keith Donoghue will also be in action with Noel Meade's jockey Sean Flanagan hoping that he gets to the start also.
However, there is also great interest in the prospects of a first win for a female jockey with BETWAY'S Charlie Robertson reporting a lot of support for Katie Walsh.
Baie Des Iles, the ride of Katie Walsh, is the runner that punters have started to latch onto in the Grand National according to the festival’s official betting partner, BETWAY.
Baie Des Iles has been very well supported in the last 24 hours and is now available at 20/1 with the leading online bookmaker having been a 33/1 chance.
Blaklion and Cheltenham Festival winner Tiger Roll (Gordon Elliott) sit at the head of the market at 10/1 ahead of the Gold Cup third Anibale Fly (Tony Martin and Barry Geraghty) and Total Recall at 11/1.
Katie Walsh 11/10 to finish best of female jockeys
Of the three female jockeys confirmed for Saturday’s big race, Katie Walsh is Betway’s favourite to enjoy the most success.
She finished third on Seabass in 2012 and is 11/10 to continue her fine record in the race ahead of Bryony Frost, who rides Classic Chase winner Milansbar at 2/1.
Rachael Blackmore, who has ridden 35 winners this season in Ireland, partners Alpha Des Obeaux and she is available at 11/4 to outperform her female rivals.
Betway’s Alan Alger, said:
“Katie Walsh tends to attract some attention in the betting when she has a ride in the National and this year looks no different. Her mount, Baie Des Iles, has been very popular in the last 24 hours and looks like being this year’s big gamble.
“The mare has been backed into 20/1 having been a 33/1 shot yesterday with punters seemingly choosing to ignore the fact a mare hasn’t won the famous race since Nickel Coin in 1951.
“Walsh has some good experience over the National fences and is our favourite to perform best of the female jockeys at 11/10, ahead of Bryony Frost at 2/1 and Rachael Blackmore at 11/4.
“Blaklion and Tiger Roll still head the market at 10/1 while further down the betting, Ucello Conti is another one who has been well supported and he is now 20/1 from 25s.”
Betway – Horse Racing – Ante Post – Aintree - Grand National 2018
Outright:
Blaklion - 10/1
Tiger Roll - 10/1
Anibale Fly - 11/1
Total Recall - 11/1
Minella Rocco - 16/1
Seeyouatmidnight - 16/1
The Last Samuri - 16/1
Baie Des Iles - 20/1
Ucello Conti - 20/1
Bar - 25/1
Grand National Specials:
Female jockey to be placed (first four)9/4
Female jockey to win the race 10/1
Who will finish best of the following three female jockeys?
Katie Walsh (Baie Des Iles) 11/10
Bryony Frost (Milansbar) 2/1
Rachael Blackmore (Alpha Des Obeaux) 11/4