The 2023 Grand National is just over three months away and there have already been plenty of form pointers for the big race.
Last year’s winner Noble Yeats is the favourite in the latest Grand National odds after winning two of his three outings this season.
However, with the handicapper likely to saddle the eight-year-old with a big weight, he may find it difficult to go back-to-back in the marathon event.
With that in mind, we have assessed the ante-post market to come up with four horses we believe represent much better value than Noble Yeats.
Delta Work
Trainer Gordon Elliott has won the Grand National on three previous occasions and has an excellent chance of adding to his tally with Delta Work.
The horse defeated Tiger Roll to win last season’s Cross-Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, before finishing third in the National.
He recorded a gritty victory on his seasonal reappearance at Punchestown in November and is strongly fancied to run a big race at Aintree.
Still available at odds of around 25/1, Delta Work looks well worth an interest given Elliott’s track record with staying chasers.
Any Second Now
Ted Walsh’s 11-year-old finished third in 2021 before going one better behind Noble Yeats in last year’s renewal of the National.
While there is an argument to say Any Second Now’s best chance has gone, you would be hard-pushed to imagine the horse not running well this year.
He ran a fine race in defeat behind Saint Sam over hurdles during the festive period and is clearly being aimed at another tilt at Aintree.
Any Second Now may need a helping hand from the handicapper, but it would be no surprise to see him fighting for the win in April.
Gericault Roque
Gericault Roque was a frustrating horse to follow as a novice chaser, recording form figures of 32222 to demonstrate his consistency.
He underwent wind surgery during the autumn, before looking well short of fitness on his seasonal reappearance over hurdles at Aintree in November.
Trainer David Pipe then sent the horse to Newbury to contest the Coral Gold Cup, where he produced an eye-catching display to finish third.
Younger horses have had a decent record in the National over the past few seasons and this seven-year-old is worth monitoring in the betting.
Gaillard Du Mesnil
Gaillard Du Mesnil has all the makings of a plot job by top Irish trainer Willie Mullins and the 33/1 on offer looks hugely tempting.
The horse ran behind some of the top novice chasers last season before rounding off his campaign with an excellent third in the Irish Grand National.
He finished second behind Mighty Potter at Fairyhouse in December, before claiming a Grade 1 event at Leopardstown later the same month.
Mullins knows what it takes to win the Grand National at Aintree and this talented seven-year-old looks tailor-made for the race.
