Grand National Day preview: Race predictions for Grand National Festival
SATURDAY is the big day of the Aintree Festival this week - it's Randox Grand National day!
One of the highlights in the global sporting calendar, the Grand National returns for the 2024 edition with some significant changes but still the same hype and anticipation.
Grand National Festival 2024 Day 3 Races
| Date | Time | Race | Distance | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13/04 | 1.20 | The William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 3 | 3m 1/2f | Hurdle |
| 13/04 | 1.55 | The Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 | 2m 4f | Hurdle |
| 13/04 | 2.30 | The William Hill Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 3 | 3m 1f | Chase |
| 13/04 | 3.05 | The JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 | 3m 1/2f | Hurdle |
| 13/04 | 4.00 | The Randox Grand National Steeple Chase (Grade 3) | 4m 2 1/2f | Chase |
| 13/04 | 5.00 | The My Pension Expert Maghull Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 | 2m | Chase |
| 13/04 | 5.35 | The Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) | 2m 1f | Flat |
About Grand National Day
Saturday represents the biggest day of the Grand National Festival, with the big race of the week - and probably the year - coming at 4pm.
It's a race dating back to 1839 and the rich history and yearly traditions have transcended generations with the race recognised the world over.
There are some changes to the big event this year, though, with horse safety continuing to be of paramount importance.
On top of the National, there's two Grade 1s on Saturday, including the Liverpool Hurdle.
Grand National Day 3 predictions and best odds
Here, we take a closer look at all seven races and provide our best bets, tips and analysis for Day 3 of the Aintree Festival.
Randox Grand National Chase bets and latest odds
It's a notoriously difficult race to predict, hence why it's one of the biggest betting markets in world sport!
It has been made slightly easier this year with the drop to just 34 entries from the usual 40 this year, with efforts to reduce falling horses a key component of that reduction.
Last year's winner Corach Rambler is back to defend his crown for trainer Lucinda Russell after a terrific showing in last month's Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Corach Rambler stayed on really strongly in tough conditions to finish 13 lengths behind Galopin Des Champs and the return to this much longer trip suits him.
But he'll have a pair of Willie Mullins runners to contend with and with the constant rain recently, they'll love the conditions how they are now.
I Am Maximus is closest to the top of the betting markets at present but money has poured in for Meetingofthewaters at the start of the week and that could prove significant.
Vanillier has been much-talked about in the preview nights leading up to this for Gavin Cromwell and it's no surprise to see him up and in contention.
Runner by runner guide and latest odds for Grand National
Grand National prize money
There is an incredible £1MILLION up for grabs at this year's Grand National.
The first 10 home will all receive a cut, with the winner scooping over half a million pounds for crossing the line in front.
Here's the breakdown:
- 1st – £561,300
- 2nd – £211,100
- 3rd – £105,500
- 4th – £52,700
- 5th – £26,500
- 6th – £13,200
- 7th – £6,800
- 8th – £3,600
- 9th – £2,000
- 10th – £1,000
Grand National previous winners
Here's the last five winners of this big race from Aintree.
| Year | Winner | Winning jockey | Winning trainer | Starting price | Age |
| 2023 | Corach Rambler | Derek Fox | Lucinda Russell | 8/1F | 9 |
| 2022 | Noble Yeats | Sam Waley-Cohen | Emmet Mullins | 50/1 | 7 |
| 2021 | Minella Times | Rachael Blackmore | Henry de Bromhead | 11/1 | 8 |
| 2019 | Tiger Roll | Davy Russell | Gordon Elliott | 4/1F | 9 |
| 2018 | Tiger Roll | Davy Russell | Gordon Elliott | 10/1 | 8 |
William Hill Handicap Hurdle
With any big handicap, it's always a good idea to see if Dan Skelton is involved, and West Balboa of his has been well supported in this open betting market.
- West Balboa 8/1
- Cuthbert Dibble 10/1
- Springwell Bay 12/1
- Johnnywho 12/1
- Kyntara 12/1
- Champagne Twist 12/1
- 14/1 bar
*Odds correct at time of writing, prior to declaration stage
Mersey Novices Hurdle
A few of these have entries earlier in the week, including Supreme winner Slade Steel who is on the drift in the antepost market. Caldwell Potter is also entered with huge interest in him after his world record £633,000 sale in February.
- Slade Steel 7/2
- Caldwell Potter 9/1
- Billericay Dickie 9/2
- Firefox 5/1
- Brighterdaysahead 7/1
- Asian Master 7/1
- Readin Tommy Wrong 8/1
- Jimmy Du Seuil 8/1
- Ile Atlantique 10/1
*Odds correct at time of writing, prior to declaration stage
William Hill Handicap Chase
Another handicap, another Skelton horse at the top of the early betting in the form of The King of Ryhope. Ben Pauling's horses have been running well too and Twig comes here with a good chance too.
- The King of Ryhope 6/1
- Forward Plan 6/1
- Crebilly 6/1
- Twig 8/1
- Ahoy Senor 10/1
- Heltenham 10/1
- Amirite 12/1
- Cruz Control 12/1
- Kilbeg King 12/1
- Flegmatik 12/1
- Fugitif 14/1
- 16/1 bar
*Odds correct at time of writing, prior to declaration stage
Liverpool Hurdle
The top class race of the day with the Grade 1 throwing up the rematch between Teahupoo and Flooring Porter. The former was the four-length victor of the Stayers' Hurdle last month at Cheltenham.
- Teahupoo 2/1
- Flooring Porter 4/1
- Irish Point 6/1
- Sire Du Berlais 6/1
- Crambo 8/1
- Langer Dan 12/1
- Botox Has 14/1
- Buddy One 14/1
- 16/1 bar
*Odds correct at time of writing, prior to declaration stage
Maghull Novices' Chase
Found A Fifty was a clear second to easy winner Gaelic Warrior in the Arkle and is well-fancied for the penultimate race of the week. Etalon has seen considerable support throughout the week and is another live chance for the Skeltons.
- Found A Fifty 9/4
- Etalon 10/3
- Hercule Du Seuil 11/2
- Matata 7/1
- Djelo 10/1
- JPR One 10/1
- Nickle Back 10/1
- Libberty Hunter 12/1
- 14/1 bar
*Odds correct at time of writing, prior to declaration stage
How to bet on Aintree Grand National on Day 3
- Choose an online bookmaker form our list.
- Visit the site and sign up for an account.
- Verify your account and make a deposit.
- Head over to the horse racing section of the site.
- Select the race you wish to bet on.
- Look through the available markets and select your bet.
Don't miss other Aintree Festival previews
- Aintree Day One preview
- Aintree Day Two preview
- Aintree Grand National best bets
FAQ about Aintree Day 3
1. How can I use Aintree Day 3 previews to improve my chances of winning bets?
Picking a winning bet involves a lot of things; skill, a bit of luck but also research. Using previews can help you secure the best free bets out there on the market, ensuring you have more in your betting bank heading into the racing on day two. Not just that, you can notice trends in previous winners and recognise a stable's first choice jockey, giving an indication who the yard prefer if a trainer runs more than one horse.
2. What factors should I consider when choosing which horses to bet on for Day 3 races?
There are several key components to consider when making a selection at Aintree. Most importantly though is the horse's form and how they've been faring. Top Jockeys and trainers will also have a huge bearing in any race so keep an eye on any market movers. As well as that, it's important to consider other horses performances, track conditions, past results and trends in previous winners. Track preference is also key - how do they do running left-hand courses?
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- Gamcare –
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