GRAND PLAN
New Grand National favourite as doubts surface over Willie Mullins’ defending champ I Am Maximus
All change ahead of the big race
A NEW Grand National favourite has emerged - as doubts surface over whether Willie Mullins' I Am Maximus can defend his crown.
Iroko is now the marginal favourite on the Betfair Exchange, with almost £50,000 having been matched on the £1million race.
1
The JP McManus-owned and British-trained horse, who had his most recent ride at Cheltenham probed by stewards, is currently 13.5 - between 12-1 and 13-1 in fractions.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
The only place to get Templegate's tips first - and at the best prices - is by joining Sun Racing's brilliant Members Enclosure (UK only).
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing's best winning team and get...
- Four free racing tickets, four times a year - worth £300
- Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
- Exclusive access to Templegate's daily NAP
- Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
- Exclusive insights from top trainer Ben Pauling
- VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. UK only. For more information contact [email protected]
While I Am Maximus, who was a thumping winner of the world's most famous race last April, is a point bigger at 14.5 - between 13-1 and 14-1.
Although it doesn't take much to move markets this far out from a race, the switch could be seen as significant given a recent quote about I Am Maximus' chances of running.
Mullins said he wants to make the nine-year-old, who is also owned by McManus, the first three-time winner of the Aintree race since the great Red Rum.
It's no secret that trainers try to protect a horse's rating throughout the season so they run off the lowest possible in the National.
But I Am Maximus was pulled up on his sole outing this campaign - the Savills Chase won by Galopin Des Champs last December.
And now Frank Berry, McManus' racing manager, says they need to see something better from him in this weekend's Irish Gold Cup before definitely confirming his place at Aintree.
Berry said: "I Am Maximus is going to run (in the Irish Gold Cup), he’s in good form.
Most read in Horse Racing
"Things just didn’t happen for him the other day and Jody (McGarvey, jockey) pulled him up, but he’s back looking very well.
"We’re looking forward to getting him out and we hope he runs a nice race."
Willie Mullins emotional after owner is left close to tears when late wife's horse wins £80,000 race
Quizzed specifically on the National, Berry replied: "It will all come down to how he runs on Saturday, if he doesn’t run well on Saturday then I’m not sure.
"But if he goes well then we’ll head for the National again, absolutely."
The 90 entries for this year's race were revealed yesterday - and bookies on the whole are of the opinion that I Am Maximus is still the one to beat.
But a sign of Iroko's intent is that he is set to miss Cheltenham despite being favourite for the Ultima Handicap Chase.
His trainers Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero want to keep him in tip top shape for the National.
Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: "We were very excited to see the entries confirmed for this year’s Randox Grand National and I Am Maximus tops the betting at 10-1 looking to repeat the feat.
"Iroko has been by far the most popular selection in recent days since his run at Cheltenham, backed into 14-1 from 16s, and it’ll be interesting to see if that popularity continues.
"Grand National punters will always be looking for bigger-priced fancies, and we’re keeping a few of these on-side at this stage.
"Stumptown is a 20-1 shot with plenty of potential upside, and we think he could be a shortener should he oblige at short odds in the Cheltenham Festival Cross Country.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
"We’ve also priced up a host of specials on the world’s most famous steeplechase at Aintree.
"An Irish 1-2-3 is a 7-2 chance and an Irish 1-2-3-4, as happened in 2024, is 6-1, with a Willie Mullins-trained winner of the race 5-2."
FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare –
- Gamble Aware –
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Topics