The Aintree Grand National is less than two weeks away and the market for the famous race continues to take shape.
With a whole host of fantastic chasers set to make the trip to Merseyside the race looks to be typically competitive and the winner is going to have to beat a formidable field of rivals.
AP McCoy and Shutthefrontdoor head the market for the race but there are a number of horses proving popular ahead of the £1million showpiece. Our experts have have 10/1 and 25/1 Grand National tips but where is the value at the head of the betting?
The ten leading contenders for the 2015 Aintree Grand National
SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR – 7/1
Looks set to start the shortest-priced favourite since Red Rum and with AP McCoy in the saddle it’s no surprise to see that he is popular in the betting. He is a 2014 Irish Grand National winner who looks sure to run a huge race, but the form of his Fairyhouse victory hasn’t quite worked out and he remains relatively inexperienced over fences
ROCKY CREEK – 9/1
Last year’s fifth ticks a number of boxes ahead of his trip to Aintree and there are very few negatives. An impressive looking beast who looks at home in staying chases, he is proven around the track, jumps incredibly well and is one step ahead of the handicapper judged on his BetBright Chase victory.
BALTHAZAR KING – 12/1
Balthazar King finished second in the race in 2014 but he is not as well handicapped this year and there must be a worry that he has already had his chance. Not seen since contesting a cross country chase in November, he has plenty of natural ability but the handicapper has done him no favours on his return to Merseyside.
THE DRUIDS NEPHEW – 12/1
Probably the best handicapped horse in the race at 10lbs well in, The Druids Nephew won with ease at the Festival and he continues to improve under the guidance of Neil Mulholland. His stamina is untested over the Grand National trip but if he stays then he would have a huge chance.
GODSMEJUDGE – 20/1
Alan King’s contender was first first and second in the last two Scottish Grand Nationals and he is not going to be troubled by the gruelling stamina test at Aintree. His bet365 Gold Cup third was proof that he has the class to mix it with top opposition and it’d be no surprise to see him run a mighty race.
CAUSE OF CAUSES – 20/1
His victory in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival has secured his position in the race, but he will be taking on tougher opposition here and he is still only seven years of age. He looks a Grand National contender for future years but inexperience could cost him this time around.
SPRING HEELED – 20/1
The Irish raider produced a gutsy display to win at last year’s Cheltenham Festival and this race has been his aim ever since. He will need decent ground to be seen at his best but his prominent style of racing should ensure that he stays out of trouble.
ALVARADO – 20/1
Alvarado finished fourth in the race in 2014 and he lines up off just a 1lb higher mark this time. We have only seen him appear once this season but he has been trained with the Grand National in mind and there is no reason to believe he won’t run another pleasing race. An unlikely winner but an interesting each-way proposition.
PINEAU DE RE – 20/1
Last year’s Grand National winner is back to defend his crown and he will be bidding to become the first back-to-back winner since Red Rum in 1973/74. He is 8lbs higher in the weights this time around and although that doesn’t look too much on the face of it, he is now twelve years old. Wouldn’t be a surprise to see him run well but he won’t be winning the race again.
UNIONISTE – 22/1
Paul Nicholls’ classy operator was last seen finishing third to Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Coneygree and that represents some of the best form on offer. Stamina won’t be an issue for the grey and he is held in high regard, but he is high enough in the weights and seven year olds have a poor record in the National.