Grand National 2019 Runner-By-Runner Guide

Diarmuid Nolan

April 4th, 2019

Url copied!

Recommended Bets:

• Back Rathvinden for Grand National at 10/1 with BetHard
• Back Dounikos for Grand National at 50/1 with William Hill

The final field of 40 is in for this year's Grand National at Aintree, and we've got the best guide to every one of them right here.

This is a race for everyone, with the random nature of the gruelling 4m2.5f contest meaning that picking names and colours is at times as effectual as spending hours evaluating the chances of all 40 runners, as Rory Delargy has done in our Grand National betting tips guide.

For those of you who like a more pragmatic approach, here’s our runner-by-runner guide of the 2019 Aintree Grand National - giving you a handy rating system where Chance 5/5 means you're onto a winner, and 0/5 has no hope at all.

Grand National Runner-By-Runner Guide

1. Anibale Fly - 12/1 BetHard

Arguably the horse who carries the strongest form into the 2019 renewal of the Aintree Grand National after a superb effort in finishing second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup behind Al Boum Photo. Get's the assistance of Barry Geraghty once again, who won this race in 2003 aboard Monty's Pass. Was a brave fourth in this race last year when racing very wide throughout and a more conservative ride here will see him to better effect.

I fear that this race might come too soon after that massive performance at Cheltenham as Gold Cup's can take a lot out of a horse, maybe even more so than a Grand National. He is also 5lbs higher in the ratings this year, burdened by topweight, with Red Rum the last horse to carry topweight to victory. He is one who would not want the ground to dry out any further, but if he can recover from Cheltenham, he would have every chance.

>> Chance 3/5

2. Valtor - 50/1 888Sport

Trainer Nicky Henderson has had 40 runners in the Grand National since 1976 without winning the race, and I can't see Valtor ending that sorry trend in 2019. Whilst he was superb when strolling to victory in the Silver Cup at Ascot, the handicapper has more than caught up with him and that was clear when pulling up at the Cheltenham Festival. Looks to be in for a struggle.

>> Chance 0/5

3. Tiger Roll - 4/1 Mr Green

I don't think anyone could possibly begrudge Gordon Elliott's charge winning the race again in 2019. The four times Cheltenham Festival winner is somewhat of a public hero and if anything, Tiger Roll looks an even better horse this season. There's every reason to believe he can win again, albeit I do hold some reservations about his chances in 2019.

The last horse to win the Aintree Grand National on more than one occasion was the imperious Red Rum in the 1970's and many a good horse has come up short in trying to regain the Grand National. Tiger Roll will carry nine pounds more this year and looked to be waning somewhat in the final few furlongs last year, although he will prefer the betting ground conditions this season. The additional weight makes me want to take him on, especially at skinny odds.

>> Chance 3/5

4. Outlander - 100/1 888Sport

Gordon Elliott is throwing a plethora of horses at this year's Grand National and Outlander looks to be making up the numbers in this renewal. He has won three Grade 1's, but that seems a distant memory and it's now 18 months since he last won a race. His owners, Gigginstown House Stud, have opted to sell him on Thursday evening. Looks up against it here.

>> Chance 0/5

5. Don Poli - 100/1 William Hill

One of the slowest horses you will ever see, and sadly he looks possibly even too slow for a Grand National. Injuries frustrated his progress as he looked set for great things when winning the RSA Chase at Cheltenham in 2015 and when third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup a year later behind the brilliant Don Cossack. Hasn't looked like getting back to his best of late and as much as it would be great to see him being involved at the finish, it's hard to fancy him. Like Outlander, Gigginstown are selling him on Thursday.

>>. Chance 1/5

6. Go Conquer - 40/1 BetHard

A horse who has come right back to his best since switching to the Nigel Twiston-Davies stable and is now on a career high mark after a devastating win at Doncaster last time. As much as he's a safe bet to get around as he'll love the jumping test on better ground, he might not be up to the task over this distance given he has been seen to struggle beyond three miles in the past.

>> Chance 1/5

7. Mala Beach - 50/1 BetHard

Get's the assistance of the brilliant Jamie Codd, and has always looked a horse who would relish a severe test of stamina like this. Looks held by Jury Duty last time and will struggle to reverse that form with a much worse weight swing this time. Will be ridden to place under a brilliant jockey, and might just do so.

>> Chance 2/5

8. Minella Rocco - 40/1 William Hill

Being forgiving is a great trait in life, but not so much when it comes to betting. As much as he is clearly so talented, it's nearly three years since his last win and his last few efforts have been abysmal given he has only finished four of his last nine runs. Unless Richie McLernon has magic hands, looks severely up against it.

>> Chance 1/5

9. Lakeview Lad - 14/1 888Sport

Has looked better than ever this year, winning big races at Newcastle and Wetherby before finishing a brilliant third in the Ultima Chase at the 2019 Cheltenham Festival. Looks the type to enjoy these fences and won't be stopping. One major concern would be if the ground were to continue drying out, but not one to dismiss.

>> Chance 3/5

10. Pleasant Company - 18/1 BetHard

Produced a career-best last year when narrowly being held off by the brilliantly brave Tiger Roll and ran well in ninth the year before. Hasn't won for a while, but will again have been aimed all season at this. If this 11-year-old can reproduce last year's effort he won't be far away.

>> Chance 3/5

11. Ballyoptic - 50/1 William Hill

Hopefully his quiet season is only down to connections aiming him at this race all year. Close call in the Scottish Grand National reads well - poor runs in the Welsh National and a fall in the Becher Chase do not. Hard to dismiss and equally as hard to properly fancy.

>> Chance 2/5

12. Dounikos - 50/1 William Hill

Another of the Gordon Elliott battalion, but one who should outrun his big odds. Some very strong form last season including when less than 2 lengths behind Monalee and Al Boum Photo in the Flogas Novices Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival. Good to see him bounce back to form last time when winning Punchestown’s valuable Grand National Trial. Goes on any ground, has Jack Kennedy in the saddle and is good enough to be involved in the latter stages of the 2019 Aintree Grand National.

>> Chance 4/5

13. Rathvinden - 10/1 888Sport

One of the classier types in this and should go very well for Willie Mullins who is trying to complete the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Aintree Grand National double. Jumping is his main asset which augurs well for Aintree and stamina won't be an issue as he showed when winning at the Cheltenham Festival over four miles last season. Looked as good as ever when winning comfortably on his return and whilst he is 11, he has very few miles on the clock. Massive chance.

>> Chance 5/5

14. One For Arthur - 25/1 BetHard

Would be a very emotional winner of the race, as after his sublime victory in this race 2 years ago he was sidelined for 20 months through injury. Whilst he is only 6 pounds higher this time around, he has however failed to complete on both of his starts this season and his best days might just be behind him unfortunately, unless he comes alive again at the venue of his biggest success.

>>Chance 1/5

15. Rock The Kasbah - 20/1 Mr Green

Like a lot of Phillip Hobbs' horses he has looked back to his best this season, seen to good effect when putting up a career best when winning at Cheltenham in November. Has shown his aptitude for staying trips in the past, especially when finishing second in last season's Sandown Gold Cup. Handicapper has had his say after that win in November and might not be good enough. Another not to completely dismiss.

>> Chance 2/5

16. Warriors Tale - 40/1 SportNation

Loves Aintree, as seen when winning the Grand Sefton in December, but didn't stay the race last year and struggle to see why he would this year. Should be in the Topham.

>> Chance 0/5

17. Regal Encore - 66/1 BetHard

Lovable rogue, who seems to really excel at Ascot when he feels like it. Ran a decent race when 8th in this contest two years ago, but struggle to see him involved at all this year.

>> Chance 0/5

18. Magic Of Light - 66/1 BetHard

Lovely mare, who is surprisingly Jessica Harrington's first ever runner in the race. Two very good wins at Newbury and Ascot this season to her name, but looks plenty high enough in the weights as a result. Won't lose for a lack of effort, but this is probably beyond her. Bids to be the first mare to win this race since 1951, and probably won't.

>> Chance 1/5

19. A Toi Phil - 80/1 William Hill

The definition of making up the numbers. Lovely horse at his level, but has never won beyond 3 miles. Gordon Elliott will have to work the oracle to see this lad involved.

>> Chance 0/5

20. Jury Duty - 18/1 SportNation

Looking to complete a rare Grand National double after he won the American Grand National in 2018. Ran in some very deep races last season and even manged to see off the 2018 JLT winner Shattered Love in the Florida Pearl novices chase. Stamina looked an issue over the four-miler last year at the Cheltenham Festival, but if he does stand up to the test he has a live outside chance. I struggle to see him stay efficiently.

>>Chance 2/5

21. Noble Endeavor - 40/1 Mr Green

Just what this race needs, another Gordon Elliott runner. Hard to know exactly how much of his old ability he retains, but is on a good mark if back to his best as he's now only 4lbs higher than when a brilliant 3rd at the Cheltenham Festival in 2016. Another who is hard to fancy, and hard to dismiss.

>> Chance 2/5

22. Monbeg Notorious - 66/1 William Hill

Yep you guessed it, he's trained by Gordon Elliott. Novice form would give him a chance as was ahead of the likes of Rathvinden and Jury Duty in a Grade One last season. Seems to have lost his way somewhat, so hard to know where you stand with him. Needs to come right back to form and easier to leave him alone for now.

>> Chance 1/5

23. Ramses De Teillee - 25/1 BetHard

Not trained by Gordon Elliott, which is refreshing. Has been running very well in staying chasers this year such as a fine second in the Welsh Grand National and the Grand National Trial at Haydock. Has to beat a big trend as seven-year-olds haven't won this race since 1940. Would not be a big shock were he to win, but the natural fear is that this has come a year too soon.

>> Chance 2/5

24. Tea For Two - 66/1 Mr Green

Formerly a very good horse, but has completely lost his way. Staying a doubt too. Avoid.

>> Chance 0/5

25. Mall Dini - 20/1 888Sport

Possibly the most talked about horse that has never won a race over fences. This has looked the plan all year, but overall has been hard to win with. Has looked like a trip like this would suit him as ran fine races in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival in 2016 & 2017. Will be a very emotional interview with the trainer Pat Kelly if he wins. Chance if he can remember how to get his head in front.

>> Chance 3/5

26. Step Back - 22/1 BetHard

Was a fine winner of the Bet365 Gold Cup in 2018. Tends to jump to his right which is problematic and got a fair whack from the handicapper for that last win. Not had many runs either, so has clearly not been the easiest to keep right. Not a forlorn hope, but one I'm happy to shirk.

>> Chance 1/5

27. Ultragold - 50/1 SportNation

Adores Aintree, having won the Topham here two years in a row. Handicapper seems to have blunted him and didn't look a stayer at all in the Cross Country. A lovable sort, but not one for a Grand National.

>> Chance 1/5

28. Blow By Blow - 100/1 William Hill

Has always looked like a big boat who'd love a test like this. Probably not good enough to win this, but if things fall right for him he could plug on for a place at massive odds. Inexperience over fences the biggest concern here.

>> Chance 2/5

29. Up For Review - 40/1 Mr Green

Didn't look like he stayed 3 miles at the Cheltenham Festival and therefore is hard to see why he'd stay this trip.

>> Chance 0/5

30. Singlefarmpayment - 50/1 888Sport

As talented as he is, he just doesn't try hard enough to win races. Hard to know how he'll take to the Aintree fences. Happy to avoid.

>> Chance 0/5

31. Vieux Lion Rouge - 40/1 Mr Green

Has completed, but not been a factor in three renewals now. No reason to suggest he'll improve this year.

>> Chance 0/5

32. Valseur Lido - 66/1 BetHard

One of the older Gigginstown brigade who's not being sold, and whilst he is on a very good mark on previous endeavours, has never looked an out and out stayer. Might grab a place if ridden quietly, but probably won't.

>> Chance 1/5

33. Vintage Clouds - 12/1 SportNation

Big chance for a small yard who won this race back in 2013. Brilliant second for the second successive year in the Ultima at Cheltenham, Seemed to relish a staying trip when third in the Scottish Grand National and gets in off a lovely weight. Won't be stopping as he's as genuine a horse as there is in training. Live chance.

>> Chance 3/5

34. General Principle - 33/1 888Sport

Another Gordon Elliott horse, but not without a chance off a low weight. Ground a concern as all of his winning has been on heavy, but stayed very well when winning the 2018 Irish Grand National. Can't dismiss an Irish Grand National winner at big odds.

>>Chance 2/5

35. Livelovelaugh - 66/1 Mr Green

A nice horse who'll win races, but looked a blatant non stayer in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham. Hard to fancy.

>>Chance 1/5

36. Walk In The Mill - 28/1 William Hill

Hard to know what he beat in the Becher Chase here over these fences earlier in the season, but took to the task very well. Gives the impression that the trip won't be an issue and has been kept sweet for this ever since. Stays, runs off a light weight and likes Aintree - what's not to like?

>> Chance 3/5

37. Folsom Blue - 50/1 888Sport

Another who will be plugging on when plenty will be stopping, but hard to see him win. Should give you a good spin though. Surprisingly, trained by Gordon Elliott.

>> Chance 2/5

38. Captain Redbeard - 50/1 Mr Green

As great as his name is, he doesn't seem to enjoy Aintree at all. Would have a chance if he got his act together here, but has despised every minute of his three starts to date over these fences. Hard to put your hard-earned shillings on.

>> Chance 1/5

39. Bless The Wings - 66/1 BetHard

About 400 years old and whilst I won't hear a bad word be said about this legend, it's terrifically hard to back him despite the fact that he was 3rd last year. Will give you a good run for your money at massive odds especially if you can get a few extra places, but hard to see him going close. A rare runner for Gordon Elliott in the race.

>> Chance 1/5

40. Joe Farrell - 14/1 Mr Green

Seemed to relish staying trips when winning the Scottish Grand National. Strange that he only ran two weeks ago, but showed he is in fine fettle with a good second. Deserves his place now he's in, and has a proper chance if able to see out the trip as well as he did at Ayr.

>> Chance 3/5

There are also four reserves - Just A Par, The Young Master, Isleofhopendreams, Exitas - who will get a run in the Grand National if another horse is withdrawn on Friday. I'd be happy to dismiss all four, were they to run.

Grand National Result Prediction:

1. Rathvinden - 10/1 BetHard
2. Dounikos - 50/1 William Hill
3. Tiger Roll - 4/1 Mr Green
4. Walk In The Mill - 28/1 William Hill