The Grand National is always a thrilling and wonderful spectacle and completing the punishing four and a half mile trip requires stamina, accuracy and a little bit of luck along the way. 40 runners take to the Aintree track on April 14th and they will be battling it out to take top honours in the world-famous steeplechase. Total Recall is one of the more fancied runners in the contest but, historically, favourites have a poor record in the race. The talented nine-year-old will be hoping to make a mockery of that statistic.

The Willie-Mullins' trained star has always been aimed at the Grand National and that is part of the reason for its popularity in the market. He became first Irish-trained winner of the Ladbrokes Trophy since 1980 when narrowly pipping Whisper during the closing stages of the contest. The leading pair finished an impressive nine and a half lengths clear of third place Regal Encore.

As of April 5th, Total Recall is around 10/1 in the Grand National betting, ahead of Blaklion and Anabale Fly. He has won three of his last four chase starts and anyone who is thinking of backing the Irish-bred runner can use one of a number of free bets and bonuses including £30 from William Hill, to support the market favourite in this hugely popular event.

Blaklion has undergone a wind operation since his last appearance and trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies is confident of his chances in the race. The nine-year-old will be piloted by his son, Sam and is one of four possible runners for the yard. Double Ross is a triple-figure price whilst Cogry and the impressive Splash of Ginge could also gain entry to the race.

Gordon Elliott has enjoyed a tremendous 2018 so far and his profitable run could continue in the Grand National. Tiger Roll is his most fancied runner in the event and looks set to start as fourth favourite. General Principle was the 20-1 winner in the Irish Grand National, giving the trainer his first ever victory in the race and the yard is currently firing on all cylinders. He is in the driving seat for the Irish trainers title and his runners should not be underestimated at Aintree.

Minella Rocco is set to start as top-weight in this race and it's always difficult for those horses lumbered with a heavy load, although trainer Jonjo O'Neill says he's confident that his charge can overcome this burden. He was runner-up in the 2017 Cheltenham Gold Cup and is unlikely to struggle with the distance.



Many horses have been withdrawn from the contest including Definitly Red, who struggled at Cheltenham, Edwulf, Outlander and As De Mee, who is co-owned by actress Judi Dench.

Irish trainers have dominated in 2018 so far and, with Total Recall priced up as the early favourite for the contest, the tide seems unlikely to turn at Aintree. The Grand National is always a hugely anticipated sporting event and it is likely to produce yet more drama and excitement on April 14th.