All of the thoroughbreds mentioned here have a realistic chance of winning, but will need the weather conditions and race dynamics to play into their hands – or hooves!

This year’s Grand National is shaping up to be a complete belter, boasting a field that bookies and punters alike are finding it hard to choose a firm favourite from.

It’s not stopping them from trying, though! Below are some of the steeplechasing wonders that all racegoers should have on their radar as race day approaches.

Will Minella Times go back-to-back and help Rachael Blackmore continue her takeover of the sport, or will another horse come along and crash her party?

Whatever else is going on this 9th of April, cancel it, because the Grand National is about to blow the roof off this Spring weekend.

Minella Times

There can be no doubting who the crowd favourite will be at the 2022 Aintree Grand National. Jockey of the moment, Rachael Blackmore, will make her bid to retain the crown she claimed atop Minella Times back in 2021.  

The dynamic duo pair up again this year and, despite long odds of 20/1 being quoted in some places, there will be no shortage of Grand National free bets being wagered on the Irish jockey to guide her ride to victory.

The only thing counting against the horse is that his recent form has been poor, with him falling and being pulled up respectively in each of his last outings.

That said, there will be lots of punters who will see this proven winner’s odds as good value compared to those of other runners in the field.

Any Second Now

This classy horse managed to finish third in the 2021 Grand National, despite enduring a complete nightmare over the fences. Back for a second bite at the cherry, the JP McManus charge is expected to have learnt from that outing.  

The bay gelding’s odds were further slashed in late February, as he bested fellow contender, Escaria Ten, at Fairyhouse.

That running showed exactly what the horse is capable of when given a clear run at the fences. If the race pans out nicely for him, he could be a tough runner to deny.

Caption: Towering fences, watery brooks, and steep drops all await the Grand National runners, with the course still as challenging as it has ever been.

Escaria Ten

As previously mentioned, Escaria Ten was pipped to the post at Fairyhouse by Any Second Now. However, in many ways, this just proved to punters and racegoers alike that this Gordon Elliot trained horse has what it takes to mix it at Aintree.  

Elliot’s horses were largely disappointing at the recent Cheltenham Festival, so they will be out to prove a point at the Grand National.

Announcing his return to the jumps scene after his enforced layoff in 2021, there could even be an Elliot one-two with the classy Delta Work vying for top honours when the running gets underway.

Snow Leopardess

It is rare for a mare to ever get much of a look-in at the Grand National. Nickel Coin was the last one to pass the finishing post in first place, all the way back in 1951.

There are, however, a good number of racing observers who believe that Snow Leopardess can write her name into the history books this April. She’s also priced well, at around 14/1 by most online bookmakers.  

She has already shown excellent form at Aintree this season, taking down the Becher Handicap Chase in December. She followed that win with a 12-length victory at Exeter.

The only word of caution for punters regarding Snow Leopardess is that no horse has ever backed up a Becher Handicap Chase win with a Grand National victory in the same season. She might be the horse to break that curse, but history does have a funny habit of repeating itself.