There were only four finishers in last year's Martell Grand National, which was run in a quagmire, but the complexion of today's renewal could not be more different with much faster ground predicted for the world-famous Aintree marathon.
That puts the emphasis very much on the classier horses who have speed and excel at around 4,800 metres, rather than the sloggers who need soft ground in order to keep up with the better runners. Several class horses stand out in an even-looking contest, but preference is for What's Up Boys, who has been a revelation this season.
The grey won the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup in November (a race which has thrown up several recent National winners) and also finished well to take fifth last time in the level-weights Cheltenham Gold Cup. He goes well on fast ground and should give a bold showing. And the overnight odds of his bracket in Hong Kong are comparable with those on offer in Britain, with the added bonus of 2000 National third Niki Dee.
Favouritism with the British bookmakers is being disputed by Davids Lad, Blowing Wind, Ad Hoc and Beau. All four have strong claims, with Davids Lad a big tip from Ireland, which has produced two of the last three National winners. He should cope with the fast ground, unlike the other Irish challengers including fancied Alexander Banquet and Lyreen Wonder.
Blowing Wind finished a distant third last year after being remounted but has champion jump jockey Tony McCoy aboard and should relish the better ground. Ad Hoc slaughtered What's Up Boys in last year's Whitbread Gold Cup at 5,800 metres and must be respected, while 2000 Whitbread winner Beau was the hard-luck story of last year's National and is expected to go well again.
The most interesting outsider is Supreme Charm, who loves fast ground and has been aimed at the race by former National-winning trainer Kim Bailey. He only just scraped into the field but his price is dropping fast in Britain.
