The 2025 Grand National is just around the corner, and the chatter in racing circles (and pub corners) is all about which horses are ready to shine.
With 34 confirmed runners, punters and pundits alike are making their picks—some with careful study, others with a lucky feeling and a love of a good name.
Whether you are team form guide or team “that one sounds fast,” there’s no shortage of runners worth keeping an eye on.
This year’s line-up is stacked with a mix of past winners, proven stayers, and long-odds hopefuls just waiting to spring a surprise.
I Am Maximus returns looking to make it two in a row, while dark horses like Twig and Duffle Coat are hoping to outstay the flashier types.
So, if you’re wondering who might grab the spotlight at Aintree, we’ve rounded up the names getting all the nods, along with a few tipped that might just sneak up on everyone.
Favourites Leading the Charge
I Am Maximus (6/1)
The defending champion, trained by Willie Mullins, returns to Aintree as the favourite. Despite being 8lb higher in the weights this year, Mullins is confident in his horse’s preparation.
“He seems to be in very good form,” Mullins said earlier this week.
Racing Post’s David Jennings describes I Am Maximus as “a turbo-charged performer when it comes to marathon distances.”
However, no horse has won carrying top weight since Red Rum, so ask yourself, is I Am Maximus as good as Red Rum??
Stumptown (10/1)
Gavin Cromwell’s eight-year-old is another strong contender. Stumptown has impressed with his staying power and jumping ability, particularly in his Cross Country Chase win at Cheltenham earlier this year.
Tipster Kevin Blake notes that Stumptown “ticks all the boxes for a Grand National winner,” making him a popular choice among punters.
Iroko (8/1)
Trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, Iroko has been aimed at this race all season. His adaptability and class have caught the attention of ITV Racing’s Ed Chamberlin, who tipped him as “a horse with untapped potential over marathon distances.”
While he’s untested over 4 miles 2½ furlongs, many believe he could rise to the occasion.
Hewick (10/1)
Shark Hanlon’s Hewick is one of the most versatile horses in the field, with wins across Ireland, Britain, and even the United States.
Hanlon describes him as “a freak” who thrives on good ground, conditions expected at Aintree today. Racing Post’s Richard Austen ranks Hewick as one of his top picks, citing his proven class and front-running style.
Irish Domination: Can It Continue?
Only Lucinda Russell has managed to prevent a complete wipeout for the Irish over the last few years when she won with Corach Rambler in 2023 and One For Arthur in 2017. Otherwise, the trophy has gone across the pond.
Irish stables are heavily represented again this year. Willie Mullins leads the charge with six entries, including Minella Cocooner (12/1), who has been tipped by Lydia Hislop as a serious contender due to his preference for good ground.
Gavin Cromwell also fields three strong candidates like Vanillier (12/1), who finished second in last year’s race and has returned to form with blinkers.
Ben Linfoot highlights Perceval Legallois (12/1), also from Gavin Cromwell, as another Irish hope with excellent staying credentials.
“He looks like a chaser going places,” Linfoot says, adding that Cromwell has carefully prepared him for this race.
The British Fight Back
Despite the overwhelming number of original entries from Ireland, the final lineup ended up nearly 50/50 on the day. While Irish horses dominate the betting markets, British trainers are not without hope.
Nicky Henderson’s Hyland (18/1) has been quietly backed by several experts, including Ben Linfoot, who describes him as “a solid each-way prospect.” Henderson remains optimistic about Hyland’s chances on good ground.
Paul Nicholls’ Kandoo Kid (20/1) is another British contender worth noting. Having finished third in last year’s Topham Chase over these fences, Kandoo Kid brings valuable Aintree experience.
Nicholls has targeted this race specifically, believing Kandoo Kid will be “very competitive.”
Outsiders Worth Watching
The Grand National is famous for its surprises, and this year’s field includes several long shots that could spring an upset.
Three Card Brag (25/1)
Gordon Elliott’s runner has been tipped by David Jennings as one of the best-handicapped horses in the race.
Jennings notes that Three Card Brag “has stamina in abundance” and could be dangerous off his current mark.
Senior Chief (33/1)
Another Elliott-trained horse, Senior Chief has shown promise in recent handicaps and could thrive over today’s extended trip.
Senior Chief offers excellent value for those seeking each-way bets.
Horantzau D’Airy (100/1)
For those looking for a true outsider, Horantzau D’Airy may fit the bill. It’s an actual debut for all involved as neither the owner, trainer, or jockey has ever had a runner in the Grand National.
Though his recent form leaves much to be desired, trainer Michael Keady insists he has “jumped brilliantly” during practice sessions over National-style fences.
Expert Predictions
Leighton Aspell (Former Grand National-Winning Jockey)
Leighton Aspell, who won the Grand National in 2014 and 2015, has tipped Vanillier as one of his top picks.
He believes the horse has been rejuvenated by the addition of blinkers and notes that Vanillier was unlucky not to win the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham after almost taking the wrong course.
Aspell also highlights Vanillier’s strong second-place finish in this race two years ago, making him a solid contender for today.
Jamie Codd (Cheltenham Festival-Winning Jockey)
Jamie Codd has thrown his support behind Stumptown, trained by Gavin Cromwell. Codd has a personal connection to the horse, having been involved in its early career, and describes Stumptown as “a smashing-looking horse with a light pedigree who has defied expectations.”
Codd believes Stumptown’s strong form and staying power make him a prime candidate to shine at Aintree.
Marcus Armytage (Racing Journalist)
Marcus Armytage has tipped Hyland, trained by Nicky Henderson, as his selection for the Grand National.
Armytage points out that Hyland is a novice chaser with a low weight, which could be advantageous on today’s drying ground.
Having walked the course earlier this week, he predicts that the conditions will suit Hyland perfectly, making him an excellent each-way option.
Grand National Day
With dry weather leading up to today’s race, conditions are expected to favour horses that perform well on good ground.
This could play into the hands of runners like Hewick and Minella Cocooner while soft-ground specialists may struggle.
The Grand National remains one of sport's greatest spectacles because of its unpredictability.
Whether you’re backing a favourite or hoping for an outsider to shine, today promises drama from start to finish.
BETFRED
