Thursday Grand National ITV Tips & Preview

It’s tricky to oppose the Warren Greatrex horse given the form taken out of Cheltenham. On boxing day, she defeated Topofthegame and Stanti at Kempton, both went on to run well at the festival. La Bague Au Roi (15/8) beat Talkischeap twice in November, who has since gone onto win at Doncaster and finish second to On The Blind Side.

Glen Forsa is the obvious danger, but even if you remove the Cheltenham error the Mick Channon-trained horse can’t compete with La Bague Au Roi.

Band Of Outlaws (7/4) was mightily impressive when scoring under a big weight in the Fred Winter. Pentland Hills is the obvious danger, another horse I really like, but Joseph O’Brien’s horse should enjoy the quicker track. He still looked to have plenty in the tank, and would have given more if asked, he will be very hard to beat in the ITV opener.

The King George winner Clan Des Obeaux (5/2) struggled with the conditions last month, but I don’t think there will be a similar problem at Aintree. Stamina will be less of an issue, and the flatter track will be hugely beneficial. Before the disappointing performance at the festival, Paul Nicholls’ horse was seen demolishing Terrefort at Ascot.

If there was a few more in the field and three places on offer I’d have a little flutter on Elegant Escape to place.

Buveur D’Air will win this one but I think the value lies in the without market, and the inform Chtibello (11/1) with four places basically on offer looks a cracking bet. Harry Skelton’s horse has a massive task ahead of him jumping into grade one company. However, he has the beating of quite a few in this race and is worth a crack at that price.

If you’re looking for a safer bet then as mentioned I can’t see Buveur D’Air losing

The nine year-old looked to make all before being caught near the final fence at the festival, and will love the step back in trip. That narrow loss came off the back of seven straight wins, and for me Road To Rome (4/1) is the standout horse in the race.

Phillip Kirby’s horse will benefit from the step back in trip after lacking stamina at Cheltenham. The better ground will also add to Lady Buttons' (8/1) chances. At the Festival, Lady Buttons finished some way off the impressive Roksana and Stormy Ireland, but didn’t look that far off jumping a few out.

Henry De Bromhead’s horse hasn’t beaten much to date, but on every occasion she's won very convincingly. Minella Melody (7/2) could be anything, and it’s not unusual for this race to throw up a surprise so I wouldn’t go crackers on the favourite.