Grand National Betting Preview: Expert Tips for Aintree's Feature Race
Renowned horse racing analyst Steve Jones has delivered his exclusive each-way selections for Saturday's Grand National Festival, broadcast live on ITV. With the prestigious Randox Grand National drawing a field of 34 runners, Jones identifies a standout Welsh contender poised to disrupt Ireland's recent stranglehold on the world's most famous steeplechase.
Welsh Hope Haiti Couleurs Tipped for Grand National Glory
Haiti Couleurs, trained by Rebecca Curtis, emerges as Jones's primary recommendation for the 4.00 pm Grand National. The expert highlights that only one British-trained horse, Corach Rambler in 2023, has secured a top-three finish in the last seven editions of the race, underscoring Ireland's dominance. However, Haiti Couleurs possesses the credentials to mount a serious challenge.
"He's already won two Nationals," notes Jones, referencing the gelding's victories in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse last spring and the Welsh National over Christmas. The latter performance was particularly impressive, as Haiti Couleurs carried a substantial weight to triumph at Chepstow, a feat achieved by only a select few, including Gold Cup winners Native River and Synchronised, in the past three decades.
His form over fences is formidable, with six wins from eight starts, including a commanding win in Newbury's Denman Chase in February. Although drying ground hampered his Gold Cup aspirations at Cheltenham, where he led before being overtaken in a speed-focused test, the Grand National's conditions appear ideal. Jones advises a 1-point each-way bet at 18-1, with Sky Bet paying out on seven places, compared to the industry standard of six.
Additional Each-Way Selections for the Festival Card
Earlier on the card, Jones suggests Minella Rescue (1.20) in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle. Despite underwhelming form this season, the horse showed promise with a runner-up finish in the Grade 1 Sefton Novices' Hurdle over the same course and distance last year. Soft ground and shorter distances may have hindered recent performances, but with cheekpieces applied for the first time, an upset is possible. A 1-point each-way bet at 50-1 is recommended, with Sky Bet offering six places.
In the Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle (3.05), Air of Entitlement is flagged as overpriced. The mare, trained by Henry de Bromhead, secured her second Cheltenham Festival success by winning the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle, a race known for producing top-class talent like Wodhooh, Banbridge, and Galopin Des Champs. Stepping up to 3 miles for the first time in a relatively weak Grade 1 contest, she presents value. Jones recommends a 1-point each-way bet at 12-1, with several bookmakers extending to four places.
These insights from Steve Jones offer a comprehensive betting strategy for the Grand National Festival, blending form analysis with value-seeking each-way opportunities across the day's key races.
