The final field for the Grand National 2018 has been set. For the big race on Saturday, April 14th from Aintree, there was only one withdrawal as Gold Present, roughly a 25/1 shot over the course of the week, was pulled out by Trainer Nicky Henderson. So that means Road To Riches squeezes in to make the full complement of forty horses lining up at the start of the most famous race horse in the world.
There are four horses on standby in case there are any withdrawals before lunchtime on Friday. They are Thunder And Roses, Delusions Of Grandeur, Walk In The Mill and Vintage Clouds. The weather has thrown a spanner in the works of some preparations for those running, and the softened ground is why Gold Present has been pulled.
The softer ground is going to make stamina an even bigger factor in the race which features 30 jumps and is around the four-mile distances. Heading up the field with William Hill are Anibale Fly and Blaklion who are joint 12/1 second-favourites. Blaklion was a fourth-place finisher in last year’s Grand National, running out of steam towards the end having push on for the finish too early for what he could handle.
Anibale Fly was a third-place finisher in this season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup and that raised stock in the eight-year-old. However, running in one of the top weights may not help the chances on the soft ground of Anbale Fly. Total Recall has been taking plenty of backing but was a faller in the Cetehantem Gold Cup, however, he was going well in the race and as otherwise provided solid form for the season.
Tiger Roll was a winner at Cheltenham for Gordon Elliott and while carrying a lightweight hasn’t been out over the Aintree fences, but the age is right, the weight is good and will likely appeal to punters as a solid each-way option. One of the biggest movers this week in 2018 Grand National betting at William Hill has been Baie Des Iles. Early this week the mare was out at 50/1 but has now been pulled right into 14/1 with Katie Walsh in the saddle.
Walsh is looking to become the first female jockey winner of the famous race and was third on Seabass back in 2012. It has been interesting movement at William Hill in Grand National betting odds because Baie des Iles is a seven-year-old and no horse that again has won the race since 1940. Still if the mare comes home first those who backed early at the 50/1 price will be celebrating.
Another well supported longer shot is Seeyouatmidnight who will be looking to make it a Scottish double at the race. Last year’s winner One For Arthur was trained in Scotland. Seeyouatmidnight did have a wind operation last November and is one that the bookmakers will be fearing. The Last Samuri is a horse with plenty of Aintree form however the 10 years old like Anibale Fly is at the top end of the weights.
2018 Grand National Odds*
Tiger Roll 11/1, Anibale Fly 12/1, Blaklion 12/1, Total Recall 12/1, Baie Des Iles 14/1, Seeyouatmidnight 14/1, I Just know 20/1, Minella Rocco 20/1, Ucello Conti 20/1, The Dutchman 25/1, Regal Encore 33/, Vieux Lion 33/1, Gas Line Boy 33/1, Raz De Maree 33/1, Shantou Flyer 33/1, Vicente 33/1, Pleasant Company 33/1, Alpha Des Obeaux 33/1, bar 50/1* (betting odds taken at 8:19 p.m. on April 13th, 2018)
UPDATE: Latest Witdrawals
Friday saw three more runners pull out of action. Top weight Minella Rocco has been taken out because of the softer conditions, while Vicente and Beeves have also been pulled. Thunder And Roses, Delusionofgrandeur and Walk In The Mill are the replacements.
Look for coverage on your Grand National betting in securing a top price through Best Odds Guaranteed, which means that if the starting price is higher than what you backed a selection at, you would get paid out at the higher starting price.
