2019 Grand National Horse Racing 4/06/19 Odds, Preview and Predictions

The world’s most popular steeplechase showcases 40 runners who will tackle Aintree’s 30 Grand National fences over four and a half miles. The race is the main event and culmination of a three day festival which gets underway on April 4, 2019 followed by the Ladies Night on April 5th.

This year’s race will be the 172nd edition of the Grand National and horse racing fans are expecting an exciting race once again. Last year, Davy Russell looked like he was going to steer Tiger Roll to a comfortable win with a six length lead heading to the final furlong. But Tiger Roll began to tire in the final 150m of the race, paving the way for Willie Mullins’ Pleasant Surprise to rally from behind and make it a thrilling affair. But in the end, the race belonged to Russell and Tiger Roll who emerged victorious via photo finish.

This year’s field of 40 runners and the four reserves have yet to be determined as the last declaration stage is set for Thursday 10 am before the race at which point the Top 40 runners in the weights are chosen along with the four reserves. The four reserves will enter the race if any of the 40 runners will withdraw from the race during a 24-hour period ending 10 am on Friday. If horses will withdraw as non-runners after this period, the race will proceed with less than 40 participants.  The main race will begin at 5.15 p.m. of Saturday, April 6, 2019.

The Favorites

But even with the field not yet finalized, the betting lines are already open for the most lucrative jumps race in the globe. Here are the Top Five favorites to win the Grand National 2019 as per bet365 as of 3/18/19:

Tiger Roll will be looking to give Gigginstown House Stud their third win at Aintree since 2016. 2018 Grand National winner is proven in the tricky fences of Aintree but he won’t have history on his side as no horse has won back-to-back Grand Nationals since Red Rum in 1973 and 1974. Tiger Roll has age and experience working on his side but after several tough season, how much did last year’s win take out from the horse? Not much since the bet makers have him as the +500 favorite to win it all again.

Anibale Fly finished over 11 lengths behind Tiger Roll to finish at 4th place in the Grand National 2018 but after another year of added experience and a proven record on these fences, he has been installed as the second-best favorite to win the Grand National this year at +1200. Anibale Fly came in second during last weekend’s 2019 Cheltenham Gold Cup, finishing a close two and a half length behind Al Boum Photo.

Vintage Clouds came in second to Beware The Bear in the just concluded 2019 Cheltenham Ultima Handicap Chase. He was also runner-up to Ballyoptic in the Towton Novices’ Chase in February 2018 and second to Clan Des Obeaux at Haydock in November 2017. At +1400, he’s been consistent in big races over the years and this year could be it for him at Aintree.

Rathvinden won the National Hunt Chase over four miles at the Cheltenham Festival last year. With last year’s Grand National Winner Tiger Toll winning the same Cheltenham race in 2017, does that mean that Rathvinden has the blueprint to win the Grand National this year? Rathvinden won the Bobbyjo Chase a Fairyhouse in his last race and with master Irish trainer Willie Mullins guiding him, Rathvinden is a strong favorite in the race At+1400.

Elegant Escape is this season’s Welsh National winner. At +2000, he will be looking to become the first winner of the Grand National for trainer Colin Tizzard. At age 7, he still has plenty of time on his side but is definitely a horse to watch in the this race. However, the poor historical record of 7-year olds in this race is against him here.

Here are the odds to win the Grand National 2019. Odds taken from bet365 as of 3/18/19:

Who Wins?

Tiger Roll was my top choice at first and this is a very unpredictable race but I’m not going against history here. On the other hand, I think Rathvinden has good value at  +1400. The 11 year old is a very consistent horse which has won nine out of his 19 starts under rules. He also has three 2nd place finishes and also crossed the finish line three times as well. As previously mentioned, Rathvinden took the four mile National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham, holding off the stiff challenge of Ms Parfois in the late stages. No doubt, Rathvinden is a very talented horse who stays very well, making him a good pick to win the Grand National 2019. If you want a safe pick, go with Tiger Roll who enters the race in good form. But for me, I like the  value on Rathvinden and am picking him to win the Grand National 2019.

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