Grand National weights: Three horses that have beat the handicapper for £1million Aintree race

10 months ago 59

THE Grand National weights have been revealed and it’s all systems go for the big Aintree race.

But who have been the biggest winners with the handicapper?

Could Minella Indo make a run for it in the National?[/caption]

King George champion Hewick heads the weights – with the full list revealed here – so although he arguably brings the biggest class angle, he also brings the biggest burden to carry.

After scanning the entry list, here’s three horses who could have an advantage… and why.

Minella Indo 11st2lb

The former Gold Cup winner is an intriguing runner in the world’s most famous race.

He was rated 175 at his peak – 164 when winning the big Cheltenham race – and is now down to 157 officially.

He’s been put up 2lbs for the National but could go there in red-hot form if he wins the Cross Country Chase at the Festival.

Minella Indo is the best-price 11-4 fav for that and trainer Henry de Bromhead knows what it takes to win the National.

Bookies also report the Rachael Blackmore factor could see his price shorten significantly on the day.

Currently 12th in the list of runners, he is guaranteed a run and though now 11, there is no doubting the class he possesses over this field.

Odds: 16-1

Vanillier 10st8lb

Gavin Cromwell’s stunning grey is looking to go one better than last year.

He finished like a train to Corach Rambler and has been put up 4lb from 147 to 151.

Vanillier is the strong 12-1 fav with William HIll and his whole season has been geared around the Aintree feature.

He has had three warm-up runs over totally inadequate trips and trainer Cromwell has made a habit of plundering British races for fun all year.

Like Minella Indo, is also guaranteed a run.

Odds: 12-1

The Goffer 10st4lb

With just 34 runners in the new-look National, Gordon Elliott’s charge needs 11 horses to come out.

It’s not impossible and off a mark of 147 (10st 4lbs) that’s two below what he was off when coming fourth in last year’s Ultima.

That was the race won by Corach Rambler before he claimed the National, with Punchestown Gold Cup winner Fastorslow in second.

Monbeg Genius was third that day he has had an interrupted season while The Goffer was kept fresh with a winning two-mile jog in a bumper at Punchestown last weekend.

If he gets in then the current 40-1 could represent decent each-way value.

And with William Hill offering non-runner money back and epic boost – which doubles a horse’s price – you can actually back him at 80s risk-free.

Odds: 40-1