The 2019 Randox Health Grand National: Runner-by-runner guide

Watch analysis and read all about the contenders for the Aintree showpiece plus get stats on their jockeys and trainers.

Who wins the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree (5.15) on Saturday?

The £1 million showpiece is again set to feature a maximum field of 40, with 11 of them trained by Gordon Elliott. On Thursday morning, Pairofbrowneyes was taken out, and in the afternoon Mall Dini was scratched.

It means Joe Farrell and Just A Par come into the reckoning, the latter as a reserve.

You can watch analysis and galloping clues in our runner-by-runner guide and read all about the contenders as we outline their positives and negatives.

We also have stats on the jockeys and trainers, plus a mark out of ten for each of the runners.

Guide to the marks: 10: most likely winner. 9: a leading player. 8: shortlist material. 7: worth a second look. 6: a run for your money. 5: up against it. 4: others much stronger. 3 or under: mountain to climb.

In a rush? Here's the marks for each runner at a glance.

10: Ramses De Teillee.

9: Tiger Roll; Rathvinden and Walk In The Mill.

8: --

7: Anibale Fly; Lake View Lad; Pleasant Company; Jury Duty and Vintage Clouds.

6: Mala Beach; Dounikos; One For Arthur; Rock The Kasbah; A Toi Phil; Noble Endeavor, Step Back, Ultragold; General Principle, Singlefarmpayment and Joe Farrell.

5: Go Conquer; Minella Rocco; Ballyoptic, Regal Encore; Magic Of Light; Monbeg Notorious; Up For Review; Vieux Lion Rouge and Folsom Blue.

4: Valtor; Don Poli; Warriors Tale; Tea For Two; Valseur Lido; Captain Redbeard and Bless The Wings.

3: Outlander and Blow By Blow.

2: Livelovelaugh and Just A Par.

Mark out of ten: 7. General odds: 14-1

Positives: Fourth in last year’s renewal, deserving extra credit given how wide he raced. Again arrives at the top of his game after finishing a staying-on second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the second time he has been placed in chasing’s blue riband.

Negatives: Is 5lb higher in the ratings than 12 months ago and Red Rum was the last to carry top-weight to victory. Barry Geraghty, his usual jockey, suffered a broken leg in a fall at Aintree on Friday.

Trainer: Tony Martin – 0 wins from eight runners in the National. Anibale Fly’s fourth last year the closest he has come to winning.

Jockey: Mark Walsh – 0 from 7. Yet to complete.

Verdict: A class act but not had long to recover from Cheltenham and has to concede weight to all.

Mark: 4. Odds: 100-1

Positives: Routed his rivals in the Silver Cup at Ascot in December on what was his British debut. Also won five races over the big fences at Auteuil during his time in France.

Negatives: Handicapper hit him hard for that Ascot win and he was in nothing like that form when pulling up next time at Cheltenham. May need to race right-handed (Aintree is a left-hand track).

Trainer: Nicky Henderson – 0 from 40 as a trainer, a sequence going back to 1976. Nine of his contenders have departed at the first fence. He finished 16th when riding in the race in 1976.

Jockey: Daryl Jacob – 1 from 10. Won on Neptune Collonges in 2012.

Verdict: Unlikely to end trainer’s quest for a National win.

Mark: 9. Odds: 4-1

Positives: Fluent winner of the National last year and looked better than ever when routing his rivals in the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham last month – his fourth win at the Festival. Officially 8lb well in at the weights and all ground comes alike to him.

Negatives: The last horse to win the National more than once was the mighty Red Rum in the 1970s and Tiger Roll is 9lb higher in the weights than 12 months ago. Prone to running the odd stinker in his younger days.

Trainer: Gordon Elliott – 2 from 16. Won with Silver Birch in 2007 and Tiger Roll last year. Cause Of Causes was second for him in 2017.

Jockey: Davy Russell – 1 from 14. Guided Tiger Roll to victory last year when inspired on the way to post by hearing race course commentator announce he was the oldest jockey taking part in the race. Also third on Saint Are in 2017.

Verdict: Prospects of him roaring again look bright.

Mark: 3. Odds: 150-1

Positives: Has three Grade One wins on his CV and in many ways this represents a lesser assignment, as he gets a chance to show what he can do in a handicap for only the second time.

Negatives: His best days seem some way behind him and he’s become a little sour into the bargain. Eighteen months since he last got his head in front and he was sold for £160,000 at Aintree on Thursday. Would you sell a potential National winner? First prize is £500,000, for starters.

Trainer: Richard Spencer - first runner in the race. The horse has been in his care since about 6pm on Thursday.

Jockey: Keith Donoghue - 0 from 1. Eighth last year.

Verdict: Looks to be making up the numbers.

Mark: 4. Odds: 125-1

Positives: Looked bound for the top when landing the RSA Chase at Cheltenham in 2015 and was third in the Gold Cup a year later. Numerous other good efforts in top company on his CV, albeit the latest being more than two years ago.

Negatives: Has looked a shadow of his old self in three runs this term after returning from 22 months on the sidelines through injury. Has dropped 7lb in the ratings since the weights were framed. Like Outlander, he was sold at Aintree on Thursday, changing hands for £160,000.

Trainer: Phil Kirby - his first runner in the race. He only took ownership of the horse about 6pm on Thursday.

Jockey: Patrick Mullins – 0 from 2. Yet to get beyond the 15th fence.

Verdict: Anagram of his name is I Plod On. He did so very slowly last time.

Mark: 5. Odds: 50-1

Positives: Bold-jumping front-runner who should be suited by the demands of Aintree. Better than ever when scoring at Doncaster last time.

Negatives: On a career-high mark after his latest success and on more than one occasion has found himself outstayed over three miles. That does not augur well given the National is over four and a quarter.

Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – 2 from 49. Won with Earth Summit in 1998 and Bindaree in 2002.

Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies – 0 from 9. Best was fifth on Hello Bud in 2010.

Verdict: His jumping will stand him in good stead but lack of petrol a worry.

Mark: 6. Odds: 80-1

Positives: Has long looked all about stamina and has some smart staying form over hurdles and fences.

Negatives: Surprising that, at 11, this will be his first visit to British shores. Was unable to repel Jury Duty latest and has his work cut out reversing that form on 15lb worse terms.

Trainer: Gordon Elliott – 2 from 16. Won with Silver Birch in 2007 and Tiger Roll last year. Cause Of Causes was second for him in 2017.

Jockey: Jamie Codd - 0 from 1. Runner-up on Cause Of Causes in 2017.

Verdict: Form falls short but won’t fail for lack of stamina and good jockey booking.

Mark: 5. Odds: 40-1

Positives: Won the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival three years ago and was runner-up in the Gold Cup 12 months later – looking all over a Grand National contender. Well weighted on pick of his form and penultimate run over hurdles hinted ability remains.

Negatives: Now three years since his last win and the excuses are running thin. Ran a stinker last time and has failed to complete in five of his past nine starts.

Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill – 1 from 31. Won with Don’t Push It in 2010 and seven of his other runners have finished in the top six.

Jockey: Richie McLernon – 0 from 8. Runner-up on Sunnyhillboy in 2012.

Verdict: Forgiving nature required to keep the faith.

Mark: 7. Odds: 16-1

Positives: The grey has thrived over staying trips this term, winning high-profile races at Newcastle and Wetherby before finishing a fine third in the Ultima Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Sound jumper and may be even more to come over longer trip.

Negatives: His defeat at Cheltenham hints that the handicapper may have his measure.

Trainer: Nick Alexander – first runner in the race.

Jockey: Henry Brooke – 0 from 6. Has failed to complete past four years.

Verdict: Most likeable and should give another good account.

Mark: 7. Odds: 16-1

Positives: Stayed on stoutly when beaten a head by Tiger Roll in last year’s renewal, having run better than the bare form suggests when ninth 12 months earlier. Clearly suited by the demands of the race and two runs this term will have blown away cobwebs.

Negatives: More than two years since he last got his head in front with his run in last year’s National being his standout performance. The lightly raced 11-year-old is not guaranteed to reproduce that form.

Trainer: Willie Mullins – 1 from 36. Won with Hedgehunter in 2005 and two seconds as well. He was 0 from 2 as a rider in the race.

Jockey: Paul Townend – 0 from 9. Has completed only twice.

Verdict: Big player if in the same form as last year.

Mark: 5. Odds: 40-1

Positives: Smart staying hurdler who won a Grade One race over hurdles at the Grand National meeting three years ago. Took well to chasing last year and signed off with a near-miss in the Scottish Grand National. Better than his three runs this term imply.

Negatives: Ran a shocker at Haydock last time after being a one-paced sixth in the Welsh Grand National. His fall in the Becher Chase over the Grand National fences in November also a niggle.

Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – 2 from 49. Won with Earth Summit in 1998 and Bindaree in 2002.

Jockey: Tom Bellamy – 0 from 1. Pulled up at the final fence last year.

Verdict: Questions to answer after a season that has passed him by.

Mark: 6. Odds: 33-1

Positives: Useful novice last season who bounced back to form from out of the blue when winning Punchestown’s valuable Grand National Trial last time. Seems effective on any going.

Negatives: Lost his way last spring and had been underwhelming this term before his latest success. Gone back up the weights and stamina also a niggle.

Trainer: Gordon Elliott – 2 from 16. Won with Silver Birch in 2007 and Tiger Roll last year. Cause Of Causes was second for him in 2017.

Jockey: Jack Kennedy, 0 from 2. Has completed both times, third last year.

Verdict: Timely return to form latest and there will be worse outsiders.

Mark: 9. Odds: 10-1

Positives: Nimble jumper who has speed and stamina, as he showed when winning at the Cheltenham Festival over four miles last season. Impressed when winning on his return, will be fresh and is 8lb well in at the weights for his first run in a handicap.

Negatives: Has few miles on the clock for an 11-year-old, which points to him having had a few issues or training problems. No experience of the Grand National fences.

Trainer: Willie Mullins – 1 from 36. Won with Hedgehunter in 2005 and two seconds as well. He was 0 from 2 as a rider in the race.

Jockey: Ruby Walsh, 2 from 13. Won on Papillon in 2000 and Hedgehunter in 2005 plus four other top-four finishes.

Verdict: Has plenty going for him and ignore at your peril.

Mark: 6. Odds: 28-1

Watch One For Athur's Carlisle workout.

Positives: Decisive winner two years ago, when he jumped well and stayed on strongly. Only 6lb higher in the ratings and delighted connections in a racecourse workout at Carlisle.

Negatives: Spent 20 months on the sidelines with a tendon injury after his National triumph and has failed to complete in his two races this term – on both occasions unseating his rider. Disconcerting how he jumped left before his departure last time.

Trainer: Lucinda Russell – 1 from 4. Won with One For Arthur two years ago and her other three runners have also completed.

Jockey: Derek Fox - 1 from 1. Flawless Fox, he won on One For Arthur in 2017.

Verdict: No disputing his authority in 2017 but has since hit bumps in the road.

Mark: 6. Odds: 18-1

Positives: Runner-up in the bet365 Gold Cup last season (also ran well in that race in 2017) and put up a personal best when winning at Cheltenham on his penultimate start in November. Has hinted a thorough test will suit and four-month absence no worry as he can go well fresh.

Negatives: Tends to blow hot and cold, with the fences sometimes getting in his way. No impact off a career-high mark last time and the handicapper has not relented.

Trainer: Philip Hobbs – 0 from 29. What’s Up Boys was second for him in 2002 and Balthazar King was runner-up five years ago. He was 0 from 4 as a jockey in the race in the 1980s.

Jockey: Richard Johnson – 0 from 20. His full record reads: UFFPF20BPPRFF9P002FP. He has not ridden in the race in the past two years.

Verdict: The champion jockey may have to wait another year for an elusive first win in the race.

Mark: 4. Odds: 125-1

Positives: Won over the Grand National fences in December when landing the Grand Sefton Chase and sympathetically handled last time at Newbury.

Negatives: Looked a blatant non-stayer when pulled up in the National last year and finds himself 6lb higher in the weights.

Trainer: Paul Nicholls – 1 from 75. Neptune Collonges won by a short head in 2012. Seven other top six finishes. 0 from 2 as a rider in the race.

Jockey: Harry Cobden – 0 from 2. Unseated at the 23rd last year.

Verdict: Likely to be ridden to try and pick up some pieces late on.

Mark: 5. Odds: 66-1

Positives: Capable performer on his day who has a couple of valuable wins at Ascot to his name. Plugged on to be eighth in the National two years ago and ran creditably when third at Ascot last time after travelling strongly.

Negatives: An equine enigma who has been pulled up in half of his 16 races since the start of 2016. More likely to throw in the towel than roll up his sleeves if it came to a battle.

Trainer: Anthony Honeyball – 0 from 1.

Jockey: Jonathan Burke - 0 from 2. Was fifth on Gonnyella in 2016.

Verdict: Much will depend on which side of the bed he gets out of it.

Mark: 5. Odds: 125-1

Positives: Reliable mare with a good attitude. Has already won at Newbury and Ascot on her British raids this term and remains unexposed as a stayer.

Negatives: Her latest defeat at the Cheltenham Festival suggests the handicapper now has her measure and, before that, she had blundered away her rider at Fairyhouse. Last mare to win was Nickel Coin in 1951.

Trainer: Jessica Harrington – has her first runners in the race this year.

Jockey: Paddy Kennedy, first ride in the race.

Verdict: Surprise if she shines brightest of all here.

Mark: 6. Odds: 66-1

Positives: Has five Grade Two/Three wins to his name and has run well over hurdles on his past two starts – most recently when fifth in the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival. Pineau De Re finished third in that race in 2014 before landing the National.

Negatives: Five lacklustre runs over fences this term and he’s yet to win over three miles, let alone in excess of four. Usually held up, so will need more luck in running that most.

Trainer: Gordon Elliott – 2 from 16. Won with Silver Birch in 2007 and Tiger Roll last year. Cause Of Causes was second for him in 2017.

Jockey: Denis O’Regan – 0 from 10. Second on Black Apalachi in 2010.

Verdict: The trip is a big question mark but he’s a big price.

Mark: 7. Odds: 18-1

Positives: Was among the top staying novice chases last season and won the American Grand National, albeit that race is a pale imitation of the English version, in the autumn. Won a minor event at Down Royal last time and 6lb well in at the weights.

Negatives: Came up short at the big festivals last spring and stamina looked an issue when he ran over four miles at Cheltenham last term. Back in deeper waters.

Trainer: Gordon Elliott – 2 from 16. Won with Silver Birch in 2007 and Tiger Roll last year. Cause Of Causes was second for him in 2017.

Jockey: Robbie Power – 1 from 11. Won on Silver Birch in 2007 and has completed past four years.

Verdict: Has the ability to make his presence felt.

It can pay to expect the unexpected in the National. Foinavon's win at 100-1 in 1967 is the stuff of legend.

Mark: 6. Odds: 50-1

Positives: Is 4lb lower in the weights than when a fine third in the Ultima Chase at the Cheltenham Festival two years ago. Has had only three runs since but shaped OK over the Grand National fences and his run at Cheltenham last time another building block.

Negatives: Difficult to know if he retains all his ability after returning from injury. Has managed one win since 2016.

Trainer: Gordon Elliott – 2 from 16. Won with Silver Birch in 2007 and Tiger Roll last year. Cause Of Causes was second for him in 2017.

Jockey: Mark Enright, 0 from 1. Unseated at 9th two years ago.

Verdict: Folly to completely dismiss.

Mark: 5. Odds: 66-1

Positives: Thrived as a novice last season, having such as Jury Duty and Rathvinden behind when runner-up in a Grade One contest at Punchestown. Unexposed given a thorough test.

Negatives: Did not fire in the Irish Grand National last term and his three runs this campaign suggest he has gone the wrong way and/or possibly has his own ideas about the game.

Trainer: Gordon Elliott – 2 from 16. Won with Silver Birch in 2007 and Tiger Roll last year. Cause Of Causes was second for him in 2017.

Jockey: Sean Bowen, 0 from 4. Three completions.

Verdict: Long way below best this season and needs the big fences to revive him.

Mark: 10. Odds: 25-1

Positives: Progressive young stayer who finished runner-up in the Grand National Trial at Haydock last time, having filled the same position in the Welsh Grand National on his penultimate start. Arguably unlucky not to win both races and could be more to come off a favourable mark.

Negatives: No seven-year-old has won since 1940 and this will be only his eleventh run over fences. The worry is that this may come a year or two too soon for the grey.

Trainer: David Pipe – 1 from 32. Won with Comply Or Die in 2008. Three other top six finishes.

Jockey: David Noonan – 0 from 1. Eleventh two years ago.

Verdict: On the young side but eight-year-olds have won the past three renewals and, in any case, that is offset by his present odds. At 33-1 he's a solid each-way bet.

Mark: 4. Odds: 66-1

Positives: Has some high-class form to his name – being a dual Grade One winner and running well in the 2016 and 2017 renewals of the King George. Well handicapped if recapturing his best form.

Negatives: Not got his head in front since winning at the Grand National meeting two years ago. Has lost his way and, even if bouncing back to form, is far from certain to stay this far.

Trainer: Nick Williams – 0 from 3. Last runner fell in 2010.

Jockey: Lizzie Kelly – debut ride in the race. The best finish by any female jockey was Katie Walsh, in 2012, when third on Seabass.

Verdict: The tea has gone cold of late.

Mark: 2. Odds: 200-1

Positives: Won the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown in 2015 and boast experience of the Grand National fences, having contested the big race in 2016 and when completing in the Becher Chase this term.

Negatives: Sold cheaply from the yard of Paul Nicholls and, after 20 months off, did not offer much encouragement for new connections when trailing home in the Becher Chase in December. Been off again since.

Trainer: James Moffatt, 0 from 2.

Jockey: Aidan Coleman, 0 from 11. Has completed three times.

Verdict: Difficult to see the first reserve making any impact.

Mark: 6. Odds: 25-1

Positives: He was having only his fourth start over fences when jumping superbly and routing his rivals in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown last spring. Lightly raced, so could still be more to come.

Negatives: Clearly not been the easiest to train (the nine-year-old has had only eight runs) and short of experience. The front-runner is 12lb higher than at Sandown and his habit of jumping right will cost him ground.

Trainer: Mark Bradstock – 0 from 1. Previous runner fell at the fourth fence in 1998.

Jockey: Nico De Boinville 0 from 2. Exited at the first fence in 2016 and 2017.

Verdict: Far less in his memory bank than others and needs to raise his game.

Mark: 6. Odds: 66-1

Positives: He comes alive over the Grand National fences with his record over them reading 1213. Has won the past two renewals of the Topham and stuck to his task when third in the Becher Chase in December.

Negatives: He’s yet to win off a mark this high and an even bigger concern is the extreme distance, especially after he failed to get home and was pulled up in the Cross-Country Chase won by Tiger Roll at Cheltenham last time.

Trainer: Colin Tizzard – 0 from 3. Two of his runners have unseated their riders.

Jockey: Tom O'Brien, 0 from 10. He was second on Mckelvey in 2007.

Verdict: A course specialist but his ability to stay the trip is a big concern.

Mark: 3 Odds: 150-1

Positives: Grade One winner in bumpers and landed the Martin Pipe Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last season. Made encouraging start to chasing career at the start of the season and unexposed over long distances.

Negatives: As a novice he lacks the experience of many of these and, more worryingly, he has looked increasingly wayward. His three runs since the turn of the year have been most disappointing.

Trainer: Gordon Elliott – 2 from 16. Won with Silver Birch in 2007 and Tiger Roll last year. Cause Of Causes was second for him in 2017.

Jockey: Andrew Ring - first ride in the race.

Verdict: Been more Slow By Slow in recent starts.

Mark: 5. Odds: 40-1

Positives: Useful staying hurdler who has made his mark over fences. Ran better than the bare form suggests at Cheltenham last time and, before that, had been an eye-catching third in the Thyestes Chase.

Negatives: Can be keen in his races – he usually takes quite a grip – and that tempers enthusiasm for him staying the trip. Did not last out three miles at Cheltenham last time.

Trainer: Willie Mullins – 1 from 36. Won with Hedgehunter in 2005 and two seconds as well. He was 0 from 2 as a rider in the race.

Jockey: Danny Mullins, debut ride in the race.

Verdict: Will need to settle much better than he usually does to have any chance of lasting home.

Mark: 6. Odds: 66-1

Positives: Stacks of solid form in staying handicap chases, especially at Cheltenham, and he is able to race off the same handicap mark as when touched off there in December. Usually jumps soundly and trip could be within his compass.

Negatives: Frustrating character who perhaps lacks resolve – contriving to lose several races which have looked his for the taking. Below-par last time and on ten occasions he has traded at 6-4 or shorter in-running and been beaten.

Trainer: Tom George – 0 from 9. Saint Are was second for him in 2015 and third two years later.

Jockey: Paddy Brennan – 0 from 10. Has completed once – when runner-up o saint Are in 2015.

Verdict: Type who will either love or loathe Aintree’s challenges. Each-way possibilities if it’s the former.

Mark: 5. Odds: 50-1

Positives: A regular over the Grand National fences and has completed in three previous renewals. Also won the Becher Chase in 2016 and he ran well when runner-up to Walk In The Mill in this season’s renewal.

Negatives: Did not stay when seventh in the 2016 National or when sixth 12 months later. Never figured when ninth last year and in his past two starts he has looked reluctant to go about his business.

Trainer: David Pipe – 1 from 32. Won with Comply Or Die in 2008. Three other top six finishes.

Jockey: Tom Scudamore – 0 from 17, never closer than. Sixth but has completed five of the past six years. His father, Peter, was 0 from 13, but Tom’s grandfather, Michael, won on Oxo in 1959.

Verdict: Difficult to see him improving on his previous three attempts.

Mark: 4. Odds: 100-1

Positives: He’s a three-time Grade One winner over fences and ran well for a long way in last year’s National before fading to be eighth. Is able to race off a handicap mark that is 12lb lower this time.

Negatives: Did not get home 12 months ago and has looked in decline for a little while now. Made no impact off his lower rating at Cheltenham last time.

Trainer: Henry De Bromhead – 0 from 4, never closer than eighth.

Jockey: Rachael Blackmore - 0 from 1. Fell at The Chair (15th) last year.

Verdict: The handicapper has shown him some leniency but he does not have the stamina to take advantage.

Mark: 7. Odds: 14-1

Positives: Reliable stayer who typically gave his all when making the frame in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival for the second year in succession. Among those well in at the weights after and went a long way to proving his stamina when third in the Scottish Grand National last term.

Negatives: Not a great wins-to-runs ratio over fences (2/16) and the handicapper has always looked a small step ahead of him.

Trainer: Sue Smith – 1 from 13. Won with 66-1 chance Auroras Encore in 2013.

Jockey: Danny Cook 0 from 3. Yet to get beyond the ninth fence.

Verdict: Type to run well for a long way

Mark: 6. Odds: 40-1

Positives: Dug deep to win the Irish Grand National last season and his penultimate effort, when third at Punchestown, suggested he was coming to the boil. This thorough test of stamina promises to suit.

Negatives: Four of his five career wins have been achieved on heavy ground (the other was on soft). Jumping became ragged at Cheltenham last time, when he was pulled up.

Trainer: Gordon Elliott – 2 from 16. Won with Silver Birch in 2007 and Tiger Roll last year. Cause Of Causes was second for him in 2017.

Jockey: JJ Slevin - 0 from 1. Pulled up 26th last year.

Verdict: Folly to completely discount an Irish National winner running from near the foot of the weights.

Mark: 2. Odds: 80-1

Positives: Not got many miles on the clock and his penultimate effort, when running well at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown, suggests he is in good heart.

Negatives: Yet to win much beyond two and a half miles and again looked a non-stayer when upped in trip for the Kim Muir last time. Has another mile to go here.

Trainer: Willie Mullins – 1 from 36. Won with Hedgehunter in 2005 and two seconds as well. He was 0 from 2 as a rider in the race.

Jockey: David Mullins, one from three. Won on Rule The World in 2016 and was runner-up on Pleasant Company last year.

Verdict: Will have to reinvent himself to stay the distance.

Mark: 9. Odds: 25-1

Positives: Plenty to like about the way he won the Becher Chase over the Grand National fences in December, when he jumped soundly and stayed on well. Rise of 7lb not beyond him and since kept ticking over since with spins over hurdles.

Negatives: Will be competing off a career-high mark and the Becher form has since taken a few knocks.

Trainer: Robert Walford – first runner in the race.

Jockey: James Best – 0 from 1. Fell at the first on Gas Line Boy in 2015.

Verdict: Has plenty going for him after sneaking into the field near the foot of the weights.

Mark: 5. Odds: 100-1

Positives: Stout stayer who did not get the rub of the green when a close fourth in the Irish Grand National last season. Not seen to best advantage in the Welsh Grand National or, on his latest start, the Midlands National.

Negatives: A mudlark whose seven career wins have all been achieved on heavy ground. He will not get those conditions and the fear is that he will lack the gears needed to hold a position.

Trainer: Gordon Elliott – 2 from 16. Won with Silver Birch in 2007 and Tiger Roll last year. Cause Of Causes was second for him in 2017.

Jockey: Luke Dempsey - first ride in the race.

Verdict: Likely to be keeping on when others have cried enough.

Mark: 4. Odds: 66-1

Positives: Was chalking up his eighth career win when getting the better of the smart Definitly Red at Kelso on his penultimate start and he again ran well there last time.

Negatives: Has run over the Grand National three times in the past and looked anything but a natural – including when unseating his rider at the seventh in last year’s big race. Did complete in the Grand Sefton in December but trailed home last.

Trainer: Stuart Coltherd, 0 from 1.

Jockey: Sam Coltherd, 0 from 1. Unseated from captain Redbeard last year.

Verdict: Fair stayer on conventional tracks but has struggled on previous visits to Aintree.

Mark: 4. Odds: 100-1

Positives: Finished a fine third last year, having also been runner-up in two renewals of the Irish Grand National. Has also been runner-up three times at the Cheltenham Festival.

Negatives: At the age of 14 he would be the oldest winner since 1853, when 15-year-old Peter Simple won. Yet to make an impact this season and well held at Cheltenham last time.

Trainer: Gordon Elliott – 2 from 16. Won with Silver Birch in 2007 and Tiger Roll last year. Cause Of Causes was second for him in 2017.

Jockey: Robbie Dunne – 0 from 3. Third, fifth and seventh in the past three runnings.

Verdict: A grand servant but the teenager has an extra rival to beat in Father Time.

Mark: 6. Odds: 18-1

Positives: Thrived up in distance when landing the Scottish Grand National last spring, when he won at he main expense of Ballyoptic and Vintage Clouds, and showed himself to be in good heart when runner-up on his latest start at Newbury.

Negatives: Is 7lb higher than at Ayr and this will require even more reserves of stamina. Has had only a fortnight to recover from his Newbury run - connections probably assuming he would not make the cut for Aintree.

Trainer: Rebecca Curtis, 0 from 6. Teaforthree was third in 2013, others have not completed.

Jockey: Adam Wedge, 0 from 3, yet to get beyond the 22nd.

Verdict: Better qualified than many after sneaking into the race. Would be the first Welsh-trained winner since Kirkland in 1905.

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