Aintree Grand National Preview: Three things to look out for ahead of the big race

Some sterling advice ahead of the big showpiece

The 2018 Aintree Grand National takes place this Saturday, April 14th at 5.15 at the famous old Liverpool racecourse.

It’s arguably the greatest and most famous race in all of horse racing, steeped in history from as far back as 1839. With 40 runners, over four miles, and thirty fences – anything can happen!

It’s a unique experience and one of the most testing sporting trials of the entire year.

Ahead of the big race, the Coral News Team have put together three things to look out for…

It’s a favourite’s graveyard

One of the over-arching themes of the Grand National over the last few decades is how badly favourites tend to do.

Since 1974, just six horses who’ve headed the betting from the off have justified their favourite’s tag. Nigel Twiston-Davies’ charge Blaklion is expected to go off as favourite this Saturday.

He did so too last year, finishing in fourth. A year older and more experienced, could the nine-year-old son of Kayf Tara now put the favourite’s hoodoo to bed?

National winners are more progressive nowadays

While National favourites tend to get edged out, there is still sufficient evidence in recent years to suggest that better horses win the National.