Grand National tips: Experts’ best bets and 11 horses to watch today at Aintree in 2025.
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Grand National Tips: Experts’ Best Bets and 11 Horses to Watch Today at Aintree Grand National tips
Introduction
The Grand National, one of the most famous and exhilarating horse races in the world, is set to take place once again at Aintree Racecourse. This annual event draws attention from not only racing fans but also those who may not typically follow the sport, making it a true spectacle of the sporting calendar. With 40 horses running a daunting four-mile course, complete with 30 fences, the race is known for its unpredictability, excitement, and drama.
For horse racing enthusiasts, the Grand National represents the pinnacle of the sport, and choosing the right horse to bet on is a blend of strategy, statistics, form analysis, and, to some, a bit of luck. With its rich history dating back to 1839, the Grand National has evolved into a global event, and each year, experts and pundits offer tips, insight, and advice on the best horses to back.
In this article, we’ll examine the experts’ best bets for the 2025 Grand National, providing you with analysis on the top horses to watch and the factors that could influence the race. Whether you are a seasoned punter or a first-time bettor, our guide aims to give you all the tools you need to make informed decisions.
The Grand National Course: A Tough Challenge Grand National tips
Before diving into the horses themselves, it’s important to understand what makes the Grand National so unique. Aintree’s track is one of the most challenging in the world. The horses must navigate 30 fences over the course of the race, with a mixture of open ditches, water jumps, and the famous Becher’s Brook, which has a significant drop on landing.
The course’s sheer length (4 miles 514 yards) combined with the obstacles means that stamina, agility, and determination are all key attributes for any horse aiming to conquer the National. The unpredictable nature of the race also plays a huge role. With so many competitors and the challenges the course presents, anything can happen, making it a favorite for bettors looking for an upset.
Moreover, the ground conditions at Aintree can be a crucial factor. Depending on whether it’s a dry or wet year, some horses may perform better on different surfaces, adding another layer of complexity to selecting the ideal bet.
Experts’ Best Bets for the 2025 Grand National Grand National tips
Each year, top racing experts carefully evaluate a range of variables — from horse form to jockey experience — to determine their Grand National picks. Here are the best bets for the 2025 race, according to leading experts:
- Galvin
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Jockey: Jack Kennedy One of the top names this year is Galvin, trained by the highly successful Gordon Elliott. The horse has shown remarkable consistency over the years, with solid form in high-profile races. He was a strong contender in the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, finishing in excellent positions. Galvin has the stamina and agility to handle the tough course at Aintree and is expected to be a serious challenger. Why bet on Galvin: A proven contender in staying races and a horse that thrives in big-field events, Galvin is seen by many as the horse to beat in 2025. - Delta Work
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Jockey: Davy Russell Another horse trained by Gordon Elliott, Delta Work, has been a regular in top-tier races and has shown his resilience in long-distance contests. The 2024 season saw Delta Work placing well in major races, and his ability to handle large fields makes him a solid choice for the Grand National. He’s a seasoned campaigner and has shown impressive consistency at major meets. Why bet on Delta Work: Known for his stamina and jumping ability, he has the experience and the quality to handle the rigors of the Grand National. - Anibale Fly
Trainer: Tony Martin
Jockey: Mark Walsh Anibale Fly is a horse that is often mentioned in expert discussions as a strong contender for the National. His 2024 campaign showed some promising results, particularly in marathon races. While not the youngest horse, Anibale Fly brings plenty of experience to the table, which is crucial in the Grand National. Why bet on Anibale Fly: Experience and stamina in long-distance races give him the edge over many younger competitors. - Any Second Now
Trainer: Ted Walsh
Jockey: Mark Walsh Any Second Now has been one of the most consistent horses in the Grand National in recent years. He finished third in the 2021 race and was a top contender in 2022. This year, there’s a real sense that Any Second Now has another shot at the title, especially after a string of strong performances in the lead-up to the Grand National. Why bet on Any Second Now: He’s proven to handle the Grand National’s challenges and is a reliable contender, with the potential to improve further in 2025. - Noble Yeats
Trainer: Emmet Mullins
Jockey: Sam Waley-Cohen Noble Yeats made headlines by winning the Grand National in 2022 and is one of the most popular horses for bettors this year. Trained by Emmet Mullins, this horse showed his aptitude for big-race performances and has since been a force in the staying races. Noble Yeats is expected to be in the mix again this year. Why bet on Noble Yeats: His 2022 Grand National win proves he has the class, and at just six years old, he has plenty of room for improvement.
11 Horses to Watch Today at Aintree Grand National tips
Aside from the top bets, there are a number of exciting horses running at Aintree this year that could surprise many. Here’s a list of 11 horses to watch closely, as they may not be the obvious favorites but have the potential to perform well.
- Coko Beach
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Jockey: Jack Kennedy A consistent performer in longer races, Coko Beach has the stamina needed for the Grand National and could be a sleeper pick for punters. - Minella Times
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
Jockey: Rachael Blackmore The 2021 Grand National winner, Minella Times is still one to watch. Though he may not be in the limelight as he was in his prime, he’s got what it takes to return to form. - Shan Blue
Trainer: Dan Skelton
Jockey: Harry Skelton Known for his bold jumping, Shan Blue is a solid contender for the 2025 race, capable of going the distance and handling the obstacles. - Eklat De Rire
Trainer: Venetia Williams
Jockey: Charlie Deutsch Eklat De Rire has been impressive in recent races and could be an underdog with great potential, particularly in the tough environment of the Grand National. - Le Milos
Trainer: Dan Skelton
Jockey: Harry Skelton A younger horse who has shown significant improvement, Le Milos is one to keep an eye on, especially given his solid performances in major races. - The Big Breakaway
Trainer: Colin Tizzard
Jockey: Brendan Powell The Big Breakaway has the raw talent to make a mark in the Grand National. With strong form leading into the event, he’s one to watch. - Fortescue
Trainer: David Pipe
Jockey: Tom Scudamore Fortescue has performed admirably in various staying races, making him a potential contender for the National. - The Glancing Queen
Trainer: Alan King
Jockey: Tom Cannon Although she’s known for her performances in hurdle races, The Glancing Queen has potential for a breakthrough in the Grand National, particularly with the right conditions. - Galvin
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Jockey: Jack Kennedy As mentioned earlier, Galvin is a standout choice for 2025 and remains a strong betting option for punters looking for a reliable pick. - Farouk D’Alene
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Jockey: Davy Russell
Another strong performer from Elliott’s stable, Farouk D’Alene is a rising star in the world of staying chases and could surprise in the National.
- Longhouse Poet
Trainer: Martin Brassil
Jockey: Keith Donoghue
Longhouse Poet has been highly regarded by racing insiders as a horse with significant potential. His form suggests he could be a dark horse in the 2025 Grand National.
Factors to Consider When Placing Your Bet Grand National tips
While the horses themselves are crucial to your Grand National picks, several other factors could influence the outcome:
- Ground Conditions: The going at Aintree is notoriously unpredictable. If the ground is soft or heavy, stamina becomes even more important. Horses that perform well in such conditions should be considered more seriously.
- Jockey Experience: A seasoned jockey can make all the difference in a race like the Grand National. Familiarity with the course and the pressures of such a high-profile event is critical.
- Trainer Reputation: Some trainers specialize in the Grand National, and their experience in preparing horses for this race cannot be overstated. Trainers like Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins are often among the most successful in the event.
- Past Performance in Long-Distance Races: Horses that have shown a strong record in marathon races or have been performing well over the past season are more likely to handle the grueling nature of the Grand National.
Conclusion Grand National tips
The 2025 Grand National is shaping up to be another thrilling edition of one of the world’s most famous races. With an exciting field of contenders, including experienced horses like Galvin, Delta Work, and Noble Yeats, along with some potential surprises such as Coko Beach and Shan Blue, there are plenty of options for bettors to consider.
In the unpredictable world of the Grand National, the best bets often combine solid form, good preparation, and favorable race conditions. As the event unfolds at Aintree, one thing is certain: it will be a race that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the final furlong.
