Aintree Preview: Kevin Blake's Grand National Top Four and Tips

Grand National day has arrived and I’ve narrowed down my fancies: a top-four for the big race plus two selections earlier in the card.

First up, the William Hill Handicap Hurdle (13:20). Rather than backing one of the obvious high-weight improvers, I’m siding with a lightly exposed prospect in KAKA'S COUSIN, trained by Jonjo and A.J. O’Neill. The six-year-old has shown promise from the start, winning two of four hurdle starts, and his latest effort in a competitive novice handicap at Sandown suggested he has more to offer. The step up in trip here looks likely to unlock improvement and his low weight makes him an attractive each-way proposition at what should be a fair price.

At 14:30 the William Hill Handicap Chase again looks fiercely competitive, but CRUZ CONTROL (Tom Lacey) appeals for a hat-trick in this race. He cleverly made all to win off 136 in 2024 and then produced another victory under a quieter ride off 139 last year after a long break. Connections seem content to target him fresh this time around. A couple of modest runs earlier in the season earned him a 3lb drop from the handicapper, leaving him just a pound above last year’s winning mark, and Lacey’s stable is in strong form — all suggesting he’s got a solid chance.

4 - Captain Cody

Good luck if you’re having a flutter — it promises to be an exciting afternoon at Aintree.