Grand National race tips and predictions: Perceval Legallois ready to win the National

If you missed it we have our full three-day betting preview with top tips and best bets across the whole Festival. 

But here we will detail all you need to know ahead of the showpiece race on Saturday where we are set to be treated to a new-look Grand National at the Aintree Festival. Which will be watched on by the incoming Jockey Club CEO and former Ladbrokes Coral boss Jim Mullen. 

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A reduced field and lowered fences have divided opinion, but the race is set to be as competitive as always - although one of Gavin Cromwell’s contenders catches the eye. Check out our trio of tips for the big race.

Key talking point: Lapping up his Leopardstown form

Many punters will be looking towards Gavin Cromwell’s pair towards the top of the market - Stumptown and Vanillier - who finished first and third in the Cross Country at the recent Cheltenham Festival. 

However, horses often struggle to compete in two strong races within quick succession and so it’s worth turning towards Perceval Legallois who arrives fresh and ready to compete.

The eight-year-old won an extremely competitive 27-runner race at Leopardstown over the Festive period, who showed off his stamina and turn of foot when coming clear easily in the final furlongs.

The eight-year-old arrives in the form of his life, his style of jumping will suit the new fences and Cromwell’s horse clearly relishes the mammoth distances. With a clear round of jumping, which always requires a little bit of luck, the trainer’s “third string” might well be the National winner on Saturday.

Elsewhere, it’s impossible to ignore Willie Mullins’  Minella Cocooner at 12/1 - and shortening, it seems. All eyes will be on last year’s winner I Am Maximus from this particular stable, and although one of the favourites, arrives carrying top weight and with a point to prove after a below-par campaign.

However, Mullins is no stranger to winning the National and Minella Cocooner holds every chance. Last season, the lightly raced nine-year-old finished 3rd in the Irish Grand National before going on to win Sandown’s Gold Cup a month later.

His 3rd in the Irish Grand National was on very soft ground, and with the forecast for Saturday expected to keep the going good, this eight-year-old will get his ideal racing conditions. Although a little high in the weights, Minella Cocooner is uncomplicated, and is another set to relish the trip.

For those looking for an even juicier price, there’s another Minella that has caught the eye. The 2021 Cheltenham Festival Gold Cup winner may now be 12, but having finished 3rd in his first-ever National last campaign, Minella Indo is a good option for a place.

Henry De Bromhead’s horse led at the final fence in last year’s renewal, before eventually running out of steam, but the ground was softer than ideal - and with better ground this time, he may be able to run on stronger.

It’s been 21 years since a 12-year-old won the National, but Minella Indo has only raced twice this season, purposely kept fresh for another crack at the race. Now 9llb better off with the winner I Am Maximus, Minella Indo looks overpriced to finish in the top six.

FIRST’s top tips: 

Grand National: Perceval Legallois each-way (12/1 Betway - six places) 

Grand National: Minella Cocooner each-way (12/1 Betway - six places)

Grand National: Minella Indo each-way (33/1 Betway - six places)

Odds correct at the time of writing.