Grand National Best Tips Today, 04/11: Will Willie Mullins Win a Third Straight Crown?

The Grand National goes off Saturday afternoon from Aintree Racecourse in Merseyside, England and we have you covered with our top Grand National tips. As the deadline for shuffling the field passed at 1 pm BST Friday with no further withdrawals, the 34-horse field is locked in now.

The biggest news leading up to the race came out Thursday was the announcement that Nick Rockett, who won this race last year, was scratched. In addition, Spillane’s Tower and first reserve Pied Piper have also withdrawn from the field. Now that we’re certain as to who is running, let’s take a look at some of our top Grand National tips for Saturday’s race. All odds are courtesy of Betnero and were current as of 6 am BST April 11.

Top Tips to Win the Grand National

Jagwar (10 to win, 2 to place): Jagwar has been in his best form of late and hopes that carries over here. He has two wins, a pair of second-place finishes and a third-place showing in his last five outings. Jagwar’s last run saw him finish second to Johnnywho by a half-length in the Ultima Handicap Classic. That marked his first run that was longer than three miles. The key for Jagwar is overcoming his jumping issues and if he can handle the distance. While he isn’t the greatest jumper, he doesn’t have many jumps to worry about in the homestretch. He’s also carrying a stone less weight than in recent runs, which also works in his favor.

Grangeclare West (10 to win): Grangeclare West finished third here last year in a spirited effort. He finished fourth in the Savills Chase but struggled in the Irish Gold Cup. The question is whether Grangeclare West learned from the mistakes he made at Valentines Brook and at the last fence last year. Grangeclare West rebounded from a pair of eighth-place finishes in recent runs to prevail in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse. He won the race by 5.5 lengths over Gerri Colombe and the win bodes well. Both I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett won at Fairyhouse prior to winning here.

Gerri Colombe (28 to win, 5.6 to place): Gerri Colombe ran strong in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse, running second to Grangeclare West. Hefollowed up that second-place showing by picking up a victory at Down Royal last month, which has to give a shot of confidence. The downside is that Gerri Colombe had missed a year with an injury that impacted his career. This is his first run on the Grand National course. He has won twice at Aintree (in 2023 and 2024) on the Mildmay course. Prior to the injury, he had five Grade One chase victories to his credit. In 13 career chase starts, Gerri Colombe has seven wins and four second-place finishes. He could pull a stunner here.

Best Each-Way Tips at the Grand National

Monty’s Star (15 to win, 3 to place): Monty’s Star has moved up the boards this week and has pushed into consideration as a contender. His track record hasn’t been the greatest of late. He hasn’t finished better than third in his last five runs. Monty’s Star finished fourth in the Gold Cup last year but has to show he can cover this distance. In 11 steeplechase races in his career, he has one win, three seconds and a pair of third-place finishes. It’s hard to back him to win given his lack of wins lately but seeing him finish in the top five or six is in the cards.

Stellar Story (26 to win, 5.2 to place): Stellar Story has run strong of late and could surprise here. In his last five starts, he has a second, three thirds and an eighth-place finish on the books. Stellar Story ran a solid third in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse behind Grangeclare West and Gerri Colombe. He has one win, two seconds and three third-place finishes in eight steeplechase races. If Stellar Story can build off that run in the Bobbyjo Chase, he could easily be in the top five when all is said and done.

Gorgeous Tom (22 to win, 4.4 to place): Gorgeous Tom has been consistent in his recent runs, which works in his favor. In his last five races, he has a second, three fourth-place finishes and a fifth. Gorgeous Tom finished fourth at Newbury last November, 11 lengths behind Panic Attack. That marked his longest distance covered at three miles, two furlongs. Gorgeous Tom showed stamina and that he can hang in with the field. Asking him to outrun 33 other mounts is a daunting task. Finishing in a spot where he’s in the money is worth a flier here, however.