The Grand National at Aintree is almost here. The big race takes place at 5.15pm today with the eyes of the world watching on.
Two horses are now odds-on with the bookies, with current favourite Minella Times at 8/1 and Snow Leopardess just behind at 9/1. Any Second Now follows next in the market at around 10/1, with Delta Work priced at 11/1.
But who are the experts tipping for glory in the National? Here is a round-up of predictions from various tipsters and pundits.
Chris Wright - Enjoy D'allen. It may be Ciaran Murphy leading home another procession of Irish-trained horses in the Randox Grand National. Horses from the Emerald Isle have won four of the last five runnings of the world’s greatest steeplechase.
Enjoy D’allen – who will run in the famous green and gold colours of new owner JP McManus for the first time at Aintree – looks to have all the right attributes to triumph. A solid jumper and sound stayer, the eight-year-old has the profile of a young progressive chaser who have been doing well in the Aintree marathon in recent years.
He appears to have a similar profile to last year’s winner Minella Times, who gave McManus a second victory in the race. Enjoy D’allen was an excellent third to Grand National rival Freewheelin Dylan in last April’s Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse. He was also third in the same Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas in which Minella Times had been runner-up 12 months earlier.
RUNNERS: Grand National 2022 final 40 runners and riders confirmed at Aintree
LIVE UPDATES: Grand National day pictures, results and more
Richard Johnson - Delta Work/Snow Leopardess. If I was going to pick one to ride, it would be Delta Work, but from my heart it would be Snow Leopardess.
Ed Chamberlain - Longhouse Poet. His win in the Thyestes Chase in January smacked Grand National winner and his trainer knows exactly what it takes to win the race having won it with Numbersixvalverde in 2006.
Richard Hoiles - Any Second Now. He remains reasonably handicapped and can make amends this time around and give owner J P McManus another win in the race.
Vanessa Ryle - Snow Leopardess. She's got a live chance. Fingers crossed the heavens open for her. I think she could jump to National glory.
Tony Calvin - Kildisart. He is a fragile horse but he's come back on a really good mark. He's a course winner, at this meeting. If they've got it right it could go well.
Barry Orr - Longhouse Poet. The trainer had the winner back in 2006. He hasn't got a lot of miles on the clock. If he gets into a good rhythm, he should be there or thereabouts.
Kevin Blake - Longhouse Poet. He looks to have all the necessary tools for the modern Grand National. Hopefully he'll be bang there at the finish.
Betfair's Sam Rosbottom - Delta Work. My heart is looking for a big outsider, but my head is saying Delta Work. The yard absolutely love the Grand National. I think this could be another big day.
Dave Tindall - Escaria Ten. The National isn't a lottery - class does come through. This one fits the trends. Eight years old. Carries a good weight.
Daryl Carter - Deise Aba. This would be a fairytale story. Got stamina in abundance and has been crying out for the mammoth Grand National trip.
Dan Barber - Eclair Surf. Look at the strength of his recent form.
