Grand National Runners Guide 2012

The field is declared 48 hours prior to the race. In the build up to the 2012 Grand National we will be updating this section with the horses that are most likely to be taking their place in the National. In all 40 Runners will line up for the race and only those at the top of the weights will make it come 14th April 2012. Once you have made your Grand National selection you can get the latest Grand National Odds by way of our special odds comparison section where you will get the best Grand National prices, from the leading online bookmakers.

The 2012 40 Aintree Grand National Runners

The final 40 runners will be known at the 48 hour stage but here are some of the horses who hold an entry to the big race at Aintree on April 14th;

Racecard Format

	Name	Notes
	arbor supreme Bet Now	Looks to be a live contender after his good run in the Bobbyjo Chase last time out and off of a feather weight has to be respected for Willie Mullins. Is an in and out performer as regular punters will testify but could be a contender on a going day.
	backstage Bet Now	Gordon Elliott has already won the National with Siver Birch and is bullish about the chances of Backstage this year. He has a decent weight on his back and also has the experience of a Naitonal run under his belt from last season when he was unlucky in running.
	ballabriggs Bet Now	Looks to be one of the main contenders and has a fair weight for the race making him a potential winner for connections. Slightly below par last time out when second at Kelso but had five consecutive wins before that and could still be on an upward curve making him dangerous, aimed at the National all season.
	becauseicouldntsee Bet Now	Ran 2nd in the 4 mile Chase at Cheltenham last year so should enjoy the trip here making him one to watch in the National. May come up a little short in terms of winning but should be plugging on and could well run into a place.
	calgary bay Bet Now	Used to mixing it Group 1 company, Calgary Bay is a top class Chaser and connections expect him to thrive over the course and distance of Aintree. Looks to have been well treated by the handicapper with the only doubt coming about his ability to stay, he will also want the ground to be as a quick as possible.
	in compliance Bet Now	Ran ok in the Topham Chase over the National fences last season so his jumping should be ok in the Grand National itself meaning he is not without a small chance. Looks a little bit short of the class needed though in a hot National and could be one to ignore for Dessie Hughes.
	killyglen Bet Now	Robbie Power will be going for his second National win on Killyglen but he faces a tough task if he is to repeat his feat on Silver Birch. Might prove one of the better outsiders but in truth he will need to improve if he is to mix it with the big boys at Aintree.
	king fontaine Bet Now	Hard to talk up the chances of King Fontaine too much despite the fact that he is no mug, does have a nice weight on his back and the trip should be ok for him on the plus side. His jumping could cause him problems though and his lack of class is likely to find him out in this company.
	niche market Bet Now	We know he should be ok over the trip while he is a decent jumper making him one to watch at Aintree. Has been solid this year if unspectacular and Ruby Walsh preferred The Midnight Club which would be a worry, nevertheless he fits the profile of a potential winner off of 10-13.
	state of play Bet Now	We like the look of this horse, a proven winner of top races, he ran well in 2009 and 2010 and clearly gets the trip on offer. Will have to carry just 10st 6lbs for the race so well handicapped this year. There is a chance at 11 he may have peaked but this looks like one for the shortlist, and it would be a surprise if State Of Play was not involved at the business end of the race.
	the midnight club Bet Now	Looks to have the class needed to win the race and has been awarded a nice weight of 10-13 for his first assault on the National. His inexperience at Aintree is a negative for punters but has shown good form and at 10 fits the ideal profile as the betting suggests.
	vic venturi Bet Now	As an uphill task to win this year off of 11st 6lbs but we know he jumps and stays well meaning he could be one for the each-way shortlist. Was 4th in the Bobbyjo Chase behind The Midnight Club, Arbor Supreme and Oscar Time so does have something to find here, should benefit from extra trip though.
	west end rocker Bet Now	It is well worth noting that Alan King is a trainer who has had very few runners in the Grand National so he clearly thinks a lot of West End Rocker this season. Looks to be well handicapped and should have no problems with the trip based on form, will need too prove he can jump the fences though and will need to improve in this company. Looks a nice each-way price.