Grand National Trials and Form Guides

The Grand National is notoriously difficult for punters to pick a winner for due to its unpredictable nature but there are certain pointers that people should be looking for, and one of those is to keep a close eye on the trial races that take place throughout the season. There are certain races that take place sporadically that can give punters those vital little hints which may make all the difference come April for National day.

One of the best trials for the Grand National in recent years has been the Becher Chase which takes place each November and is the closest thing to a Grand National rehearsal that exists currently. This is because the race takes place at Aintree itself using the Grand National fences over 3m 2f which means that any horse that runs well in the Becher Chase will shoot to the top of the Grand National Betting. Punters should be looking for horses that jump the fences well and look as though they have plenty more in the tank which they will need for the 4m plus trip of the Grand National, horses that do not win the race but look to be staying well are always good shouts as well as the winner of the race of course. In recent years the likes of Silver Birch, Amberleigh House and Earth Summit have all won the Becher Chase and gone onto win the National although not necessarily in the same season.

Another trial worth considering is the Hennessy Gold Cup which takes place at Newbury in November and is often the race that potential National horses start their campaign off in. The race itself is run over 3m 2.5f which means punters should once again be looking for the horses with stamina to spare when they cross the line, and not particularly looking for the winner but those who look to have another mile in their legs. History shows that National winners who have run in the Hennessy tend to be placed at Newbury rather than win so that is always worth punters keeping an eye on when making their National selections.

The other Grand Nationals are always worth keeping an eye on during the season with particular importance placed on the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse that actually takes place on Easter Monday each year. The winner of the Irish Grand National will often be a big contender for the Grand National the following year as they have to be good stayers and competent jumpers to have any chance at Fairyhouse and of course at Aintree. Recent winners of the Irish National include Bobbyjo and Numbersixvalverde, who both went on to famous wins over the Irish Sea in Liverpool which means it is always worth punters watching Fairyhouse closely on Easter Monday.