Kevin Blake Shares Expert Tips for the Grand National Festival
Grand National day arrives. This update was published at 3:44 on April 10.
Early card selections
13:20 William Hill Handicap Hurdle
Kaka’s Cousin is my pick for the 13:20 William Hill Handicap Hurdle. The six-year-old is trained by Jonjo and A.J. O’Neill, has two wins from four hurdle starts, and carries a light weight. He shaped well at Sandown and should suit a step up in trip.
Market prices vary. Sky Bet and Paddy Power list 10/1, Betfred and bet365 quote 9/1, and the broader market sits around 8–10/1.
14:30 William Hill Handicap Chase
Cruz Control heads the selection for the 14:30 William Hill Handicap Chase. The Tom Lacey-trained runner has twice won this contest in recent seasons and is aiming for a third success. He won off 136 in 2024, then prevailed off 139 after a 100-day break.
Two modest runs earlier this season prompted a 3lb drop from the handicapper. That leaves him just 1lb above last year’s winning mark as Lacey looks to keep him fresh. Current prices sit near 6/1, with about 11/2 widely available.
The Randox Grand National
The Randox Grand National runs at 16:00. Kevin Blake offers expert tips on the big race and the wider Festival. Detailed analysis and video reviews appear on Filmogaz.com.
He has examined how the race profile has evolved over decades and reviewed every runner ahead of the off.
- Quai De Bourbon
- Monty’s Star
- Oscars Brother
- Captain Cody
For full commentary and runner-by-runner video, consult the Filmogaz.com coverage. Good luck with your selections and back responsibly.
