Is Monty’s Star Set to Shine at the Grand National?
Monty’s Star arrives at Aintree with mixed credentials. The nine-year-old bay gelding has one win from eleven chase starts and has not won since late 2023.
Recent form and key runs
He finished sixth at Leopardstown in February. That performance came behind Fact To File, Gaelic Warrior, Galopin Des Champs, I Am Maximus, and Firefox. Monty’s Star has also raced in Grade 1 company at Leopardstown, Punchestown, and Cheltenham.
Cheltenham Gold Cup showing
In March 2025 he ran in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Rachael Blackmore partnered him to a fourth-place finish. He was badly hampered by a faller during the race.
Trainer profile and preparation
Henry de Bromhead trains Monty’s Star. De Bromhead prepared Minella Times and Balko Des Flos to finish first and second in the 2021 Grand National. He also enjoyed a dominant Cheltenham Festival in 2021, with wins in the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase and Gold Cup.
Suitability for the Grand National
The Grand National tests jumping, stamina and handling a big field over 4m2f. Monty’s Star has never run over the National fences, which is an unknown. He has, however, shown consistent jumping in chases and has never fallen.
- Handles soft and yielding ground.
- Stamina appears solid up to three miles.
- Extra mile needed for Aintree is the main question.
Market moves and betting perspective
Odds on Monty’s Star shortened from 20/1 to around 12/1 as money arrived. Connections carry a record of targeting big handicaps intelligently. The handicapper has assigned him a fair weight in the race.
For many punters, a place is the realistic target. At bigger prices, an each-way approach looks sensible.
Verdict
Monty’s Star is a horse of proven class in top company. He ticks key boxes for those asking whether he is set to shine at the Grand National. Major unknowns remain, especially the unique Aintree fences and the extra distance.
Filmogaz.com assesses him as an interesting each-way option rather than a leading fancy. If de Bromhead’s preparation pays off, he could outrun his price.
