50/1 Grand National Underdog Three Card Brag Poised to Defy Odds
Three Card Brag goes to Aintree as a 50/1 chance. The nine-year-old is trained by Gordon Elliott. Connections describe him as an underdog poised to defy odds in this Grand National renewal.
Trainer pedigree and Aintree record
Gordon Elliott has an outstanding Grand National record. He trained Silver Birch to victory in 2007 and Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019.
Elliott rarely sends horses to Aintree without strong reasons. His experience makes any entry worth noting.
Turning point at Cheltenham
Three Card Brag claimed the biggest win of his career at Cheltenham in October. In the William Hill handicap chase he led approaching two out and held on to beat Backmersackme by two and three-quarter lengths at 6/1.
Owner Max McNeill signalled immediate ambitions for the big spring staying handicaps after that performance.
Form since and key runs
He ran in the 2025 Grand National off 16/1. Sean Bowen rode him, but an early mistake and traffic issues left him eleventh.
At Newbury the following month he finished second in the Coral Gold Cup. He lost to Panic Attack in a 24-runner field, running on prominently before tiring.
In February he contested the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse. He finished seventh of nine behind Grangeclare West after racing as favourite at 3/1 on heavy ground.
Earlier career and stamina signs
He was fourth in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham in March 2023. That run showed natural ability over staying trips.
He moved gradually from hurdles to fences and faced Grade 1 rivals early. Corbetts Cross and Spillane’s Tower were among his tougher opponents.
Statistics and race profile
He carries 11st dead for the race. At nine years old he sits in the age bracket that has yielded many recent winners.
The horse is Irish-trained, which is notable given six of the last seven renewals were won by Irish-trained runners. He also brings Aintree experience from last year.
Limitations and positives
- Two wins from twelve chase starts is a modest strike rate.
- Questions remain about his ability to stay the full Grand National trip.
- However, improved stamina showed at Cheltenham and Newbury this season.
Jack Kennedy knows the horse well and reportedly believes he will handle the trip and the ground. Elliott and his team have produced a clear preparation aimed at Aintree.
Filmogaz.com view: the combination of trainer pedigree, course experience, and recent stamina gains make Three Card Brag an intriguing 50/1 Grand National proposition. As an underdog, he could yet be poised to defy odds on the right day.
