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The second day of the Aintree Festival is now a thing of the past. Two days down, one to go. Grand National day is almost upon us. On the eve of the big race, we take a look at a few longshots and big-priced horses who may just be capable of outrunning their sizable odds and finishing in the places.
Grand National 2023 Longshots
Here are a few horses currently trading at big odds, who for one reason or another, could perform with credit in Saturday’s big race:
Coko Beach – 33/1
Trained by Gordon Elliott, Coko Beach performed well in this race last year, finishing a respectable but never-nearer eighth. You won’t get paid out on an eighth place finish, but there’s reason to believe that he could do even better this time around.
Prior to his first spin at Aintree 12 months ago, this runner disappointed at Fairyhouse, but his preparations have been better coming into this year’s renewal. He returned from a 60-day lay-off to finish fourth (of 18) at Gowran Park in January, while he took a sizable step forward next time out, sauntering home at over three and a half miles at Punchestown. That win was impressive, and it suggested that his stamina may have improved.
Now at eight-years-old, we’re looking at a more mature horse, one who has improved and one who has some vital experience over these fences. Only a handful can say they’ve had a successful spin around the national course, while he’s certainly in capable hands.
Eva’s Oskar – 50/1
If you’re looking for one near the bottom of the weights, who is used to going over marathon trips, then you could do much worse than a few quid each-way on Eva’s Oskar, who is one of only a few to have very recent experience of racing beyond four miles.
Tim Vaughan’s nine-year-old has won beyond three miles before and has done so in good company having come home in front at Cheltenham back in December. Sure, he didn’t offer too much following a break at Sandown, but when upped to over four miles at Newcastle last time out, he took a step forward to finish a very credible fourth. Such form is not to be discounted. Proven stayers are a valuable commodity in this race and that experience can hold him in good stead.
What’s really positive is that he saw that race out carrying top weight. He’s now got far less to shoulder and from much lower down in the handicap here, he could have more to give providing he can get round. In the lottery that is the Grand National, this 50/1 shot is far from the worst option. If anything, he offers optimistic punters a slither of value for money.
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