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THE ULTIMATE GRAND NATIONAL RUNNERS AND RIDERS GUIDEIt's our favourite day of the year again today. Yes - Saturday 5th April 2008 - the 2008 Grand National, the biggest and best horse race in the world and once again and here's the lowdown on all the runners and riders.
We've also researched the best online bookies and we've selected the best six for you. So whether you are an experienced punter or just like a couple of quid on the National every year, you won't do better than selecting one of the bookies featured underneath the runners and riders guide.
1 9-P572 HEDGEHUNTER 12 11-12
Ruby Walsh Willie Mullins
The 2005 winner has to lump a massive weight these days, and rarely enjoys it, but the booking of double Grand National-winning jockey Ruby Walsh may ease some of the burden.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 25-1
2 625142 HI CLOY 11 11-12
Tom Doyle Michael Hourigan
Solid jumper and a classy sort on his day but does most of his racing over significantly shorter trips and will struggle to stay.
Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1
3 135P16 KNOWHERE 10 11-11
Joe Tizzard Nigel Twiston-Davies
Did not make it far round the course last year and his jumping looked off-key in the Cheltenham Gold Cup (he finished sixth). Huge weight scarcely helps matters.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 40-1
4 22-416 MR POINTMENT 9 11-11
Sam Thomas Paul Nicholls
Fell foul of the handicapper after winning over the National fences in last November's Becher Chase and will probably face too tough a task now.
Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1
5 P-P123 TURKO 6 11-10
Richard Johnson Paul Nicholls
Trainer extremely bullish about this one's chances, although despite some fine form he looks too young when carrying a big weight to stand more than a slim outside chance.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 33-1
6 3-4425 MADISON DU BERLAIS 7 11-9
Tom Scudamore David Pipe
Once so consistent and a sound jumper, he has not been at his best this season and is likely to be outclassed.
Rating: 5/10 Odds: 50-1
7 F-52U4 SIMON 9 11-7
Dominic Elsworth John Spearing
An untimely late fall in this race last year dashed his hopes after he had travelled so well. Expected to be a prominent runner again, although high weight might prove a hindrance.
Rating: 8/10 Odds: 12-1
9 16F5PP IRON MAN 7 11-5
Christian Williams Peter Bowen
Eighteen months ago was one of the most progressive chasers in training but has been dismal since. Avoid.
Rating: 4/10 Odds: 66-1
10 412183 FUNDAMENTALIST 10 11-4
Paddy Brennan Nigel Twiston-Davies
Doughty competitor with little to fault him but ran two hard races at the Cheltenham Festival in March and may be tired.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1
11 11-373 BUTLER'S CABIN 8 11-3
Tony McCoy Jonjo O'Neill
Irish National winner in 2007 began the season as favourite for this but has had some unfavourable results of late. Trainer is likely to have invested time and effort in getting him right.
Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1
12 3-62S5 SLIM PICKINGS 9 11-3
Barry Geraghty Tom Taaffe
Third last year when he seemed not to stay the final half-mile. Has had a decent campaign this season and has attracted support. Arguably best of the Irish hopes.
Rating: 8/10 Odds: 10-1
13 3F6514 CHELSEA HARBOUR 8 11-2
Davy Russell Tom Mullins
Won under a big weight at Punchestown before staying on nicely over an inadequate trip last time out. Arrives in good shape but will not want the ground to dry out too much.
Rating: 8/10 Odds: 14-1
14 -01105 VODKA BLEU 9 11-02
Paul Moloney David Pipe
Blinkers have worked wonders for this horse, netting two wins on the bounce this season, but punters must note there will be some major doubts about him getting the trip.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 40-1
15 -63003 L'AMI 9 11-1
Mick Fitzgerald Francois Doumen
Ran well for a long way last year before finishing 10th. After dropping down the ratings, showed his well-being when third to An Accordion in the William Hill Trophy. One for the shortlist.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 33-1
16 -F1133 SNOWY MORNING 8 11-1
David Casey Willie Mullins
A one-time second to Denman at Cheltenham and backed into about 10-1 at one stage but a poor performance at Fairyhouse and some iffy jumping since then.
Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1
17 29F-2P BEWLEYS BERRY 10 11-0
Denis O'Regan Howard Johnson
Regarded as an Aintree specialist, so a surprise that he should fall at Becher's Brook 12 months ago. His weight has gone up again amid fears his best days may be behind him.
Rating: 7/10 Odds: 14-1
18 459-0P CONTRABAND 10 11-0
Keith Mercer Paul Murphy
A horse in apparent terminal decline, having achieved nothing of note for more than three years. Don't back it!
Rating: 2/10 Odds: 500-1
19 612-80 MCKELVEY 9 11-0
Tom O'Brien Peter Bowen
Bravely chased home Silver Birch for second place last year, despite going lame in the last 100 yards. Something of an unknown quantity this year, with only two races over hurdles.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 20-1
20 -20030 JOAACI 8 10-13
Johnny Farrelly David Pipe
Trainer gave him time off after a poor run in a hurdle race at Bangor in December. Massive improvement required.
Rating: 4/10 Odds: 66-1
21 080403 POINT BARROW 10 10-13
Tony Dobbin Pat Hughes
Former Irish National winner fell at the first in 2007 when sent off co-favourite. Has not enjoyed a consistent season, and cannot be backed with any great confidence.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 20-1
22 2-P014 D'ARGENT 11 10-12
Robert Thornton Alan King
An out-and-out stayer who goes well in long-distance slogs but has seen his overall record marred by some erratic jumping. Unlikely to be improving that discipline at the age of 11.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 25-1
23 -434P2 NO FULL 7 10-12
Shay Barry Eoin Doyle
Has never fallen in 16 starts over fences, so may complete a circuit or two. Little else to recommend it.
Rating: 4/10 Odds: 66-1
24 F176P0 BAILY BREEZE 9 10-11
Paddy Flood Mouse Morris
Not a noted stayer but connections are bullish and stable is in form after winning Irish National at 33-1.
Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1
25 2-360P BOB HALL 7 10-11
Noel Fehily Jonjo O'Neill
Form has declined worryingly over the course of the season, and nothing indicates he will stay the trip.
Rating: 4/10 Odds: 100-1
26 U-5111 CLOUDY LANE 8 10-11
Jason Maguire Donald McCain
With outstanding recent form, this horse is well ahead of the handicapper and has exceptional claims. Trainer's father saddled Red Rum, and the only negative is that he is unraced at Aintree.
Rating: 8/10 Odds: 5-1
27 P-2221 KING JOHNS CASTLE 9 10-11
Paul Carberry Arthur Moore
Definitely one for each-way hunters, with six seconds from 11 starts and the right weight and age balance for the race. Irish trainer has canny record in handicaps.
Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1
28 34-P36 MON MOME 8 10-11
Aidan Coleman Venetia Williams
Enjoyed a long lay-off before returning to racing in February and then ran well enough when sixth to An Accordion at Cheltenham. Given decent running, he should complete the race.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 28-1
29 26-2P8 CORNISH SETT 9 10-10
Mr Nick Scholfield Paul Nicholls
Has three wins in 15 starts over fences but has never seen an Aintree obstacle. Not a major contender.
Rating: 4/10 Odds: 100-1
30 104329 NAUNTON BROOK 9 10-10
Andrew Tinkler Nigel Twiston-Davies
Solid stayer who led for a while on the first circuit last year. Right credentials and could snatch a place.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1
31 -57626 TUMBLING DICE 9 10-10
Tom Ryan Tom Taaffe
An inconsistent sort who simply does not stay this trip. Don't be tempted - invest your cash elsewhere.
Rating: 4/10 Odds: 100-1
32 4/0-14 BACKBEAT 11 10-9
Wilson Renwick Howard Johnson
The surprise winner of a 3m chase in January, he remains desperately inconsistent. Not one to recommend.
Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1
33 /-0P21 COMPLY OR DIE 9 10-9
Timmy Murphy David Pipe
Top weight did not stop him winning the Eider Chase, following a second place to Cloudy Lane when he gave away weight. Now gets two pounds from the same horse; connections are bullish.
Rating: 9/10 Odds: 10-1
34 28U575 IDLE TALK 9 10-9
Brian Harding Donald McCain
It would be idle talk to big up this one's chances. A very iffy jumper, he rarely inspires even when his jockey stays in the saddle.
Rating: 4/10 Odds: 50-1
35 4300F2 KELAMI 10 10-09
Barry Keniry Francois Doumen
Finished second in the Racing Post Chase (Kempton, 3m) when he looked the likely winner and is likely to get the good ground he needs to be most effective. Clearly warrants consideration.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 40-1
36 85-547 MILAN DEUX MILLE 6 10-9
Tom Malone David Pipe
Strung together four wins on the trot last season, and is regarded as a National type. Recent form uninspiring.
Rating: 4/10 Odds: 100-1
37 -713P7 NADOVER 7 10-9
Robbie Power Charlie Mann
Trainer admitted last December this horse doesn't stay even three miles, let alone four-and-a-half, and needs soft ground.
Rating: 3/10 Odds: 100-1
38 564420 BLACK APALACHI 9 10-8
Andrew McNamara Dessie Hughes
Usually confined to Irish handicaps, this is a dour stayer prone to errors and is likely to struggle.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1
39 /84-2B PHILSON RUN 12 10-8
Daryl Jacob Nick Williams
Gained each-way backers a big pay-day by snatching fourth at 100-1 last April and has sound each-way claims again after having been earmarked for the National all season.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 25-1
40 1P-062 DUN DOIRE 9 10-07
Richard McGrath Tony Martin
Irish trainer is one of the shrewdest in the business at handicaps, so it may be best to ignore some patchy recent form. Was excellent as a seven-year-old, less good last year.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 25-1
8 166POP ARDAGHEY 9 10-07
David England Nigel Twiston-Davies
Won his first race of the season but has since declined and has produced three wretched performances in last three outings. Promoted from reserve list to replace Opera Mundi.
Rating: 3/10 Odds: 66-1
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THE TOP SIX ONLINE BOOKIES FOR THE 2008 GRAND NATIONAL
It's our favourite day of the year again this Saturday. Yes - on Saturday 5th April 2008, it's the 2008 Grand National, the biggest and best horse race in the world and once again, we've come up with some cracking deals for you.
We've put all of the online bookies through our stringent quality control procedures and we've selected the best six for you. Our quality control includes standard of customer service, speed of settlement, ease of use of website and much more. So whether you are an experienced punter or just like a couple of quid on the National every year, you won't do better than selecting one of the bookies featured below.
BETFAIR
Betfair is the world's biggest and best betting exchange. When you place a bet, you are not betting against Betfair but against other punters and that is why you will get, on average, 20% better odds at Betfair than you will get anywhere else.
Placing a bet at Betfair is slightly different than with a conventional bookmaker so we have written a guide to placing a bet on the National just for you. Click here to see our guide to placing a bet on Betfair.
If you are unsure, you are welcome to call Betfair on 0844 871 0000. Customer services will help you as much as they can.
When you open a new account at Betfair, you receive a free £25 bet shortly after your first bet has been settled, so long as you enter the promo code of BFB425 when prompted.
Click Here To Get Going With Betfair And Claim Your Free £25 Bet.
CORAL
Coralg(993855)a(1046723)) are one of the UK's longest established bookies and they operate one of the best online bookie sites around.
It's very easy to place a bet on the Coral website but if you do have any difficulties, just give them a call on 0800 440011 and they will sort out any problems.
When you open a new account with Coral, you will receive a £10 bonus as soon as you have placed your first bet. You can place this on the National as well if you wish. So if you place £10 on your selection, you can repeat the bet and have £20 riding on your horse for the price of £10.
You must enter the bonus code of CORALTD when prompted to qualify for your bonus.
Click Here To Enter The Coral Website
EXTRABET
Extrabet will match your first selection by up to £25 so if you have a £25 wager on the National, you will effectively have £50 riding on your horse.
The £25.00 matched bet will not show in your account but you can read all about how it works on the Extrabet site. It's the purple box that says '£25 FREE BET FOR NEW CUSTOMERS' on the top right hand side. Click here to visit the Extrabet site.
Should you experience any difficulties with the Extrabet site, just give them a call on 0800 377 7170 and the friendly Extrabet staff will help you through placing your bet.
Click Here For The Extrabet Site
BETFRED
 Betfred have a great offer on for the National - £100 in free bets, with £50 of it available as soon as your first bet has been settled.
Betfred are one of the longest established Internet bookies and owner Fred Done is becoming quite a celebrity on the bookmaking circuit.
The number for Betfred customer services is 0800 03 20 878.
Click Here To Enter The Betfred Site
PADDY POWER
Paddy Power is well known for getting asked to leave Vatican City for taking bets on who the new Pope would be last time around and for paying up on Chelsea winning the Premiership two years ago - in October.
The Grand National is a bit more conventional but there's nothing ordinary about Paddy Power's Grand National offer.
Bet £10 and get £20 free at Paddy Power. Now that's a great offer!
Paddy Power are also paying a 10% bonus on your Grand National winnings.
You'll also find when you open an account at Paddy Power that the free bets just keep rolling in throughout the year, for no reason at all...
You can contact Paddy Power customer services on 08000 565 275.
Click Here To Bet With Paddy Power
SKYBET
Sky Bet are part of BSkyB, the well-known broadcasting corporation and they are fast becoming one of the biggest online bookmakers around.
Open an account with Sky Bet and you will receive a free £20 bet.
Sky Bet offer great customer service and you can contact them on 08000 724 777 if you need to.
Click Here To Go To Sky Bet
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