Kevin Blake's Expert Grand National Predictions

The highly anticipated Grand National day has finally arrived, and Kevin Blake is sharing his top picks for the prestigious Aintree event. In addition to his predictions for the Grand National, Blake also provides his selections for other notable races on the card. One of the earliest races that catches his attention is the William Hill Handicap Hurdle, scheduled for 13:20. Instead of focusing on the top-weighted favorites, Blake is drawn to KAKA'S COUSIN, a relatively unexposed contender trained by Jonjo and AJ O'Neill. This six-year-old has shown promise, winning two of his four hurdle starts, and his recent performance in a competitive novices' handicap hurdle at Sandown suggests he is ready for a step up in distance. With a light weight and favorable odds, KAKA'S COUSIN could be a dark horse in the making. Another highly competitive event is the William Hill Handicap Chase at 14:30, where CRUZ CONTROL, trained by Tom Lacey, is seeking his third consecutive victory. Having won the race in 2024 and 2025, CRUZ CONTROL is well-positioned to repeat his success, especially given his connections' strategy of bringing him in fresh. A 3lb drop in the handicap also boosts his chances. Finally, Blake turns his attention to the Randox Grand National, one of the world's most iconic sporting events. While the race has undergone significant changes over the years, it remains an unparalleled spectacle. Blake has analyzed each runner in a video on the At The Races YouTube channel and will provide his top four selections for the Grand National.