Expert Insights: Kevin Blake's Grand National Predictions

The day of the Grand National has finally arrived, and Kevin Blake is ready with his top four predictions for the prestigious Aintree race, along with his best bets for other events on the card. Before the main event, there are a couple of races that have caught his attention. The William Hill Handicap Hurdle at 13:20 is the first, where he's backing the relatively unexposed KAKA'S COUSIN, trained by Jonjo & 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 was particularly noteworthy. The step up in distance is expected to suit him, and with a light weight, he's an attractive option at a fair price. Another competitive handicap chase is the William Hill Handicap Chase at 14:30, where CRUZ CONTROL, trained by Tom Lacey, is aiming for his third consecutive win. Having won the race in 2024 and 2025, he's well-positioned for a repeat performance, especially with his connections opting for a fresh approach. The handicapper's 3lb drop also works in his favor, leaving him just 1lb higher than his previous winning mark. Finally, the Randox Grand National at 16:00 takes center stage, one of the world's most iconic sporting events. While much has changed over the years, its allure remains unchanged. Kevin Blake has analyzed each runner in detail on the At The Races YouTube channel, and here, he presents his top four selections for the Grand National.