Expert Predictions for the Grand National: Kevin Blake's Top Picks

The wait is over, and Grand National day has finally arrived. Renowned expert Kevin Blake shares his top four predicted finishers for the iconic Aintree race, along with his top betting tips for other events on the card. Before the main event, Blake has his eye on a couple of promising races. The William Hill Handicap Hurdle at 13:20 is the first to catch his attention, where he's backing the relatively unexposed KAKA'S COUSIN, trained by Jonjo & AJ O'Neill. This six-year-old has shown great potential, winning two of his four hurdle starts, and his recent performance in a competitive novices' handicap hurdle at Sandown suggests he's on the rise. The step up in distance is expected to suit him, and with a light weight, he's an attractive bet at a fair price. Another competitive event 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 a 3lb drop in his rating. The big event, the Randox Grand National at 16:00, promises to be an exciting spectacle. With numerous changes to the race over the years, the profile of potential winners has shifted. Blake has analyzed each runner in detail, available on the At The Races YouTube channel, and will provide his concise top four predictions for the Grand National.