Expert Tips for the Grand National: Kevin Blake's Predictions

The highly anticipated Grand National day has finally arrived, and Kevin Blake is sharing his top predictions for the prestigious Aintree race, including his top four expected finishers and two standout bets from other events on the card. Before the main event, Blake has identified a couple of promising races, starting with the William Hill Handicap Hurdle at 13:20. Instead of focusing on the favorites, he's drawn to KAKA'S COUSIN, a relatively unexposed contender trained by Jonjo & AJ O'Neill. This six-year-old has shown potential from the beginning of his career, winning two out of four hurdle starts, with his most recent performance in a competitive novices' handicap hurdle at Sandown being particularly notable. 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 event is the William Hill Handicap Chase at 14:30, where CRUZ CONTROL, trained by Tom Lacey, could secure his third consecutive win. Having won the race in 2024 and 2025, his connections seem to be adopting a similar strategy this year by bringing him in fresh. Following two moderate runs earlier in the season, he's been given a generous 3lb drop by the handicapper, leaving him just 1lb higher than his winning mark last year. With Tom Lacey's team in excellent form, CRUZ CONTROL has a solid chance. Finally, the spotlight turns to the Randox Grand National at 16:00, one of the world's most iconic sporting events. While much has changed over the years, the race remains a thrilling spectacle. Having delved into the details of the race's evolution and the new profile of winning horses in his At The Races column, Blake will now provide his concise top four selections for the Grand National.