Expert Grand National Predictions by Kevin Blake

The highly anticipated Grand National day has arrived, and Kevin Blake is sharing his top picks for the prestigious Aintree race, along with two standout bets from other events on the card. Before the main event, Blake has his eye on the William Hill Handicap Hurdle, where he's backing the lesser-known KAKA'S COUSIN, 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's ready for a step up in distance. With a light weight, he's an attractive option at a fair price. Another competitive handicap chase, the William Hill Handicap Chase, could see CRUZ CONTROL secure his third consecutive win. Having made all to win in 2024 and showing versatility with a quieter ride in 2025, he's well-positioned for a repeat performance, especially with his connections aiming to bring him in fresh. After a couple of moderate runs, the handicapper has given him a generous 3lb drop, leaving him just 1lb higher than his previous win. With his team in good form, Tom Lacey's charge has a solid chance. Finally, all attention turns to the Randox Grand National, one of the world's most iconic sporting events. While much has changed over the years, it remains an unparalleled spectacle. Blake has delved into the details of the race and its evolving winner profile in his At The Races column and has analyzed each runner in video form on the At The Races YouTube channel. Here, he concisely presents his top four selections for the Grand National.