Kevin Blake's Expert Grand National Predictions

The highly anticipated Grand National day has finally arrived, and Kevin Blake is sharing his expert predictions for the top four finishers in the prestigious Aintree race, along with his top bets for other notable 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. He's drawn to KAKA'S COUSIN, a relatively unexposed contender trained by Jonjo and AJ O'Neill, who has shown promise with two wins in four starts over hurdles. The six-year-old's recent performance in a competitive novices' handicap hurdle at Sandown was particularly impressive, and the step up in distance is expected to suit him well, making him an attractive bet at a fair price. Another competitive handicap chase 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, CRUZ CONTROL is well-positioned for a repeat victory, especially given his connections' strategy of bringing him in fresh. With a 3lb drop in the handicap and Tom Lacey's team in excellent form, CRUZ CONTROL has a strong chance of success. Finally, the attention turns to the Randox Grand National at 16:00, 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 provided an in-depth analysis of the race and its contenders in his At The Races column and YouTube videos, but here he will concisely share his top four selections for the Grand National.