Last year’s winner NOBLE YEATS comes out best on our ratings system, coming in at 14. He’s an obvious leading contender, despite a 19lb rise in the weights this time around. A proven stayer with endless stamina reserves, he boasts excellent course form and handles the likely ground conditions. Sean Bowen’s ride is entitled to be firmly in the mix at the business end of the famous race.

ANY SECOND NOW fills the second spot on our ratings barometer at a 9, having reached the frame in the previous two renewals. With his high-class graded form (Grade 2 scorer at Navan last time), the main hope for powerhouse owner J P McManus, boasts excellent each-way appeal, with his accurate jumping of these unique fences a major asset.

GAILLARD DU MESNIL ticks plenty of boxes in our ratings, coming in at an 8 and the third-highest rated horse in the field. His consistency over fences has been exceptional, reaching the first three in all nine attempts. He may need some good fortune from his likely deep position early on but granted the gaps appear, he is a rock-solid challenger.

CORACH RAMBLER completes our ratings top-four, coming in at a 6 out of 33. His stamina reserves are not in question but a slight concern would be his run style for the unique Aintree test. Coming from the rear in a race where he’ll need plenty of luck in-running, won’t be for everyone, but he definitely has the ability to overcome potential trouble. Trainer, Lucinda Russell, is no stranger to Grand National success having trained One For Arthur to victory in this race six years ago. If Corach Rambler gets the breaks at the right time, he’ll likely prove strong at the finish.