To kick off our Grand National tips 2023, we look for some value in one of the many high-odds runners. One of these who can give a good account of himself is the Thomas Gibney-trained VELVET ELVIS, who has put himself in with a shout of each-way appeal after bouncing back to winning ways in a Fairyhouse chase two months ago. He jumped accurately that day and kept on nicely once asked for maximum effort. His trainer indicated that was a hugely improved run after a poor pair of efforts this season, where the Grand National had been the main aim. He backed up that good performance with a fine runner-up position behind Any Second Now. Despite a seven-length reversal, Velvet Elvis is now 20lb better off, indicating his potentially well-handicapped profile for this race.

If Velvet Elvis can get into a decent jumping rhythm early on, he has the potential to be involved in the place shake-up at huge odds.

Likely favourite, and our Scout’s second choice for their Grand National tips 2023, CORACH RAMBLER is one of the strongest contenders in this year’s race. From purely a handicapping perspective, the son of Jeremy warrants major respect as a horse who is 10lb ‘well-in’, having won his second Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last month. That success came after the Grand National weights were revealed, leaving Corach Rambler’s chances obvious to see.

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.

Another big-priced runner to add to our Grand National tips 2023 and who catches the eye is ROI MAGE. The eight-time winner in France got off the mark for his new trainer over 3m2f at Down Royal last season, before finishing down the field in Grade 1 company over hurdles. This term’s efforts have been pleasing: he started off with a fine third against lofty rivals at Tramore, where he was entitled to struggle at the weights, prior to falling over the cross-country fences at Cheltenham. His subsequent second behind Longhouse Poet at Down Royal was encouraging and he is better off at the weights with that rival at Aintree on Saturday.

Roi Mage shapes with place potential at attractive each-way odds. Felix De Giles rates an interesting jockey booking, having ridden the selection in France. With a suspicion that Roi Mage may have untapped stamina reserves (placed over 3m6f), he may just be an ideal candidate for longshot backers.

Little stamina concerns can be thrown at GAILLARD DU MESNIL. The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old 2023, caps off our Grand National tips and arrives after a last-gasp-victory in the Grade 2 National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last month. He also reached the frame in last year’s Irish Grand National, over 3m5f, displaying his excellent closing ability from off the pace.

His consistency over fences has been exceptional, reaching the first three in all nine attempts. Akin to Corach Rambler, he may need some good fortune from his likely deep position early on but granted the gaps appear, he is a rock-solid challenger. Paul Townend has selected Gaillard Du Mesnil from the Willie Mullins runners in the race and tuned up for this test with a sensational winning ride aboard I Am Maximus in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse last Monday.