2022 Grand National: who heads the betting for Aintree's famous steeplechase?

With the 2022 Cheltenham Festival a quickly fading memory, all roads now lead to Aintree.

But while there will be plenty of brilliant racing to enjoy across three days next month, the eyes of the world will be fixed on one race in particular – Saturday, April 9, 5.15pm and the Randox Grand National.

Last year's race saw Rachael Blackmore become the first female jockey to win the famous race as she partnered Minella Times to victory in front of desolate grandstands. This time the throngs will be back to roar home their runners and riders once again.

But who to back this time around? Here is a look at some of the key contenders* for the race next month.

2022 Randox Grand National: betting and entries

The favourites

Any Second Now
Odds: 10-1 generally

Sent off the 15-2 second favourite behind Cloth Cap, Any Second Now finished third in last year's National despite enduring a nightmare passage through the race.

The Ted Walsh-trained ten-year-old now shares favouritism for the 2022 contest and his thrilling, gutsy victory in February's Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse was a positive omen heading to Aintree.

Afterwards Walsh said he "couldn't have really asked for a better prep" for the general 10-1 shot.

The win at Fairyhouse, combined with the likely booking of a white-hot Mark Walsh, means Any Second Now could go off even shorter on the big day.

Delta Work
Odds: 10-1 generally

Delta Work played the role of pantomime villain at Cheltenham, as he pipped Tiger Roll to victory in a Cross Country thriller, denying his stablemate a famous final hurrah.

Leaving the Tiger Roll narrative to one side, Delta Work's win was thoroughly impressive and professional – and his Aintree odds have been heavily slashed as a result.

A multiple Grade 1 winner, he carries a big weight but providing his efforts at Prestbury Park did not take too much out of him, he has the class and stamina to go very close.

Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy celebrate Delta Work's Savills Chase win in 2020Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Escaria Ten
Odds: 10-1 generally

Escaria Ten was an agonising second to Any Second Now in the Bobbyjo Chase, being reeled in and beaten by a nose having been sent off a 13-8 chance.

That performance was enough to solidify Escaria Ten's Grand National credentials despite being narrowly outstayed by the eventual winner.

Connections were "delighted" with Escaria Ten's performance in defeat at Fairyhouse and he could give Gordon Elliott a fourth Grand National win after a disappointing Cheltenham.

Leading contenders

Enjoy D'Allen
Odds: 12-1 generally

JP McManus's cupboard is typically well-stocked heading into the National and Enjoy D'Allen is a relatively new recruit to the team.

Snapped up by McManus after finishing fifth over three miles over hurdles at the Dublin Racing Festival, Enjoy D'Allen has remained in the hands of Ciaran Murphy in County Westmeath.

He went off at 40-1 in the 2021 Irish National and came third before running a big race behind School Boy Hours and Ben Dundee in the Paddy Power Chase at Christmas.

Snow Leopardess
Odds: 14-1 generally

No mare has won the Grand National since Nickel Coin in 1951 – it would prove hugely popular if Snow Leopardess manages to break that lengthy duck this year.

The Charlie Longsdon-trained grey had her place in the race confirmed after Tuesday's acceptance stage and is now Britain's shortest-priced runner after Ireland's 1-2-3-4-5 in 2021.

Snow Leopardess won the Becher Chase at Aintree under Aidan Coleman last December, although they need to create another slice of history to follow-up in the National as no horse has ever won both races in the same campaign.

Snow Leopardess is the shortest-priced British contenderCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Minella Times
Odds: 20-1 generally

The defending champ is back for another crack and it would bring the house down if Rachael Blackmore can add to her legend by retaining the National crown in front of a capacity crowd.

But how realistic is it? Minella Times has been raised 15lbs from last year despite a disappointing campaign which has seen him fall and be pulled up in his two runs.

Trainer Henry de Bromhead admitted he was "surprised" by a weight of 11st 9lbs – second behind topweight Chris's Dream – but form around Aintree, coupled with the Blackmore-factor, means he cannot be discarded.

Run Wild Fred
Odds: 22-1 generally

Sent off a favourite at Cheltenham, Run Wild Fred was ultimately well beaten by the classy Stattler in the National Hunt Chase.

The eight-year-old carries a big weight of 11st 6lbs but his second in last year's Irish Grand National suggests he could cope with it.

He also romped to victory in the Troytown at Navan last November and providing he heads for Aintree – he still holds an Irish National entry – he could be firmly involved.

*Prices correct as of March 24, 2022

Grand National (Aintree, Saturday, April 9)

Betfair: 8 Any Second Now, Delta Work, 10 Escaria Ten, 12 Enjoy D'Allen, 14 Snow Leopardess, 16 Fiddlerontheroof, Longhouse Poet, Minella Times, Run Wild Fred, 20 Farclas, Burrows Saint, 25 Mount Ida, Fortescue, Noble Yeats, 33 bar

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