Four horses who could shake up the Grand National market this weekend

There are several Grand National entries pencilled in this weekend and there could be ramifications for the ante-post market. Here are four horses who could be cut for Aintree's famous race . . .

The Grand National has been a long-range target for the 2019 Ladbrokes Trophy winner and he could fulfil a key race condition – to run in a chase in the current season – in Newbury's Denman Chase.

The Emma Lavelle-trained ten-year-old, who is owned by the well-named Makin' Bacon Partnership, could return from a 489-day layoff in what looks set to be a small field for the Grade 2.

He will be the outsider and it is clearly a big ask, but if he were to shape well he could certainly shorten for Aintree.

Grand National odds: 66-1

Mount Ida

4.00 Naas, Saturday

A 2m Listed mares' chase might not be an obvious starting point for Grand National clues but Mount Ida, who is as short as 14-1 joint favourite with Sky Bet, could drop back in trip at the weekend.

The Mares' Chase and Grand National had been mooted as big-race options after her Grade 3 success at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day, while she remained in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup on Tuesday.

She won last year's Kim Muir on her sole start over further than 3m and could be a fascinating contender if heading to Aintree this spring.

Grand National odds: 25-1

The Big Dog

2.40 Punchestown, Sunday

The Big Dog bids to enhance his Aintree claims when seeking back-to-back wins in the Grand National trial at Punchestown on Sunday.

The nine-year-old signed off his novice chase campaign with a half-length victory in this race last year but will have to bounce back from a below-par effort when pulled up in the Welsh National last time.

The Grand National remains the plan for The Big Dog, who could be open to plenty of improvement after just seven chase starts.

Grand National odds: 50-1

Snow Leopardess

4.00 Exeter, Sunday/4.30 Exeter, Sunday

This talented mare was a wonderful sight when soaring over the National fences on the way to Becher Chase success in December and she is among the shortest-priced British hopes for the National.

Snow Leopardess, trained by Charlie Longsdon, has the option of a Listed mares' chase, in which she could face last year's winner Momella, or a veterans' handicap chase at Exeter on Sunday as a stepping stone to the National. She is also entered in Haydock's Grand National trial on Saturday week.

HUNTINGDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 12: Trainer Charlie Longsdon looks on at Huntingdon Racecourse on November 12, 2019 in Huntingdon, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

Charlie Longsdon: trainer of Snow LeopardessCredit: Alex Davidson (Getty Images)

She had Sky Bet Chase winner Windsor Avenue, Classic Chase scorer Eclair Surf and The Last Fling Chase winner Blaklion in behind when striking on her return at Bangor prior to the Becher, so the form stacks up well, and she certainly looks like a player for the National.

Grand National odds: 25-1

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