Vanillier Rises as the New Favourite for the Randox Grand National

Inside the Weights Reveal: Strategy, Contenders, and the Race for Glory at Aintree

As the anticipation builds for the Randox Grand National, the racing community witnessed an intriguing shift in the betting landscape this Tuesday. The spotlight has now firmly settled on Vanillier, who moved to the forefront as the favorite in some betting quarters, surpassing Corach Rambler, the horse that bested him at Aintree last year. This shift came about with the unveiling of the weights for this year's contenders, a moment that always marks a significant point in the lead-up to the Grand National.

Gavin Cromwell, a trainer with a notable record of success in British racing circuits this season, including a notable victory at the Grand National Trial at Haydock with Yeah Man, is looking to capitalize on this year's conditions with Vanillier. Last year's near-miss has positioned Vanillier as a horse with unfinished business at Aintree, and the 9lb advantage in the weights compared to last year's winner could be the key to turning the tables.

The weight allocation event, held with much fanfare in Liverpool, determined that Corach Rambler would carry 11st 2lb, placing him 8lb ahead of Vanillier, who is set at 10st 8lb. Despite the narrow defeat by two and a quarter lengths in the last contest, Vanillier's strong finish has left an impression that he is more than capable of overcoming this gap, especially with the weight advantage this year.

Cromwell's strategy for the Grand National is comprehensive, with several horses from his stable poised to enter. This includes Letsbeclearaboutit (10st 10lb), Limerick Lace (10st 4lb), and Malina Girl (10st 2lb), each bringing their own strengths and potential to the challenging Aintree course.

The betting odds have reacted to these developments, with William Hill adjusting their listings to position Vanillier as the outright favorite at 12-1. This reshuffle in the odds places Corach Rambler alongside other contenders such as Mahler Mission (11st 1lb), Noble Yeats (11st 8lb), and Panda Boy (10st 3lb), setting the stage for a highly competitive race.

Dan Skelton's Latenightpass (10st 6lb), the victor of the 2022 Foxhunters', is also among those securing a spot, with potential for additional entries from Skelton's stable including Galia Des Liteaux (10st 3lb) and Le Milos (10st 7lb). The entry list reveals a notable dominance of Irish-trained horses, which have historically performed well, winning five of the last seven editions of the Grand National. This year, they are poised to maintain this trend, with leading contenders like Hewick (11st 12lb), the top-weighted horse based on his impressive rating of 169, alongside Capodanno (11st 4lb), Minella Indo (11st 2lb), and Ain't That A Shame (10st 9lb), each bringing a formidable racing pedigree to the event.

The edge of qualification sees horses like Minella Crooner (10st 6lb), Run Wild Fred (10st 6lb), and Adamantly Chosen (10st 5lb) in a precarious position, highlighting the competitive nature of securing a place in this prestigious race. With Celebre D'Allen being the sole withdrawal and several not meeting the qualification criteria, the lineup for the Grand National continues to take shape.

The Randox Grand National Handicap Chase, set for 4:00 PM at Aintree on April 13, promises to be a highlight of the racing calendar, bringing together a blend of seasoned champions and hopeful contenders in a test of endurance, strategy, and sheer racing talent. This year's event, with its intriguing narratives and the dynamic shifts in favorites and weights, is shaping up to be an unforgettable spectacle in the world of horse racing.