Kevin Morley assesses the key Randox Health Grand National trends

Randox Health Grand National

4m2½f, Aintree, Saturday, April 4

Key trends

• Aged eight to 11, ten winners in last ten runnings
• Won over at least 3m, 9/10
• Won no more than twice that season, 9/10
• Between three and six runs since the start of August, 8/10
• At least one top-three finish in last three runs, 9/10
• Finished in the first three in a race over at least 3m2f, 9/10
• Officially rated 148-160, 8/10
• Won chase worth at least £29,000, 8/10
• Achieved best RPR within previous 12 months last time out, 8/10
• 10-16 runs over fences, 7/10 (all exceptions had between 19-27 chase starts)

Other factors

This used to favour lower-weighted runners but the handicapper has done a fine job in recent times in giving a chance to those at the top of the ratings, with four of the last ten winners carrying 11st 5lb-11st 9lb.

Five had previously won or been placed over the National fences or recorded a top-six finish in the Ladbrokes Trophy, Scottish, Welsh or Irish Nationals.