Four fancies: Racing Post tipsters reveal their best bet for the Grand National

After the weights were unveiled for the 2019 Randox Grand National, four of our experts reveal who they are backing for Aintree spectacular . . .

Rathvinden
Tom Collins

He's a versatile performer who seemed to relish the huge step up in trip to four miles when gamely landing the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last season under Patrick Mullins. He was a huge eyecatcher over three miles and half a furlong when last seen in a Grade 1 at Punchestown last April and, given he will likely have a prep run before Aintree, the classy conveyance looks a huge contender with just 10st 10lb on his back. His jumping is his main asset.

Abolitionist
James Hill

Richard Newland won the National with Pineau De Re and has a very similar type in Abolitionist this time around. Like Newland's 2014 winner, Abolitionist is an 11-year-old Irish import rated in the mid-140s, and his form in Ireland was every bit as good as Pineau De Re's, finishing third in a high-quality Irish National two years ago. He got a taste of Aintree when an impressive winner over hurdles there in November and has been given an intriguing entry in the Ascot Chase this Saturday.

Pietro Innocenzi

Although it’s shocking a horse of his ability has yet to win over fences, he rarely runs a bad race and often shapes as though in need of a thorough test of stamina. That was certainly the case in last season’s Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival, when he was a rallying second under a big weight. There’s a big one in him when blinkers are reapplied.

General Principle
Brian Sheerin

Since winning the Grand National in 2007 with Silver Birch, Gordon Elliott has added to his tally with Tiger Roll last year and has also had horses in the frame twice. Elliott appears to have another solid team of National horses this year and perhaps General Principle could be the pick. Winner of last year's Irish Grand National, a race which provides the ideal stepping stone towards Aintree, General Principle advertised his wellbeing in a valuable handicap chase at Punchestown on Sunday. He should sneak into the National off a nice weight and odds of 33-1 seem more than fair at this juncture.

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