Grand National meeting: one trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch

Trainer

Paul Nicholls had an extremely quiet Cheltenham Festival by his own high standards, but he has made it clear Aintree would be a key date in the calendar and he looks to have an outstanding team heading north.

The Somerset trainer is without a Randox Grand National (5.15) contender this time but has an enviable hand on Thursday, headed by defending Betway Bowl (2.55) winner Clan Des Obeaux. He won by 26 lengths last season and bypassed Cheltenham in order to be at his best here.

Pic D'Orhy: could give Paul Nicholls a perfect start to the Grand National meetingCredit: Edward Whitaker

Nicholls has never won the SSS Super Alloys Manifesto Novices' Chase (1.45), but has a strong chance of breaking that drought in the meeting's opener with likely favourite Pic D'Orhy. He fields Gelino Bello in the Cavani Menswear Sefton Novices' Hurdle (4.40) on Friday, the only the other Grade 1 race at the meeting he has yet to win.

Elsewhere, Monmiral and McFabulous line up in the Betway Aintree Hurdle (3.30 Thursday), Stage Star goes for the Betway Mersey (2.25 Saturday) and Hitman and Saint Calvados lead a two-pronged charge on the Marsh Chase (3.30 Friday).

In the big races over the National fences, he has last year's third Cat Tiger in the Randox Foxhunters' (4.05 Thursday), while Tamaroc Du Mathan could be a dark horse in the Randox Topham (4.05 Friday).

Jockey

Aidan Coleman will have the pressure of thousands of betting slips on his shoulders when the hugely popular mare Snow Leopardess attempts for a fairytale Randox Grand National (5.15) success.

She will undoubtedly be fancied by the once-a-year punters being a mum and a grey, but plenty of racing aficionados like her chances too given how brilliantly she took to the fences in the Becher Chase in December.

Snow Leopardess: leading National fancyCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Coleman enjoyed his best ride from 13 attempts in the National when second on Balko Des Flos last year and will be eager to go one better.

Before that he has a handful of big rides, notably on Thursday with Betway Aintree Hurdle (3.30) favourite Epatante. He was second on her in the Champion Hurdle last time, a few hours after partnering Jonbon to fill the same spot in the Supreme. He gets his turn to go one better on him at Aintree on Friday in the Betway Top Novices' Hurdle (2.20).

Other notable chances include Gunsight Ridge (4.40 Thursday), Law Ella (5.15 Thursday) and Broomfield Burg (1.45 Friday).

Horse

Backers of Any Second Now will have bad memories of the 2021 Grand National after he was hampered significantly and finished an unlucky third.

Any Second Now: top Aintree contender for Ted WalshCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The Ted Walsh-trained runner gets his chance to reverse the form with Minella Times and will be strongly fancied again having beaten Escaria Ten in his preparation.

There is plenty to like about his profile and he could well be subject to further support on Saturday.

Race

Whether you are new to racing or have loved it for years, there is always something quite magical about the Grand National.

With 40 runners jumping 30 fences of all different sizes and shapes, millions tune in across the world to see whose name will be etched in history. Yet, the bragging rights from picking out the winner is available for everyone, if they can select the right horse.

Becher's Brook: one of the most iconic fences in the NationalCredit: Laurence Griffiths (Getty Images)

The 2022 Grand National line-up looks as puzzling as ever. Last year's winner Minella Times tops the weights with history-maker Rachael Blackmore attempting to make the headlines again.

Snow Leopardess remains a favourite, Enjoy D'Allen has obvious appeal having recently been bought by JP McManus, while Fiddlerontheroof would be a popular winner for trainer Colin Tizzard, who is due to retire at the end of the season.

Read more on the 2022 Grand National:

Big-race tips: why this horse can win the 2022 Grand National at Aintree

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Head over to our dedicated Grand National 2022 site for the latest tips and odds for the big race. Our leading horseracing tipsters share their Grand National tips and it's completely free!