A National outsider and a Cheltenham favourite to warm the soul during the snow

In the absence of any actual racing, we’ll take the opportunity this week to talk about, well, racing.

A year ago, after publication of the Randox Health Grand National weights, this corner had a strong view on the likeliest Timico Gold Cup winner and none of any real conviction on the Liverpool showpiece, apart from some dismay at the inflated rating Outlander received. This time, the tables are turned a little.

American: a likely Aintree sortCredit: Alan Crowhurst

When the National weights were unveiled, American was the horse who caught the eye. He has a touch of class, stays and is unexposed, albeit that is also possibly one of the main negatives about him in the context of the National.

Randox Health Grand National Entries