Aintree Grand National – The Outsiders
After a brief look at the head of the market for the 2023 Aintree Grand National, it’s time to pick out three lively outsiders who have come in here under the radar for most.
But the question is, do they have enough in reserve to trouble the top of the market in this year’s Aintree Grand National?
The Shunter 50/1 – (10st 11lb) Emmet Mullins
Emmet Mullins might well have Noble Yeats as his best chance in this year’s Grand National, but The Shunter does have claims to play a part.
A former winner of the Paddy Power Plate at the Cheltenham Festival back in 2021 off 140 (now 148), but he has been quiet enough since he ran a huge race in the Aintree Bowl behind Protekorat, but has been showing signs of a return to form in his last two runs.
Back in November, he was tried over hurdles at a trip way short of what he now needs, but still managed to go off favourite and ran on for a strong finishing 5th.
That was the first sign of a return to form. Onto Kelso at the start of March where it looks to me like he was left with a bit to work with when a decent 3rd behind Empire Steel and Ladbrokes Chase winner and fellow Grand National hope La Milos.
Granted he is a 10yo, but with the, let’s say nack that Emmet Mullins has to get one ready for a big target it is not beyond the realms of impossibility that The Shunter outruns his 50/1 odds.
Positive: Big field form
Negative: Need to trust he is turning to form
Conclusion: Big each way chance at the prices
Diol Ker 80/1 – (10st 8lb) Noel Meade
Last season Leinster National winner needs to leave a below-par effort in the Qinnbet Grand National Trail behind him, but the is optimism that he can.
At Leopardstown, over Christmas, he was just touched off in the Paddy Power Chase.
Granted he is not by any means the classiest horse in the race, but big race experience can count for a lot in the hustle and bustle of a Grand National.
His form in the Paddy Power Chase and the Leinster National give him solid each-way credentials, and it wouldn’t be a shock should he prove good enough to grab a place when many are crying enough.
The softer the ground the more he comes into it.
Positive: Stays very well.
Negative: Will need an ease in the ground.
Verdict: Can stay on past tired horses to grab a place.
Dunboyne 50/1 – (10st 0lb) Gordon Elliott
To say the least, Dunboyne is a bit of an enigma when it comes to if he wants to race or not, but has been on the best behavior on his last two runs.
Denied a short head by Carefully Selected in the Tyestes Chase before finishing 4th in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival.
Didn’t get the greatest run around at Cheltenham but still ran a very nice race.
Still has time on his side being an 8yo and with him finally deciding to unlock some of his ability, the demands of something like the Grand National might well bring out that improvement to play a part here.
Positive: Low weight and improving.
Negative: Needs two to come out to run.
Verdict: If getting a run, can surprise a few.
Click here to read Aintree Grand National The Main Contenders.
