Date: Saturday 15th April 2023
The Grand National continues to evolve and in truth now looks a very different race to the one we were analysing 10 or 15 years ago.
Recent renewals have been dominated by progressive, classier horses, often coming from strong Irish yards and arriving here off the back of solid runs in major races earlier in the season.
While the core Turf Talk trends still form the backbone of the analysis, greater emphasis is now placed on overall class, current form and suitability for the demands of this unique test.
Using that approach, the field has again been narrowed down to a shortlist of leading contenders.
TURF TALK RATINGS - LEADING CONTENDERS
| Horse | Turf Talk Rating |
|---|---|
| Corach Rambler | 223 |
| Delta Work | 216 |
| Noble Yeats | 209 |
| Any Second Now | 201 |
| Vanillier | 194 |
| Gaillard Du Mesnil | 188 |
| Capodanno | 179 |
The ratings now place greater emphasis on class, recent form and the ability to perform in high-quality races, alongside key traditional factors such as recent run and chase experience.
The increasing strength of Irish-trained runners in recent renewals is also a significant factor in this year’s analysis.
MAIN SELECTION
Corach Rambler (11/1 available)
He comes out clear on top of the Turf Talk Ratings and looks to have an ideal profile for the modern Grand National.
He ticks a number of key boxes including having had a recent run, being relatively unexposed for a race of this nature and arriving in strong form from major handicaps. His running style also suggests he will be well suited to the demands of Aintree.
Everything about his profile points towards a big run.
BACKUP SELECTION 1
Delta Work (10/1 available)
A consistent high-class performer who continues to feature strongly in the ratings.
He has the experience, has had a recent run and brings proven form at a high level. While he has been around for a while, his class and overall profile still make him a serious contender.
He looks certain to run his race once again.
BACKUP SELECTION 2
Noble Yeats (16/1 available)
Last year’s winner returns and once again has to be respected given his profile.
He has proven stamina, course form and still fits many of the key trends including having had a recent run and not being overexposed. While carrying more weight this time, recent renewals suggest that may not be the barrier it once was.
He looks capable of running another big race.
SUMMARY
This year’s race looks another high-quality renewal and the modern trends are now firmly established.
Corach Rambler tops the ratings and is taken as the main selection, with Delta Work and Noble Yeats providing strong alternatives in a race that increasingly favours class, preparation and progressive profiles.
