Even after favourites have won the last two renewals of the Grand National, finding a bet at a big each-way price in the big race remains one of the most satisfying ordeals for punters. 50/1 winner Noble Yeats lives long in the memory from 2022, while there were two 28/1 shots and a 40/1 in the frame a year ago. GG tipster Joe Napier picks out two at 25/1 and 80/1 that could be of each-way interest this season, both trained by Gordon Elliott.
Three Card Brag – 25/1 Paddy Power/Betfair (6 places)
This eight-year-old could well fit the modern mould of a Grand National contender for Gordon Elliott, who has won this race on three occasions. Three Card Brag has only run six times over fences, but he has placed behind the likes of Corbetts Cross, Monty’s Star and Spillane’s Tower, all of whom have dined at the top table.
He was ridden very aggressively on his only handicap start when ultimately fading into seventh in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown after Christmas. However, he runs off 2lb lower even than his Irish handicap mark here, with the British handicapper proving very lenient relative to some of his compatriots.
A more composed ride could ensure his stamina lasts far longer, as he has easily seen out 3m in the past. Even his Beginners’ Chase victory at Navan in January, in which he finally got off the mark, looks pretty solid form and Sean Bowen is a superb jockey booking by the yard.
Fil Dor – 80/1 Hills (6 places)
Another worthy of note for Elliott is Fil Dor, for whom there may be serious stamina concerns. However, this former star juvenile hurdler is relatively untested over longer trips, racing over 3m just once and acquitted himself well when conceding weight all-round in a fairly strong rated chase at Fairyhouse.
He finished ahead of two-time Grade 1 winner Solness earlier on in the campaign at Clonmel, while his overall profile is tremendously consistent a bit below the top level. His mark of 150 could be workable if finding the improvement for the extra yardage, which is plausible, and he has never run in a handicap over fences.
The ground will pose no issue for him whatsoever and he has the tactical speed and sound jumping which could see him go well for a very long way here.
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