I nearly called this “2027 Grand National – Early thoughts”, but if you trade the race as I do, October is anything but early. It’s almost late!
If you’re only just coming aboard, here’s what you’ve already missed:
I Am Maximus 12-1 Soldier In Milan 16-1 Jordans 20-1 Iroko 25-1
They’ve all been nibbled at since April, and with good reason. They’ve all got good chances. I’ve been busy building my book.
I Am Maximus and Iroko showed this year that the best piece of form for a modern Grand National is the previous renewal. Good jumping used to be the key, but not these days. For a modern Grand National, horses need to tick three boxes:
· Stamina.
· Class.
· The ability to run to their best in big-field handicaps.
Good jumping certainly helps, but it hasn’t stopped the awkward I Am Maximus from being on the cusp of Red Rum status. The race has become known as the “Stayers’ Gold Cup”, and with good reason. As well as needing stamina and big-field smarts, horses need class to go close. I’d argue that placing in a modern Grand National satisfies all three of my criteria.
When I went to the Racing Post offices to film the Big Jump Off podcast, I was asked a few questions by their social media team. One was my “hot take” for the coming season. I went for last season’s 1-2-3 in the Grand National, filling the same three places again, but in reverse order. Bold, but that was the point of the question!
The main bet has to be Jordans at 16-1. He’s my best bet of the season. He should have won last season’s race comfortably and, as a rising eight-year-old, he should peak next April. Eight is my idea of the sweet spot for a modern National. Iroko improved 10lb from seven to eight and, if Jordans does the same, they may as well give him the trophy now. If Ben Jones keeps the ride, then it’s safe to assume he won’t be kicking for home until after the last in April!
While Jordans should be improving with maturity, Iroko may have plateaued, and I Am Maximus could be on the downward trail. Soft ground would help last season’s 1-2, and you know they’ll stay the trip, so they have to be kept onside. At the current prices, I’d happily add Iroko at 16-1.
Soldier in Milan could be good enough; who knows? He’s worth a saver, but I doubt he’ll be in my A team on the day. The one I really like at a price is Jagwar at 33-1. I love that horse. He didn’t jump too badly before his unseat this year when he was well in contention. He’s another rising eight-year-old, and I think there’s still a little improvement to come. He nearly went off favourite as a seven-year-old. What’s he doing at 33-1 this time? Beats me.
Recommendations:
Jordans 16-1 each-way (NAP)
Jagwar 33-1 each way
Iroko 16-1 each way