4:15 Aintree (6th April) John Smith's Grand National Chase

The John Smith's Grand National Chase over 4m 3f 110y on good to soft ground. This year's analysis has been forwarded by our regular contributor Karl ''The National Man'' Wales. He has a superb record in this race and he has four tip selections at speculative prices. I will be crossing my fingers they can hit the frame. For detailed coverage take a look at the Racing Post's superb Grand National page. If it worth noting that bookmakers are keen to shorten starting prices so take a price when placing your bet. A number of firms are giving place incentives so check out all offers & free bets. Don't miss out.

Down to action with our big 4 selections.  With  such a huge field I will focus on Karl's tips.

Balthazar King

Philip Hobbs' nine-year-old gelding was advised at 25/1 and presently best priced at 20/1 with Ladbrokes while most go 16/1. This Irish bred son of King's Theatre makes his first appearance at Aintree and considered a fair each way selection.

Joncol

Our National Man advised this horse at 66/1 and he is now best priced at 50/1 with most firms. This Irish bred ten-year-old gelding is trained by Paul Nolan. This is the first time he has experience the National fences but a consistent horse who is lightly raced for his age. 

Quel Esprit  

Willie Mullins had a supreme Cheltenham Festival and this grey gelding could be something of a surprise package. William Hill are offering 50/1 at the moment and that looks value. 

Across The Bay

The McCain family need little introduction to the National after their exploits with the legendary Red Rum, trained by his late father, Ginger. He has course experience and priced at 40/1 looks a fair shout. 

All tips have fair win and place claims. 

Good luck to all who take part. Let's hope it is an enjoyable and safe race for horses & jockeys.

A Beginners Guide To Placing A Grand National Bet

Grand National Competition (Pair Of Tickets Must Be Won)

In early April each year, the elite of the horse racing world descends on Aintree Racecourse for the single most important weekend in the racing calendar: the GrandNational meeting.

Were you planning on watching the Grand National from the comfort of your sofa at home, or on an awkward bar stool in the local pub? Instead, how about spending Saturday 6^th April watching the whole thing live from Tattersalls Enclosure with your better half or best mate?

Nothing beats the adrenaline of watching the horses thunder past right in front of you whilst you sip on champagne and socialise with thousands of the most important people in horse racing!

We have a pair of these tickets worth £100 to give away; to be in with a chance of winning just answer this question:

When reading a race card, what does the small number next to the horse’s name mean?

1. How old they are
2. The number of days since the horse last ran
3. How heavy the jockey is

Please email your entries to jason_coote2000@yahoo.co.uk along with a contact email and phone number. (Please use the word ''Tickets'' in subject) One correct entrant will be picked at random.  We guarantee that your details will not be passed on to a third party. In fact, all emails will be deleted on conclusion of the competition.     

The competition will close at midnight on Wednesday 3^rd April - Good Luck!

Congratulations to Mark who won our competition

Grand National 2013 Betting Moves

The Grand National is a hugely popular race for not only big punters but the pound each way brigade. In truth, this makes this race very much a family affair. How many people do you know who have a bet on this race? One pointer which our Cheltenham guest blogger [Sean Kelsey] passed on is that it pays to take ante post prices as bookmakers are keen to shorten the odds just before the off - SP backers can find themselves short changed.

From a betting perspective it is interesting to take a look at this year's fancies & review the bet history, as far as the markets are concerned, of the major players. It's a great way to appreciate how the markets fluctuate and give evidence that there are opportunities for value hunters. 

On His Own trained by Willie Mullins owned by Andrea & Graham Wylie. Presently, this nine-year-old bay gelding is favourite at 7/1. However, he has been well backed. 10/1 was available with most bookmakers in February. Bet Victor laid good money at 25/1 in November of last year. While the biggest price were laid in April (2012) when Bet 365 offered 50/1. What a great bet that would be now.

Seabass has been a popular horse in the betting since finishing a creditable third in last year's contest. This Irish raider is a 10/1 shot with most bookmakers. Early February 16/1 was freely available. Mid 2012 most firms offered 20/1. Bet 365 went 25/1 after last year's place performance. 

Cappa Bleu finished fourth in the 2012 Grand National and the market moves have been positive for Evan William's eleven-year-old, an Irish bred son of Pistolet Bleu. He has been steady in the betting for the last month around 12/1 - 16/1 mark. However, there was a substantial market move in mid February when 25/1 was snapped up.   A few bookmakers offered 33/1 straight after last year's National. 

Colbert Station is 12/1 at present backed from 16/1 over the last few weeks. There must have been some uncertainty about this J P McManus horse at the end of January as Stan James dangle the carrot on a stick with 33/1.     

Other notable movers include:

Chicago Grey 14/1 was available mid January with Bet Victor at 50/1.

Imperial Commander best priced at moment 20/1 with Ladbrokes but generally 16/1. Mid March this horse was 33/1. At points Stan James have offered 40/1 & 50/1 respectively.

Rare Bob 25/1 with most bookmakers. Bet Victor had this eleven year old priced at 80/1 in late February. 

Tofino Bay now a 33/1 poke but Sporting Bet had this gelding at 125/1 in mid February. 

Karl ''The National Man'' Wales Ante Post Selections

The 2013 Grand National is getting closer by the day. It's the most popular race for the general public and that's why we like to tell the world and his wife that we are not just about two-year-old horse racing. Now, I'm not saying I know too much about the National Hunt. I'm not Jack of all trades and master of none. HCE is expert in one subject. However, as seen with our great coverage of the Cheltenham Festival, we have lots of great contacts. You'd be surprised who I've talked to in my time. Well, I received a message this week from Karl ''The National Man'' Wales. I must admit last year wasn't a vintage result but he isn't the National Man for no reason. I've never seen or heard anything like his success in this race. It would be like reading Alan Sugar's CV. Karl has given me a selection of ante post horses which we will be following with interest. He details:  Balthazar King 25/1, Tatenan 100/1, Chicago Grey 16/1, Quel Esprit 33/1, Quinz 66/1, Wierd Al 40/1, Across The bay 33/1 and Joncol 66/1..... He will reduce it to 4 nearer the time. I know it seems a good few horses but trust me, he knows what he's doing. I'm following all these horses myself so fill ya boots. Thanks, Karl.