Betfair has released their views on the leading Grand National contenders.

Cloudy Lane - current odds [7.0] - Very warm favourite and it's not hard to see why. Represents McCain family, is thrown in at weights on evidence of two successes since National marks published and excellent win-rate of 9 from 19 starts. Possible negatives are that he's never tackled Aintree fences and stamina not cast-iron.

Comply Or Die - [13.0] - Revitalised by blinkers on last two outings and appeals as one of the better handicapped on basis of Eider Chase win if headgear works as well a third time. Travels and jumps well and should stay. Strong claims if taking to the fences.

Slim Pickings - [15.0] - Beaten only two lengths when third in last year's National. Light campaign this season but shown enough to suggest he's in good heart. Looks sure to run well, albeit others likely to be better treated.

Simon - [16.0] - Going well when falling 6 out in last year's National and arguably the pick of those towards the top of the weights this year. Solid efforts when in frame this season, seems impervious to ground and likely to give a good account.

Chelsea Harbour - [18.0] - Won Grand National Trial at Punchestown in February and fine fourth over inadequate trip last time, when he showed he can handle good ground. Can be a tad free, but definite claims if he settles early.

Bewleys Berry - [18.0] - Has twice jumped the National fences with aplomb, particularly when chasing home Mr Pointment in Becher. That will stand him in good stead and forgiven most recent effort, when palpably in need of run.

Butler's Cabin - [21.0] - Has champion jockey McCoy on-board and a leading contender for this on evidence of last season's form which included win in Irish National. However, three runs this season have been very disappointing.

Mr Pointment - [24.0] - Jumped National fences superbly when making all in Becher Chase in November. However, handicapper has done him few favours and ran dismally in prep race at Doncaster.

Snowy Morning - [26.0] - Unexposed compared to most in this line-up and potentially well-treated on evidence of second to Denman at last year's Cheltenham Festival and third to The Listener in Irish Hennessy. Run may have come too soon when only third last time out. Interesting contender, although passed over by Walsh.

King Johns Castle - [29.0] - Attracted market support in build-up and, though passed over by McCoy, is interesting as an unexposed contender who has long shaped as if a thorough stamina test will suit. Has hinted at temperament though and probably best with cut.

McKelvey - [32.0] - Heart-breaking second in 2007 National when twice hampered and he returned lame. Clearly handles fences well, but interrupted preparation this term and best chance may have gone with that injury on last year's run-in.

Point Barrow - [28.0] - Well-supported in market last year but backers would have done well to even spot him before he went at the first. Best of his form gives him claims, but can drop himself out and suspicion he's best with plenty of cut too.

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Mon Mome - current odds [36.0] - Presumably trained with National in mind all season as this campaign very light in comparison to series of good runs in tough handicaps last year. Will be suited by step up in trip, but handful of runs this term have raised questions about his jumping and attitude.


Philson Run - [38.0] - Fine advert for his capable trainer and ran with considerable credit to be fourth in last year's National, despite twice being hampered on the second circuit. Two solid runs this term and every chance of at least matching last year's effort.


Dun Doire - [40.0] - As last year, he seems to have been saved for this race, given just two hurdles outings prior to a chase run in a minor event in March. Simply failed to take a cut at the fences when tailed off a year ago and the touted fitting of headgear will need to work the oracle.


Hedgehunter - [42.0] - Won the National in 2005 and signs of coming to hand when second at Fairyhouse last time out. Frame prospects if back to best, and gets the nod from Ruby Walsh, but likely to find at least a couple better handicapped.


L'Ami - [42.0] - Without a win since January 2005 and, though regularly in frame in good races since then, he seems firmly in handicapper's grip. Did complete the course in last year's National, but a long way behind.


D'Argent - [42.0] - Jumping was always his Achilles heel and, presumably, why he hasn't previously tackled the National, but fitting of blinkers last thrice seems to have improved his fencing and, given his best form has come when faced with a left-handed stamina test, he should go well.

Joaaci - current odds [100.0] - As much temperament as ability nowadays and hard to know what to expect. Third at Cheltenham on most recent chase outing encouraging, but plenty with stronger claims.

Baily Breeze - [100.0] - Has run poorly last two starts and looks moderately handicapped. Also, seems best when able to dominate from the front, tactics which will be hard to pull off in this field.

Madison Du Berlais - [130.0] - Likeable type who's largely been in good heart this season. Handicapper has kept apace with his progression though and will need to improve again tackling these fences for the first time.

Cornish Sett - [170.0] - Ran well off a break when second at Cheltenham in November and hope is that he'll bounce back to his best given a three-month absence prior to this. Whether his best would be good enough is a moot point and he looks a dubious stayer to boot.

Cornish Rebel - [170.0] - Has never been the most resolute and form is on a downward spiral, no more than fair efforts in hunter chase company this winter. Rank outsider status certainly justified.

Knowhere - [190.0] - Career-best effort when winning Grade 2 at Cheltenham in January, but let down by jumping when remote sixth in Gold Cup. Unseated at eighth in National last year.

Ardaghey - [200.0] - Likely to be a hairy ride for his jockey given his errant jumping. Form of his win at Cheltenham in October would give him small claims, but he's disappointed five times since.

Iron Man - [200.0] - Has failed to complete both starts over National fences and seems to have gone off the boil of late after a busy campaign, pulled up last two outings. Easily ruled out.

Backbeat - [210.0] - Fluent jumper who belied his odds to win a useful race at Sandown on his reappearance. Forgiven subsequent hurdles flop on account of being turned out quickly. Test of stamina may well suit, but caveat is that best form has been on right-handed tracks.

Tumbling Dice - [220.0] - Not the force he was and seemed to down tools when headed last time. He'll do well to boss this field for very long and entitled to be a three-figure price.

Opera Mundi - [300.0] - Best on soft/heavy going and weather key to his chance. Still fairly weighted on evidence of penultimate win on soft at Haydock, but ran abysmally on good at Doncaster.

Ollie Magern - [360.0] - Bold-jumping front-runner who increasingly runs more bad races than good ones. Looked to have a hard race when seventh at Cheltenham last time too.

Milan Deux Mille - [430.0] - Took to the National fences pretty well when fifth in last year's Topham Chase, but gone with little zest in three outings this season and big question mark regarding his stamina.

Bob Hall - [600.0] - Progressive handicapper last season but found life tougher off higher marks this time around and last two runs have been bitterly disappointing. Has stamina to prove too.

Nadover - [600.0] - Best efforts on soft or heavy and, though he managed to win a weak handicap at Chepstow over Christmas, he has disappointed recently. Some doubts about his stamina, more doubts about his attitude.

Contraband - [1000.0] - Looks shadow of the horse who won the Arkle at Cheltenham just three seasons ago. Huge stamina doubts and bigger shock than Foinavon if he comes out on top.

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