Grand National 2007 Preview

The world's biggest and most exciting steeplechase is a unique test for both horses and jockeys, not to mention smart punters.

Safety modifications to the fences on the course in 1990 and 2001 have undoubtedly contributed to a larger number of completions in the Grand National in recent seasons. However, the latter changes seem to have, rather ironically, resulted in a return of the "Aintree factor", with horses repeatedly showing form far superior to that they're capable of on conventional courses.

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Backing a horse at long odds to lay off low in-running or taking a new position when your original selection has fallen could be strategies that pay.

Ballycassidy – This will be his third National, and, although he's yet to complete the course, he represents a potential trading opportunity.

Puntal – Inconsistent nowadays, but he's been prominent a long way into both of his previous attempts at the National, unseating at the 19th in 2004 and finishing a distant sixth last year. However, he'd been off the course for 16 months before last year's National. And with a more conventional preparation this time around he might just run into a place at big odds.

Silver Birch – Back in 2004 he won over these fences in the Becher Chase, and showed himself well suited to a test of stamina when taking that year's Welsh National. He was ante-post favourite for the 2005 Grand National until injury ruled him out, and didn't jump as fluently as usual (after a spell hurdling) when falling at the Chair in 2006. However, he's been in good form in cross-country events this season and could go well at big odds.