It’s time of year again as we all turn our attention to Aintree and the upcoming Grand National 2025.
For most of us, there’ll be a few flutters on a horse that catches our eye, and for many fans of the race, picking a winner and cheering on their favourite will be time well spent on Saturday, April 5th, 2025.
The Grand National is unique in that millions of people who never otherwise bet throughout the year will head to the bookies or grab their phone to put three or four modest bets on. Checking a reliable UK bookmaker list can help you compare odds, offers, and promotions before placing your bets, ensuring you get the best value.
While not everybody is an expert on odds, people still tend to look further down the betting market, trying to find a runner that grabs their attention and, even better, one that could be the long shot to romp home in the first place.
100/1 winners are few and far between, but that doesn’t mean that outsiders on 25/1 or 33/1 can’t do the business on the day. Even an each-way place on a longshot can return more winnings than a bet on the favourite given how short those odds are.
So, if you’re looking for value or more potential bang for your buck, then check out these four potential runners who could run a good race on the day.
I say ‘potential’ because these four horses, while all guaranteed a place, have still not been declared. That means they could still be withdrawn before race day.
Monbeg Genius – Jonjo & A J O’Neill
At a general 33/1, Monbeg Genius, trained by the father-son duo of Jonjo and A J O’Neill, is a horse that’s been steadily improving and could be primed for a big run in the 2025 Grand National.
The nine-year-old has shown promise in staying chases, suggesting the marathon distance of the National could suit him well.
In his most recent outing at Uttoxeter in February, Monbeg Genius returned to winning ways in a handicap chase over three miles. This victory not only boosted his confidence but also demonstrated his ability to handle the type of stamina test he’ll face at Aintree.
Assistant trainer AJ O’Neill’s comments after the Uttoxeter win are particularly encouraging: “We’ve been waiting for this day with him as the form at Cheltenham worked out well. It’s great to see him get his head in front.”
Monbeg Genius’s current rating of 147 puts him in a favourable position for the National, as does his weight of just 10-06 – competitive enough to get him into the race but not so high that he’ll be overburdened.
The O’Neill stable knows what it takes to win big races, with Jonjo having trained the 2010 Grand National winner Don’t Push It. Can they do it again in 2025?
Minella Cocooner – Willie Mullins
Willie Mullins, one of the most successful trainers in National Hunt racing, has a potential dark horse in Minella Cocooner. The nine-year-old has already proven his stamina and class in major races, making him an intriguing prospect for the 2025 Grand National.
Minella Cocooner’s third-place finish in the 2024 Irish National behind the current Grand National favourite Intense Raffles is a standout piece of form, especially with odds of around 33/1.
Following that effort, Minella Cocooner went on to win the Gold Cup at Sandown, rounding off another great season for his team.
While Minella Cocooner has struggled in Grade 1 company this season, his fourth-place finish in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse was encouraging. The Bobbyjo has been a reliable trial for the Grand National in recent years, and this run suggests Minella Cocooner is returning to form at the right time.
With Willie Mullins’ expertise in preparing horses for big targets, Minella Cocooner could well outrun his odds at Aintree.
Beauport – Nigel Twiston-Davies
Nigel Twiston-Davies is no stranger to Grand National success, having trained two winners of the race. His charge, Beauport, could be the one to watch as an outsider in the 2025 renewal, particularly with his ante-post odds of 40/1.
Beauport has proven his staying credentials by winning the Midlands National (4m2f), a race that often serves as a good indicator of Grand National potential. This victory, which came against strong opposition, demonstrates Beauport’s ability to handle extreme distances and tough conditions.
His form this season has been consistently good, with three notable performances, including a third-place finish in Grade One company over hurdles at Ascot in December. Plenty of previous winners have been prepped over hurdles before the National, and this is very much a positive indicator for a potential Grand National contender.
It might be 23 years since Twiston-Davies last won the race, but he hasn’t lost his touch and he still knows how to win it.
Vanillier – Gavin Cromwell
Gavin Cromwell’s Vanillier has already proven his aptitude for the Grand National course, having finished second in the 2023 renewal behind Corach Rambler. This experience over the unique Aintree fences gives Vanillier a significant advantage over many of his rivals.
Vanillier’s run in the 2023 Grand National was particularly impressive. He was in fifteenth position four fences from home but powered home to claim second place, demonstrating both his stamina and his ability to handle the closing stages of the race.
The grey’s preparation for the 2025 National has been carefully managed by Cromwell. With a mark of 144, he will go off on the same weight as he did in 2023.
Vanillier’s recent third-place finish in the Glenfarclas Chase at Cheltenham is another positive sign, particularly as it is the longest race at the festival at 3m5½f.
At odds of 16/1, Vanillier represents solid each-way value, especially given his proven ability over the course and distance.
The Potential for Big Returns
The Grand National’s history is filled with long shots that have defied the odds to place or even win. One of the most famous examples is Mon Mome, who won the 2009 Grand National at odds of 100/1. A £5 each-way bet on Mon Mome at 1/5 odds for the place would have returned a total of £610.
While such extreme odds are rare, even more modest longshots can provide excellent returns. For instance, Noble Yeats won the 2022 Grand National at odds of 50/1. A £5 each-way bet on Noble Yeats would have returned £255 for the win and £55 for the place, totaling £310.
These examples illustrate the potential rewards of backing outsiders in the Grand National. While it’s important to bet responsibly, the unique nature of the race means that surprises are always possible.
Should You Back An Outsider?
While the favourites will rightfully attract much of the attention in the lead-up to the 2025 Grand National, savvy punters would do well to consider these four outsiders.
Monbeg Genius, Minella Cocooner, Beauport, and Vanillier all possess the qualities needed to perform well at Aintree, and their longer odds offer the potential for significant returns.
Whether they can join the list of famous Grand National longshot winners remains to be seen, but they certainly merit consideration for those looking to back a horse at more generous odds.
