Grand National 2011 Runners & Riders

Our guide to the Grand National runners:

1. Don’t Push It: 12/1
Last year’s winner and the mount of champion jockey Tony McCoy. No horse has carried more than 11-10 to win since Red Rum in 1974. Is he that good?

2. Tidal Bay: 40/1
A classy animal, he won an Arkle in 2008. Has struggled to win later in his career and often can be a bit sulky in his race. Will enjoy coming off a fast pace if he retains interest for long enough.

3. What A Friend: 14/1
Fourth in the Gold Cup, he will be popular with Man United fans as he is part owned by Sir Alex Ferguson. Only eight years old and might lack the experience of some of his rivals.

4. Vic Venturi: 66/1
A 25/1 shot when brought down by a loose horse in the race last year. Has some Grade form in Ireland and an interesting contender.

5. Majestic Concorde: 33/1
Won the competitive Paddypower Chase in Leopardstown in December but never won beyond 3 miles.

6. Or Noir De Somoza: 80/1
Won over £1million in France this will be his debut in the UK. Never won beyond 2m6f.

7. Dooneys Gate: 80/1
Lightly raced, he placed in the Topham last year at Aintree. Still to be seen if he is suited to racing over further.

8. Big Fella Thanks: 18/1
Completed the race twice, finishing 6th and 4th. As he matures he should stay better, solid each way prospects.

9. The Tother One: 80/1
Fourth place in the Hennessy Gold Cup is excellent form but his jumping rather lets him down.

10. Ballabriggs: 14/1
Raced in hurdles this season to keep his mark down for the Grand National. Has been aimed at Liverpool all year.

11. The Midnight Club: 10/1
Won his prep race in Ireland, jumps well, has Ruby Walsh on board and gets into the race off a competitive mark. Has plenty in his favour.

12. Niche Market: 25/1
Has talent, but a poor strike rate of only 2 wins in 23 races. Pulled up in the race last year.

13. Silver By Nature: 12/1
Relishes a marathon test but all his best form is on soft ground, will need the rain to come and lots of it.

14. Backstage: 16/1
Unknown quantity as his racing this year has been in point-to-points. Was going well when he unseated last year.

15. Chief Dan George: 50/1
Only beaten three horses home in four races this season. Needs a big return to form.

16. Calgary Bay: 40/1
Smart chaser with three wins but nine second places suggest he tends to find one too good.

17. Killyglen: 80/1
Not won since his novice days and pulled up each time he has gone over 3 miles.

18. Oscar Time: 14/1
A sound jumper, could be a big race double for 2011 Gold Cup winning jockey.

19. Quinz: 16/1
Revelation this year as a Novice, not many seven year olds win the National though.

20. Becauseicouldntsee: 25/1
Stamina is his strong suit, jumps well and should be in the mix.

21. Comply Or Die: 50/1
Not in the form of 2008 when he won the race. At the age of 12 time is not on his side.

22. Quolibet: 250/1
Suspect jumper, only one career win and pulled up on last start. Not much to recommend.

23. Grand Slam Hero: 100/1
A summer jumps specialist, the good weather and better ground at Aintree might bring him into play.

24. State Of Play: 33/1
Fourth and third in the last two years. At 11 years old perhaps his chance has passed?

25. King Fontaine: 100/1
Will enjoy the grind of a National but hasn’t won in a big field before.

26. In Compliance: 100/1
All his form has been over 2m4f unlikely to relish the step up in trip at this stage in his career.

27. Hello Bud: 40/1
Finished fifth in the race last year and should go well again, but this teenager is probably too old to win now.

28. West End Rocker: 33/1
Pulled up in bottomless ground at Haydock. Previously to that he had won his last two starts and looked progressive.

29. Santa’s Son: 200/1
Looks outclassed and wouldn’t go the distance either.

30. Bluesea Cracker: 22/1
Only mare in the race, she won last year’s Irish Grand National. Needs to turn around the form with a few of these.

31. That’s Rhythm: 150/1
Enjoys the marathon trip but jumping is very suspect. Would be a surprise if he makes it round.

32. Surface To Air: 125/1
Formerly useful; he was off injured for three years. Well beaten on his comeback.

33. Piraya: 200/1
Has bits of decent form but pulled up on his last two runs. Needs a big return to form.

34. Can’t Buy Time: 80/1
Looked to have a decent handicap win in him but form this year has been poor.

35. Character Building: 33/1
Seventh in the National last year, he comes into the race in similar form. A talented grey he doesn’t win as often as he should.

36. Ornais: 150/1
Has been competing at a low level after three years away from a race track. Would be a shock if he is up to winning this.

37. Arbor Supreme: 22/1
Unseated last year but generally stays well. One length second behind The Midnight Club last time out and weighted to turn around the form.

38. Royal Rosa: 150/1
Hasn’t won since 2006 but enjoys these marathon trips. Unseated in the race last year when in the rear.

39. Skippers Brig: 40/1
Majority of his winning has been on heavy ground but he is not going to get those conditions.

40. Golden Kite: 100/1
Sneaks into the race off a light weight but could be a dark horse. Won a decent race in Ireland back in October.