Grand National stamina concern

For all the changes to the Randox Grand National, the massive prize money, softer fences, increased class of participants and therefore a greater need for a horse to be able to travel comfortably within themselves, it still remains a marathon test in which horses need two things above all else – stamina and luck.

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Luck is out of the punter's hands but form tells us whether a runner will see out the almost 7000m trip.

Definite stayers
Captain of this team has to be last year's winner I Am Maximus, who carried 72.5kg off a rating of 159 when winning by 7.50 lengths. He runs off a 3.5kg higher mark this time around. He has to go close.

Several others have gone close in previous renewals, with 2021 Gold Cup hero Minella Indo third to I Am Maximus and 0.5kg lower this time, while Meetingofthewaters was seventh in last year's race having looked menacing jumping the last. He is another year stronger and only an eight-year-old.

Vanillier was second to Corach Rambler in 2023 off the same mark he runs off this year, and 14th off higher last year. He ran a cracker at Cheltenham when you consider nearly going the wrong way took him from first to last in the early stages.

Away from those who have proved themselves in the National, Beauport is a Midlands Grand National winner on heavy and returned this season with a 31-length success over 5900m. His stamina credentials look pretty bomb-proof.

Likely stayers