Many Clouds gave jockey Leighton Aspell his second Grand National win in 2015 and delivered a third trophy for owner Trevor Hemming. He’ll carry top weight when he defends his crown this weekend but that shouldn’t be a concern for this classy chaser. Short odds reflect his proven ability – he’s the one the rest of the field have to beat.

NO.1 | JOCKEY: L. ASPELL | FORM: 1-6221 | WEIGHT: 11-10 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: O SHERWOOD

Hopes were high in 2015 as AP McCoy decided to run his last Grand National on board Shutthefrontdoor but the fairytale ending was not to be and connections has to settle for fifth place. Returns a year older with the added experience and that should enhance his chances, not expected win but is capable of scoring a place.

NO.14 | JOCKEY: B. GERAGHTY | FORM: 15-3P | WEIGHT: 10-11 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: J O’NEILL

Scored an impressive win at Doncaster in the Grimthorpe Chase earlier this year. Previously trained by Donald McCain and now with Kim Bailey, two trainers who know what it takes to win this race. The Last Samuri has been lightly treated by the handicapper and looks 12lb well in, expected to run a massive race.

NO.27 | JOCKEY: D. BASS | FORM: 12-311 | WEIGHT: 10-8 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: K BAILEY

Won the Betfred Bowl Chases at Aintree in 2015 and 2014, plus two King George VI Chases, a record which makes him one of the pre-race favourites. Fluid over the fences with just one career fall, an enviable 50% win rate makes him one of the strongest contenders lining up at Aintree.

NO.2 | JOCKEY: N. FEHILY | FORM: 1-22P1 | WEIGHT: 11-8 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: P NICHOLLS

A Cheltenham winner in 2014, Holywell is a solid chaser who, from 14 chase starts, has won or been in the money on nine occasions. Another horse who looks lightly treated by the handicapper judged on his best form. Niggling doubts remain over his jumping but the Aintree fences have never been more forgiving.

NO.13 | JOCKEY: R. McLERNON | FORM: 3-54P2 | WEIGHT: 10-12 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: J O’NEILL

Entered the National in 2015 attracting the eye of many a punter which saw him go off at 10/1. He navigated the first circuit but fell at fence 26, returning to Aintree a year older and wiser could see him produce his best.

NO.9 | JOCKEY: D. O’REGAN | FORM: 1F-662 | WEIGHT: 11-0 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: N MULHOLLAND

A winner at the Cheltenham Festival in 2015 and with just 10-08 to carry for the Grand National 2016, Gallant Oscar could be a horse to watch in the betting. His form this season has been less than stellar so he will need to improve if he is to seriously contend.

NO.25 | JOCKEY: M. WALSH | FORM: 3-1U75 | WEIGHT: 10-8 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: AJ MARTIN

Narrowly missed out on winning the race last year when beaten by Many Clouds. Although his odds have been trimmed in the last week he still looks like a value bet for a horse who previously went so close to winning the National.

NO.38 | JOCKEY: P. BRENNAN | FORM: 12-671 | WEIGHT: 10-5 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: T GEORGE

One of the highest rated horses entered this year and likely to compete for top weight though the good news is that he has been carrying 11-10 in every race, except one, since 2012 so it shouldn’t be an issue. It’ll be difficult to bet against him.

NO.12 | JOCKEY: N. CARBERRY | FORM: F4/157 | WEIGHT: 10-13 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: W MULLINS

Was switched to Philip Hobbs from Donald McCain back in October and has one run under his new trainer which resulted in a win at Kempton. He ran in the 2014 Grand National and finished in 10th spot.

NO.28  | JOCKEY: R. JOHNSON | FORM: 72-15 | WEIGHT: 10-7 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: P HOBBS

Swerved the 2015 Aintree Grand National for a tilt at the Scottish National, a race where he finished in second place. He likes long distances and has previously run in the Welsh and Midlands Nationals. Looks a strong contender for the 2016 renewal.

NO.21  | JOCKEY: JJ. BURKE | FORM: 2-3942 | WEIGHT: 10-8 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: J DREAPER

Has spent a long time on the sidelines and was out of action from May 2014 until his first race back on January 30th 2016 where he still finished in second place. While he has only had six chase starts he has won or placed in all of them. If the ground on the day comes up soft, Morning Assembly could one of the horses who benefits.

NO.19 | JOCKEY: D. RUSSELL | FORM: 3-224 | WEIGHT: 10-9 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: P FAHY

Half brother to Silviniaco Conti, Ucello Conti moved from France to Gordon Elliott’s yard in Ireland in April 2015 and has only run three races outside of France though he does appear to have settled and is on good form.

NO.22 | JOCKEY: D. JACOB | FORM: 1P-623 | WEIGHT: 10-8 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: G ELLIOTT

Ran in the 2014 National and had to be pulled up by jockey Barry Geraghty but was only 7 years old at the time. Ran his first race in over a year on January 9th at Kempton which he duly won. A winner over the National fences in the Topham Chase (2013) makes Triolo Dalene worthy of consideration.

NO.10 | JOCKEY: J. McGRATH | FORM: P3-15 | WEIGHT: | AGE: 11-0 | TRAINER: N HENDERSON

A  classy chaser who is most definitely a Grade 1 runner with nearly £500K in earnings for connections. Trainer Willie Mullins has stated that Ruby Walsh will partner the 11 year old for a spin over the big fences, for many punters that news alone will justify including Boston Bob on their betting slip.

NO.17 | JOCKEY: P. TOWNEND | FORM: 0-50P1 | WEIGHT: 10-10 | AGE: 11 | TRAINER: W MULLINS

Ran in 2015 but fell under jockey Noel Fehily. Still young and has great chasing success with six wins and four places from 16 starts. Recently finished a distance second behind Many Clouds at Kelso and based on that performance you wouldn’t be backing him on the nose.

NO.23 | JOCKEY: N. SCHOLFIELD | FORM: 80312 | WEIGHT: 10-8 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: P NICHOLLS

A well rated horse from trainer Philip Hobbs but seven years old have a dire record in the race, three chase starts and all last five races were novices – seems a massive step up for a young horse.

NO.26 | JOCKEY: T. O’BRIEN | FORM: 1-1225 | WEIGHT: 10-8 | AGE: 7 | TRAINER: P HOBBS

On His Own has been a round for years and this will be the fourth entry for him though he only ever ran once back in 2012. Now 12 years old, he is still going strong but it’s difficult to see this veteran pulling off a shock win.

NO.8 | JOCKEY: Mr P.W. MULLINS | FORM: 7U4828 | WEIGHT: 11-1 | AGE: 12 | TRAINER: W MULLINS

Ran in 2015 and got around but had to settle with 16th place. Hasn’t had a win in quite some time, April 2013 to be exact, but is still quite capable of getting into the money and is on decent form this season.

NO.3 | JOCKEY: BJ COOPER | FORM: 8432P | WEIGHT: 11-4 | AGE: 11 | TRAINER: M MORRIS

Form can often be inconsistent and his career has been peppered by being Pulled Up four times, plus he has unseated twice. From 16 chase starts he has had three wins and another six places but tends to do better as a three-miler and the step up in distance may be too much.

NO.24 | JOCKEY: H. SKELTON | FORM: 02615 | WEIGHT: 10-8 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: L WADHAM

A World Hurdle contender in 2014, interestingly enough, Rule The World, despite 12 chase starts, has never actually won one of them. It’s a bit of an ‘always the bridesmaid’ story as he has racked up seven second places. The ‘S’ in his form guide stands for ‘Slipped Up’

NO.29 | JOCKEY: D. MULLINS | FORM: S32254 | WEIGHT: 10-7 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: M MORRIS

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour was the original ‘Romford Pele’ and this Rebecca Curtis trainer horse will be a popular punt with football fans on Grand National day. I’d be amazed if he finished higher than Arsenal’s usual league position (4th).

NO.40 | JOCKEY: T. WHELAN | FORM: 77F38 | WEIGHT: 10-04 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: R CURTIS

Has won and/or placed in about 50% of his 13 chase starts and was third in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree last year. He may struggle with the distance as he has never won beyond 2m7f. I still wouldn’t bet against Evan Williams getting his horse into the places again!

NO.16 | JOCKEY: P. MOLONEY | FORM: 5-3243 | WEIGHT: 10-10 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: E WILLIAMS

At 13-years-old he is one of the oldest entered this year. His form this season isn’t great and he did fall in the Irish National last year. He has the experience but not necessarily the stamina to go for four miles around the Aintree fences.

NO.32 | JOCKEY: R. DUNNE | FORM: 2-85P6 | WEIGHT: 10-6 | AGE: 13 | TRAINER: D McLOUGHLIN

Has finished in the money 100% of the time but before we all start putting our house on him, he has only had seven chase starts and while his form is excellent he has never won beyond 2m4f so the Grand National will be a huge step up.

NO.7 | JOCKEY: R. POWER | FORM: 1-3455 | WEIGHT: 11-1 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: E BOLGER

Ended last season as a winner in the Gold Cup Chase at Sandown but failed to show any sparkle on his return this season when finishing 13th from 17 runners at Cheltenham followed by an equally unimpressive 9th place form 15 runners at Sandown in December.

NO.30  | JOCKEY: S. BOWEN | FORM: 031-09 | WEIGHT: 10-6 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: P NICHOLLS

Has been getting better as the season progresses, finishing fourth in the Becher Chase at Aintree followed by a win at Sandown in January. Was 9th in the 2015 Grand National and will be favoured by many.

NO.15 | JOCKEY: C. O’FARRELL | FORM: 9-0413 | WEIGHT: 10-11 | AGE: 11 | TRAINER: D PIPE

A well rated horse but one who isn’t having the greatest of seasons with two back-to-back pull-ups at Kempton and Newbury. Did well at Cheltenham to finish seventh in the Stable Plate and won the Prix la Barka in France last May.

NO.5 | JOCKEY: T. SCUDAMORE | FORM: 535PP7 | WEIGHT: 11-02 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: D PIPE

A run in November landed him in 12th place from 17 runners and his trip to the Welsh National proved unsuccessful when he unseated his jockey, on that form it’s difficult to see him finishing anywhere near the front of the field.

NO.33 | JOCKEY: Mr S WALEY-COHEN | FORM: 57-0U6 | WEIGHT: 10-6 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: P NICHOLLS

Another JP McManus owned horse in the running this year and even though he won at Ascot back in October, it was his first win in nearly two years. Will struggle with the distance and has never run at Aintree but has never fallen, unseated or pulled up which is always a good sign.

NO.37 | JOCKEY: A. COLEMAN | FORM: 45-15 | WEIGHT: 10-5 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: C LONGSDON

Wonderful Charm has Aintree experience and even finished ahead of Many Clouds (2015 Grand National winner) in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree in 2014. Had a good run at Cheltenham just before Christmas when finishing second behind Aachen. Plenty of punters could be charmed by his big odds.

NO.4 | JOCKEY: S TWISTON-DAVIES | FORM: 783P-2 | WEIGHT: 11-03 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: P NICHOLLS

Only raced twice since 2014 so it’s difficult to judge his form. A past winner of the Bet365 Gold Cup Chase, no doubting he has ability but It would seem a big ask to expect him to reproduce that form after such a long lay off.

NO.35 | JOCKEY: N DE BOINVILLE | FORM: 1/6P-7 | WEIGHT: 10-06 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: N HENDERSON

A bit on the young side for the Grand National as he is only seven years old but gave a good account of himself at the Cheltenham Festival when finishing sixth in the National Hunt Chase which is run over four miles so can definitely go the distance.

NO.36 | JOCKEY: J. REVELEY | FORM: 111U26 | WEIGHT: 10–05 | AGE: 7 | TRAINER: D PIPE

Grey horses are always popular with punters and Ballycasey was well supported in the 2015 National, unfortunately brought down at the Canal on the first circuit when caught by Balthazar King. Until then he was doing quite well and jumping fluidly. If he gets a bit of luck this year he could do very well.

NO.34 | JOCKEY: Ms K WALSH | FORM: B-4935 | WEIGHT: 10-6 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: W MULLINS

If he runs it will be his third attempt at the Grand National. He finished 5th in 2014 but didn’t sparkle in 2015 and though he got around it was 100L behind the winner, in 17th position.

NO.11 | JOCKEY: A. THORTON | FORM: P-2P40 | WEIGHT: 10-13 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: P NICHOLLS

Only returned to action in December after a year out. Contested the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham in March but failed to make any impression, finishing the race in 13th place.

NO.31 | JOCKEY: W. KENNEDY | FORM: 0/P-P0 | WEIGHT: 10-06 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: V WILLIAMS

13 chases under his belt but only won twice and hasn’t had a win of any kind since November 2014. On that form you wouldn’t expect him to place in a Grand National field of this calibre.

NO.39 | JOCKEY: AE LYNCH | FORM: 7P8-46 | WEIGHT: 10-04 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: H DE BROMHEAD

Has run at Aintree three times before and never even placed, has never won a race that comes close to the distance of the Grand National and hasn’t won a race in over two years. You’d probably want double these odds to back him.

NO.20 | JOCKEY: R. HATCH | FORM: 24599 | WEIGHT: 10-09 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: N TWISTON-DAVIES

After chalking up a string of good results this season Aachen has propelled himself into the frame for a crack at the Grand National. At 12 years old his chance for glory might have come a little late. It would be a shock result if he won, but his trainer has previously won the Grand National with 100/1 shot Mon Mome – Can lightening strike twice?

NO.18 | JOCKEY: H. BROOKE | FORM: 411209 | WEIGHT: 10-10 | AGE: 12 | TRAINER: V WILLIAMS