Grand National tips 2025: Three ante-post betting selections

Stumptown and Keith Donaghue after winning the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival - Getty Images/David Fitzgerald

The most exciting jump race off them all, the Grand National, is not just around the corner and so the time has come for Telegraph Sport to help you find a winner.

After the latest round of forfeits, Intense Raffles has been left as the 7/1 favourite for the race following Gavin Cromwell’s decision to withdraw red-hot favourite Inothewayurethinkin following his resounding win in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

That decision has blown the market wide open, with several horses still entered boosting their credentials with good runs at the Cheltenham Festival. Last year’s winner, I Am Maximus, remains on course to defend his crown for Willie Mullins. Click here for a full rundown of runners for this year’s race.

Here, Telegraph Sport lists three horses who should be on your radar ahead of the big race on April 5.

Grand National 2025 tips

Stumptown (Gavin Cromwell) 10/1

If there is one race that has proved a proper testing ground for Grand National success in recent years it has been the Cross Country at Cheltenham. Tiger Roll won the race in 2018 and 2019 and before taking the big prize at Aintree, while the likes of Cause Of Causes and Delta Work have run superbly Aintree after their Cross Country wins.

This year’s winner Stumptown is therefore of real interest at double-figure odds. He was a resounding winner of the Cross Country, slamming Latenightpass by seven lengths in the manner of a horse who had plenty more to offer at the line. That would have to give confidence that he will relish the extra five furlongs he will face at Aintree.

Stumptown (right) warmed up for his Grand National bid with a win at the Cheltenham Festival - PA/Adam Davy

He’ll undoubtedly get a decent ratings bump for that display so should be well-in at the weights come the Grand National. Keith Donoghue will likely take the ride again for a trainer who is bang in form at the right time of year. There is little not to like about his chances.

Perceval Legallois (Gavin Cromwell) 14/1

Another horse from the Cromwell stable who looks to have been laid out for this race all season. Perceval Legallois first caught the eye winning at the 2023 Dublin Racing Festival when he demolished a competitive handicap hurdle field off what, in hindsight, was a mark that far underestimated his abilities.

Hi switch to chasing has not been without its ups and downs but he this season he has slowly come to the boil, running well in the Kerry National and the Troytown before dotting up in a big-field handicap at Leopardstown over Christmas off a mark of 142. He got an 11lb hike in the weights for his trouble that day but the manner of the success suggested there could be even more to come even off a revised mark.

"THERE IS A BIG CHASE IN HIM!" 🏆

Perceval Legallois finally gets his day in the sun in the Listed @paddypower Chase under Mark Walsh for @gavincromwell1 and JP McManus 🟢🟡 pic.twitter.com/ZPpDsB7oKb
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 27, 2024

Switched back to hurdles at this year’s Dublin Racing Festival, he again took down a big handicap in what could prove to be the perfect prep for the Grand National. The only unknown is the trip but he’s bred to stay and has looked strongest at the finish in both wins this season. He has a huge chance.

Nick Rockett (Willie Mullins) 16/1

A Grade 2 winner over hurdles, Nick Rockett might just be the class angle in this year’s Grand National. Winner of the Thyestes at Gowran in January, he followed that up with battling display to beat Grand National favourite Intense Raffles in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairhouse.

Nick Rockett has all the attributes to run a huge race at Aintree - PA/Brian Lawless

On the basis of that performance and the difference in their Grand National weights, it’s easy to see why the market is the way it is but Nick Rockett could well be the graded horse lurking in a handicap in this race. The trip should hold no issues either, as evidenced by his staying-on third in the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown over 3m4½f.

With stablemate I Am Maximus carrying top weight, you can make a case that this is in fact the Wilie Mullins first string for the race. If nothing else, that has to bring him into your punting calculations. Expect his price to tighten up the closer we get to the big race.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.

Topics

2025 Masters expert picks, predictions, odds: Golf insider selecting Sepp Straka at Augusta National

Golf insider Patrick McDonald has revealed his 2025 Masters picks and PGA best bets for Augusta National
CBS Sports - 21h
Grand National 2025, explained: Date, time, when are horses announced and more

The year has turned and that means the Grand National 2025 is now firmly on the horizon.
Yahoo Sports - 18h
Grand National runners, favourites & odds for 2025: Key horses to note

The Grand National is the only horse race truly captures the national imagination, with the millions glued to television screens for an average of 9 minutes and 10 seconds every April.
Yahoo Sports - 18h
Wales vs England prediction: Title Hopefuls Can Deliver Vital Super Saturday Victory

Read our free rugby betting tips ahead of England’s final 2025 Six Nations clash in Cardiff
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
Where to watch the 2025 Grand National live: TV channel and streaming

The Grand National remains one of the few truly unifying sport events in the UK sporting calendar, with millions glued to television screens every year in early April.
Yahoo Sports - 18h
British and Irish Lions to play a First Nations selection as part of 2025 tour to Australia

The British and Irish Lions will play a First Nations lineup in Melbourne as part of the nine-game tour of Australia that includes three test matches against Joe Schmidt's Wallabies. Rugby ...
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Grand Canyon vs Maryland Prediction: Odds, Expert Picks, Betting Trends and Stats for 2025 March Madness

Grand Canyon Antelopes vs. Maryland Terrapins Game Preview
Yahoo Sports - 17h
Val Dancer aiming for Midlands Grand National win

Welsh Grand National winner Val Dancer leads the local contenders for Saturday's Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter.
Yahoo Sports - 6d
2025 Shriners Children's 500 betting, predictions, odds: Top three NASCAR longshot picks for Phoenix Raceway

SportsLine's model has simulated the 2025 Shriners Children's 500 10,000 times and released its coveted NASCAR at Phoenix best bets
CBS Sports - Mar. 9
2025 Pennzoil 400 betting, predictions, odds: Three best NASCAR longshot picks for Las Vegas Motor Speedway

SportsLine's model has simulated the 2025 Pennzoil 400 10,000 times and released its NASCAR at Las Vegas best bets for this week
CBS Sports - 5d
Marlborough racing tips and best bets for today’s races

Following today’s racing tips? In need of some guidance? Or just fancy a flutter?
Yahoo Sports - 4h
Italy vs Ireland Prediction: Irish Backlash to Leave Azzurri Bruised

Follow our Six Nations betting tips as Ireland travel to Italy in the first game of Super Saturday
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
France vs Scotland prediction: Final French flourish from champions-elect

Follow our Six Nations betting tips as France bid to wrap up the title with a win over Scotland in Paris
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
Formula 1 picks, odds, grid, start time: 2025 Australian Grand Prix predictions, F1 bets by proven model

SportsLine's model analyzes Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and the rest of the starting grid's chances at the F1 Australian GP 2025 as Lewis Hamilton makes his Ferrari debut
CBS Sports - 5d
Women’s March Madness 2025 national title odds: South Carolina, UConn early betting favorites

Two of the most storied programs in women’s college basketball are on top of the national championship odds after the 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket was released. South Carolina and Connecticut ...
Yahoo Sports - 4d
March Madness 2025 betting, odds, lines: Three key storylines for the NCAA tournament

Here are three storylines that stood out after the bracket was revealed and sportsbooks put up their Round 1 odds.
Yahoo Sports - 4d
Six Nations 2025 awards: our writers pick their tournament highlights

From box-office Bielle-Biarrey to Daly denying France a shot at the grand slam, our highs and lows in 2025. Maro Itoje (England). Played every minute of every England game and, in his first ...
The Guardian - 3d
Jimmies men's hockey takes on Grand Canyon in ACHA tourney opener

Mar. 15—MARYLAND, HEIGHTS, Mo. — The No. 5-seed University of Jamestown men's hockey team heads to the 2025 ACHA National Championships hoping to win their first national championship in program ...
Yahoo Sports - 5d
Grand National past winners: 2024 results and all-time list

Last year’s Grand National was won in fine style by the Willie Mullins-trained I Am Maximus, who, all being well, will be back at Aintree this April to defend his crown.
Yahoo Sports - 18h
Who makes the NIT? What you need to know ahead of bracket selections for 2025

The National Invitation Tournament has a long history. The 2025 NIT is changing how it picks its teams. Here's what to know.
Yahoo Sports - 6d
March Madness 2025: Selection Sunday winners and losers

The SEC was a clear winner on Selection Sunday.
Yahoo Sports - 4d
2025 Women's March Madness: Predictions, expert picks for the Final Four, national championship

Our CBS Sports experts make their selections for the 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament
CBS Sports - 20h
2025 NBA mock draft: Latest expert predictions ahead of March Madness

Duke looks to have three strong players in the 2025 NBA draft. Here is a look at the top 10 prospects on Selection Sunday.
Yahoo Sports - 4d
Lions watch: The players who improved – or harmed – their chances during Six Nations

British and Irish Lions selection was a constant talking point throughout the Six Nations Championship. In almost every position there have been at least three or four players who have stood out, ...
Yahoo Sports - 4d
2025 March Madness odds, lines, favorites: Florida emerges as post-Selection Sunday national championship favorite

The Gators won the SEC tournament title on Sunday.
Yahoo Sports - 4d
How to watch March Madness 2025: TV channels, tip times, which games to watch or skip for Friday's NCAA tournament games

The men's first round continues while the women's tournament tips off in earnest.
Yahoo Sports - 10h
Why Rory McIlroy's early form legitimizes belief that Masters win, career grand slam will finally come in 2025

McIlroy has two wins entering April for the first time in his career; more complete and confident, is Rory finally ready to win at Augusta National?
CBS Sports - 1d
Chinese Grand Prix 2025: How to watch this weekend's F1 race, channel, time and more

The 2025 F1 Chinese Grand Prix will take place this weekend in Shanghai, here's how to watch.
Yahoo Sports - 18h
2025 March Madness Bracket Picks: Last-minute tips to boost your NCAA tournament pool odds

We’re getting close to men's brackets locking, which means it’s time for our last-minute tip sheet.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
How to Watch 5 Up-and-Coming Men's Basketball Stars During March Madness 2025

The NCAA national championship tournament kicks off with Selection Sunday on March 16
Yahoo Sports - 4d
Prince Amukamara named to the 2025 class of the NFHS Hall of Fame

Former Nebraska All-American Prince Amukamara has been selected to the 2025 NFHS National High School Hall of Fame class.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
Six Nations team of the tournament: Five English players, but no Welshmen

Farewell, then, to the 2025 Six Nations, one of the more thrilling editions of the championship in recent memory given that on the final day there were three teams all in the mix for the title, and ...
Yahoo Sports - 5d
Seahawks select powerful offensive linemen in latest 2025 NFL mock draft

The Seattle Seahawks select a powerful offensive linemen prospect in this latest 2025 NFL mock draft scenario.
Yahoo Sports - 4d
March Madness 2025 expert picks, odds, lines, best bets: Three underdogs public bettors love in Round 1

Plenty of public bettors like to take shots on big underdogs to win on the moneyline in the first round of March Madness, but there are certain underdogs that they rally around to cover as well.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Ireland Grand Slam hopes ended by rampant France

France take control of the Six Nations title race as they score 34 unanswered points to beat Ireland in Dublin and end the home side's Grand Slam hopes.
BBC News - Mar. 8
Selection Sunday show 2025: NCAA tournament conference champions and automatic bids; printable bracket

The 2025 NCAA tournament bracket is taking shape ahead of Selection Sunday.
Yahoo Sports - 5d
Men's first-round betting odds, lines, spread and BPI

Every set of betting lines, spreads, totals and more betting odds for the first round of the 2025 men's NCAA tournament.
ESPN - 3d
2025 AP All-America team: Duke's Cooper Flagg, Auburn's Johni Broome earn unanimous first-team selections

The first team is led by three stars on No. 1 seeds entering this year's NCAA Tournament
CBS Sports - 2d
Formula 1 in 2025: How to watch the Chinese Grand Prix on TV and what to know

— Other countries are listed here. What is the Chinese Grand Prix schedule? — March 23: The Chinese Grand Prix. Where is the Chinese Grand Prix taking place? The 5.45-kilometer (3.39-mile) ...
Yahoo Sports - 2d