An ITV expert overlooked I Am Maximus as he tipped an outsider to shine in the Richard Hoiles, the channel's lead commentator, believes 10-1 shot Perceval Legallois will win the iconic race, but fancies outsider Meetingofthewaters to also run well at Aintree.
While I Am Maximus is the favourite to make it back-to-back victories at the National, he doesn't even make Hoiles' top five. Instead, he highlighted another runner, Meetingofthewaters, a 22-1 outsider, as a strong each-way bet.
Hoiles said via "Finished seventh off the same mark last season when not looking to quite see out the trip. That was on softer ground and he could well outrun his odds. Each-way chance."
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Hoiles is tipping Hewick at 10-1 to land in fourth place, citing favourable ground conditions and the horse's impressive track record: "The ground has come in his favour and while he isn't the biggest, that didn't count against Tiger Roll. The 2023 King George winner and not one to be discounted lightly."
For third place, Hyland (18-1) is his pick. Hoiles praised the horse's credentials, saying: "Probably the best of those towards the foot of the weights as he will love the ground and has placed in Grade 1 company this season in the Kauto Star."
There are high hopes for Irish National winner Intense Raffles, who is priced at 12-1. Hoiles believes there is rich potential in this seven-year-old. He said: "There could still be more to come, and he is 5lb well in compared to future races."
For the win, Hoiles has thrown his weight behind Perceval Legallois (9-1). He added: "Has given the impression this trip could really bring out the best in him. His trainer Gavin Cromwell is looking to land the Gold Cup-Grand National double and this horse has all the credentials to do so."
Explaining why he doesn't fancy I Am Maximus, Hoiles said: "He has likely been campaigned with this in mind all season but has only had two runs – unlike last year when he had four – and was a non runner with a respiratory infection just five weeks ago."
Mullins, however, is optimistic about I Am Maximus's chances. Dismissing concerns over the horse's condition, the Irish trainer said: "All the horses are running well and we're looking forward to it. I Am Maximus is in good shape. I wish I'd got the last run into him, but it didn't work out that way."
Richard Hoiles’ Grand National 1-2-3-4-5
1. Perceval Legallois
2. Intense Raffles
3. Hyland
4. Hewick
5. Meetingofthewaters
Odds provided via Betway
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