The biggest horse race of the year is now very much upon us and it's time to start thinking about which horse, or horses, you will be back in The Grand National.
Every year, throngs of racing fans flock to Aintree in Liverpool for The Grand National , so a huge crowd is expected at the famous racecourse on Saturday, April 6 for this year's event.
The Grand National runners and riders have now been confirmed, which means that people are now studying names, colours, jockeys, odds , weights and form as they prepare to put their bets on for the big race.
And of course you'll need to be aware of the Grand National start time , whether you'll be at Aintree to watch in person, in the pub or at home.
Grand National 2019 sweepstake kit: Download and print ahead of big race at Aintree
Before then you'll of course needs to pick your horses and Oddschecker have given us a few key factors to be mindful of, which you can also learn more about in the video above.
Once you've had a read, get a Grand National 2019 sweepstake kit: Download and print ahead of big race at Aintree organised with friends, family or work colleagues.
Age:
31 of the 47 finishers over the last three Grand Nationals were aged under ten, highlighting the changing nature of the race.
Stamina:
The last 46 winners had won over at least three miles.
Jumping:
18 of the last 22 winners had fallen or unseated their rider no more than twice.
Previous National Pedigree:
13 of the last 22 winners previously won or placed in a National of any description.
Cheltenham Festival Form:
Only two Cheltenham Festival winners since 1961 have gone on to win the Grand National in the same season.
Recent Form:
Only three of the last 21 winners had won more than once earlier in the season.
The Grey Horse:
Only three grey horses have ever won the Grand National.
The Betting Market:
7 of the last 12 winners started at 25/1+
Owners and Trainers:
Trevor Hemmings has won three times since 2002 and JP McManus has owned a top-four finisher in 10 of the last 15 years.
Jockeys:
Ruby Walsh is the most successful current jockey over the Grand National fences having won twice and placed four times. He’s also completed the National on 10 out of his 13 rides. Ruby Walsh is expected to ride Rathvinden
Winner prediction:
Several horses fit the bill for seven of the criteria mentioned above. However, just one fits for eight and this is Anibale Fly.
*You can follow our sister paper Liverpool Echo's Grand National coverage here.
