Grand National fever is building, with the big race at Aintree now just over a week away.

The second of the major spring festivals in Britain takes place from Thursday 13th April until Saturday 15th April at the famous Merseyside track, with the National on day three the highlight. 

Ahead of the latest instalment of this great British sporting institution, we've picked out some outsiders that might be worth noting come Grand National Day.

Mister Coffey 

Trainer: Nicky Henderson 

Grand National odds: 40/1

In a training career that has spanned more than four decades Nicky Henderson has achieved pretty much all there is to do in the jumps racing game. 

He's won all the big races, is second only to Willie Mullins in terms of Cheltenham Festival winners and has a CV any trainer would be proud of. 

The Grand National is a different tale however as the Seven Barrows chief is yet to win this race, or indeed any of the recognised biggies – the Irish, Scottish and Welsh Nationals. 

Henderson suggested recently that winning with Mister Coffey would 'complete the journey' of his training career, though the 72-year-old soon added he won't be retiring if it happens! 

A son of Derby winner Authorized, Mister Coffey is yet to win over fences but has placed in six of eight attempts so far. 

Two of his best efforts came at the Cheltenham Festival in the Kim Muir (3m2f) and the National Hunt Cup (3m6f) and so stamina could be a forte. 

Third behind Gaillard Du Mesnil in the Cotswolds last month, he will carry just 10st 4lb in the National, leaving him 10lb better off with that rival. 

It would be some story should Henderson finally snare this prize and, as his only runner in 2023, Mr Coffey is one to consider.

Coko Beach 

Trainer: Gordon Elliott 

Grand National Odds: 33/1 

Three-time Grand National-winning trainer Gordon Elliott is bidding for a record equalling-success in the race and is sure to have a strong team in place. 

Amongst them will be Coko Beach, the Gigginstown House runner that finished eighth last year under Jonjo O'Neill Jr. 

He's rated 5lb higher now but will carry only an extra 1lb on his back and he arguably comes into the race off a better prep. 

He appeared to fade late on last year in what was his seventh run of the season and his fifth since Christmas. 

This time, it's been a more careful prep with just four runs and only two since late November. On the most recent of those, he ran out a convincing winner of the Grand National Trial at Punchestown in February over three-and-a-half-miles. 

A fresher horse this year, now aged eight, it's realistic to forecast he'll do better in 2023 for the Cullentra team.

Related Horse Racing News

Grand National 2023: key details, odds and records

Grand National 2023: Runners, Non-Runners & Riders

Aintree Racecourse Guide

The Big Breakaway 

Trainer: Joe Tizzard 

Grand National Odds: 33/1 

Joe Tizzard's first season holding the license at Venn Farm has gone well and what a way it would be to round it off should he achieve something his Dad, Colin, could not in winning this Aintree spectacular. 

The Big Breakaway is rated 151 going into the race and will have a very manageable 10st 10lb on his back, most likely in the hands of the excellent Brendan Powell. 

Things didn't go to plan in Cheltenham last month when he was pulled up in the Ultima won by Grand National favourite Corach Rambler but that run is one to forgive. 

Prior to that he'd been second at Haydock on his seasonal comeback and again in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow over Christmas, really acquitting himself well over that three-mile-six-and-a-half-furlong challenge. 

He was clear second that afternoon giving nearly two stone to the winner and has far more favourable terms heading for Merseyside.

Recite A Prayer 

Trainer: Willie Mullins 

Grand National Odds: 100/1 

The chance to back a Willie Mullins runner at three-figure odds is rare indeed and, while the formbook gives Recite A Prayer plenty to find, it's not beyond the realms of possibility he could shine in this race. 

He was third in the Cork National (3m4f, soft to heavy) in November in a contest where he conceded more than two stone to the winner. 

After that he was midfield in the Becher over these Aintree fences and, in his only run since, he was then well held in a hot handicap chase at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival. 

He handles all ground and has winning form at three-and-a-quarter-miles. He comes here fresh for the challenge and, as No.39 on the list, will be carrying a light weight of 10st 1lb. 

He's trained by a genius and it wouldn't be a complete misnomer if he ran a personal best at Aintree.

View the latest Grand National odds here

bet365 News Team

• Aintree Racecourse
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