The 2012 Aintree Grand National is just over one week away and Aintree looks set to play host to another fascinating renewal of the world's most prestigious steeplechase.
It's sure to be another enthralling day on Merseyside as forty horses prepare to go to war over the most daunting fences in the sport and there are a whole host of challengers in with a fantastic chance of joining the race's illustrious list of winners.
2012 Grand National horse-by-horse guide
Synchronised
The 2012 Gold Cup winner is a class act and it'd be some story if he could win the National after his exploits at Cheltenham. Sure to be popular.
Ballabriggs
Last year's winner will be out for back-to-back victories and he's certainly in the right hands. Likely to be there or thereabouts.
Midnight Chase
Brave front-runner who landed this year's Argento Chase. He was miles behind Synchronised in the Gold Cup and has it all to do.
Weird Al
Ran no sort of race in the Gold Cup despite being fancied by many. Bled from the nose and he seems to be very fragile.
Calgary Bay
Talented horse on his day, he looked back to his best last time out. Didn't get round in last year's National but could make some appeal.
Neptune Collonges
Very classy horse in the past with a fantastic jumping technique. He seems to retain plenty of ability and could run into a place.
Alfa Beat
Won the Kerry National for a second time this season but he couldn't get around Aintree in last year's Topham Chase.
Planet Of Sound
Ran an absolute blinder in this season's Hennessy Gold Cup. This has been the plan for some time but will his stamina hold out?
Black Apalachi
Thirteen years of age and it's likely he has already had his chance in the National. Ran well in the Bobbyjo Chase in February though.
Deep Purple
Looks likely to get home if he gets decent ground in the contest, but the stable has much better chances.
Junior
Fantastic dual-purpose servant who won at Royal Ascot last year. Very classy and sure to be popular, he's sure to be spot on for the race.
Apt Approach
Not certain to run at the moment, but Willie Mullins' raiders are always respected and he won't be 100/1 if he lines up on the day.
Psycho
Psycho has never come never won over two miles four furlongs and he doesn't look like he'll be doing it at Aintree.
Chicago Grey
Plenty of money has been arriving for the Irish raider recently and the four-mile Cheltenham winner looks to have a great chance.
Tatenen
Very classy for Paul Nicholls and flourished at Ascot for his new trainer, could find life tough around Aintree though and has stamina to prove.
According To Pete
There will be worse each-way shouts and he arrives at Aintree in great form. His trainer is in fine form at the perfect time for Aintree.
Seabass
Irish raider on a fantastic winning streak, his trainer saddled Papillon to victory in the race in 2000. Very lively chance for Ireland.
Shakalakaboomboom
Nicky Henderson's big National hope and somewhat of a forgotten horse in the last couple of months. Could have plenty of support on the day.
West End Rocker
Wouldn't mind the heavens to open for soft ground but the Becher Chase winner has been laid out for this for some time.
On His Own
Thyestes Chase winner who could be another horse carrying the hopes of Willie Mullins' after the injury to Prince De Beauchene.
Always Right
Scottish Grand National third who has had a breathing operation in the build-up to this. Another with a live each-way chance at Aintree.
Cappa Bleu
One time Gold Cup hope who carries plenty of class. He ticks all the Grand National boxes and is our selection. 14/1 looks generous.
Rare Bob
Great jumper who has run around Aintree before, his front-running style will work well at Aintree. Question is, will his stamina last?
Mon Mome
Shock 100/1 winner who won in 2009, 40/1 on a horse that has done it before? Plenty will retain the faith.
Organisedconfusion
Irish Grand National winner in 2011 who might still swerve Aintree. Could be anything at Aintree and won't be 20/1 on the day.
The Midnight Club
Finished sixth when favourite in 2011, Willie Mullins' raider is a year older and wiser but he might not have Ruby Walsh in the saddle.
Treacle
Impressive performance in the Irish Hennessy Gold Cup saw this Irish raider slashed in the betting and he's carrying plenty of ante post money.
Arbor Supreme
Jonjo O'Neill star who will be looking to win the race for his trainer after Don't Push It's victory in 2010. Looks a fair price at 50/1.
Sunnyhillboy
Cheltenham Festival winner who was the subject of a bizarre drift on the exchanges recently. Very well handicapped and a danger to all.
Killyglen
20/1 for the race but could be shorter on the day. Ran well before coming down last year and looks in great nick. Interesting.
Quiscover Fontaine
Another Willie Mulllins inmate that has this and the Irish National to choose from. Won’t be many backing him at the moment.
Tharawaat
Tharawaat won't be Gordon Elliot's first choice even if he does line up in the race and the Irish National could be on the cards.
Always Waining
Has loved the Aintree fences in the Topham Chase in the last two years and knows his way around Aintree. Stamina could be the issue.
Becauseicouldntsee
Ran well at Cheltenham and he has plenty of big race form to his name. Didn't get very far in last year's race but he has bags of ability.
Le Beau Bai
Welsh National winner who will be hoping the rain arrives in the build up to Saturday. If it does he'd certainly be no forlorn hope.
State Of Play
Aintree Grand National regular who loves the fences on Merseyside. The fear has to be his chance has already gone but good to see him back.
Swing Bill
Massive question marks with regards to stamina and likely to be too many too good for him on the day.
Postmaster
Dual-Point winner who is far from certain to line up in the race at the moment. Probably best swerved at the moment.
The Package
Not a definite runner but always has plenty of support, as he did when failing to win at Cheltenham in March. Keep an eye on the market.
Giles Cross
Grand National trial winner at Haydock who will want rain not seen since the days of Noah. If he gets it, he could be well worth a bet.
Hello Bud
Fourteen-year-old who has surely seen his best days gone. Finished well in the race before but it would be a shock if he could win now.
In Compliance
Old favourite who jumps well on his day but he seems to have lost his way and there will be people wondering how he can win at twelve.
Midnight Haze
Finished sixth in the cross country at Cheltenham but doesn't look to be in with a shout. Although that is what we said in 2009…
Vic Venturi
Hasn't completed the National in the past, despite winning over the Aintree fences before. Well handicapped if he can bounce back.
Viking Blond
Very inexperienced and unlikely to make the line-up. If you bet, fingers crossed a few drop out in time.
Neptune Equester
Unlikely to take his chance and even if he does, plenty of others make more appeal. Best to leave alone for now
Any Currency
Could be interesting if he makes the line up but that is looking doubtful at the moment.