Backstage has solid Grand National credentials

Backstage’s prior experience of the Aintree fences makes him a solid price at 20/1 in the Grand National betting to make a good fist of success this year.

With seven of the last ten Grand National winners having previously run in the Aintree showpiece, it is worth taking this into consideration when making a selection and Backstage travelled strongly for a long way last year without playing a leading role.

Backstage was brought down by a loose horse when still in contention and should be given another chance to improve on this performance.

Another interesting statistic is that of the last five Grand National winners to have run in the race the previous year, three of these had fallen in the first attempt.

Furthermore, barring last season’s fall, Backstage has completed on his two other previous visits to Aintree.

Gordon Elliott also knows what it takes to train a Grand National winner, having saddled Silver Birch to victory in 2007.

Meanwhile, Backstage also fits the criteria of being the right age to win the Grand National, with the last six victors all being aged either eight or nine.

Ratings have now been considered and the weights for this year’s Grand National have been published, with Backstage seemingly getting in with a decent mark off of 10-12, which means he will receive almost a stone from last year’s winner Don’t Push It.

This weight is 2lb less than a year ago and the strength of his recent form also puts him in with a great chance.

Backstage was very impressive when landing a three-mile contest at Kirkistown in Northern Ireland on his latest start, with the soft ground further highlighting his stamina.

A £25 stake on Backstage winning the Grand National would return £500. New customers can sign up here for a free £25 bet.