Don Poli and Samuri top Grand National betting after weights launch

There’s been plenty to ponder following the customary Grand National weights launch last night with Don Poli and The Last Samuri emerging as the new joint-favourites.

We make the pair 16/1 apiece to land the spoils in this year’s Aintree spectacular with The Young Master one of a crop available at 20/1.

However, expect plenty of movement between now and the latest edition of the world’s greatest steeplechase on April 8.

Here’s our look at the latest talking points…

Elliott horses dominate the weights

Ireland’s man of the moment Gordon Elliott has 11 of the top 40 in the running for the 2017 Grand National although matters aren’t quite that straightforward.

Elliott has already ruled out top-weight Outlander, with a tilt at the Cheltenham Gold Cup preferred.

However, even without the 166 rated star, he’ll still have some pretty useful ammunition.

Recent Irish Gold Cup runner-up Empire of Dirt (25/1) and the aforementioned Don Poli are also in amongst it at the top of the weights while the likeable Ucello Conti (25/1) is another Elliott-trained charge that features prominently in the betting.

The Irish are coming

Make no mistake, the Irish will once again have a strong hand in the Grand National and not just the Gigginstown House Stud-owned entrants.

Jonjo O’Neill’s More of That (33/1) showed glimpses of his old self before falling at Leopardstown.

Meanwhile, the battle-hardened Carlingford Lough (33/1) and classy Thyestes Chase winner Champagne West (40/1) can’t be ruled out, even given their lofty positions in the weights.

Blaklion is being well-backed

One horse attracting attention is Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Blaklion (33/1). Last season’s RSA Chase winner has been well-backed since the weights were released and interest might only intensify following his run in this weekend’s Grand National Trial at Haydock.

If you fancy the lion to roar on Merseyside then take advantage of those generous antepost odds before they plummet.

Latest Ladbrokes Betting:

2017 Grand National

Don Poli – 16/1

The Last Samuri – 16/1

The Young Master – 20/1

One for Arthur – 20/1

Gallant Oscar – 25/1

Empire of Dirt – 25/1

Ucello Conti – 25/1

Vieux Lion Rouge – 25/1

Rogue Angel – 33/1

Vicente – 33/1

Blaklion – 33/1

More of That – 33/1

Ziga Boy – 33/1

Minella Rocco – 33/1

Cause of Causes – 33/1

Carlingford Lough – 33/1

Carole’s Destrier – 33/1

Definitely Red – 33/1

Foxrock – 33/1

Road to Riches – 33/1

40/1 bar

Click here for the latest Grand National odds.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing