The top performers from the previous Grand National, Corach Rambler and Vanillier, are once again strong contenders. However, let's delve into the pedigrees of other horses who are new to Aintree's distinctive test to gain insights into their chances.
KITTY LIGHT
Kitty's Light, a Flat-bred staying chaser, is incredibly rare and stands out even more than I Am Maximus. Having triumphed in three fence races prior to his fifth birthday, he showcased his exceptional endurance by emerging victorious in the Eider, Scottish Grand National, and bet365 Gold Cup during the previous season.
MEETINGOFTHEWATERS
Meetingofthewaters has slightly less stamina compared to the previously mentioned two, but his jumping experience follows a more conventional path. Meetingofthewaters emerged victorious in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown during his first attempt at the three-mile distance in official races. He also achieved a commendable third-place finish in the Ultima at Cheltenham in his most impressive performance over a furlong. Court Cave, a sibling of Beat Hollow who has not yet competed, is the father of Minella Indo, a previous victor of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, who will be participating in this year's Grand National.
Panda Boy
Panda Boy placed second to Meetingofthewaters in the Paddy Power (replay provided) for the second consecutive year and came in fifth behind I Am Maximus in the previous year's Irish Grand National. He hails from the initial generation of the exceptional French stayer Valirann, alongside Forward Plan, the victor of the Coral Trophy at Kempton, and Knappers Hill, the triumphant contender in the Rising Stars Novices' Chase at Wincanton.