Image source, BBC Sport

Quirky character who has refused to race in the past but looks to be one of the more credible contenders if he's Mr Happy on the day. Saddle slipped and unseated rider when going well at Canal Turn second time round last year. Seemed in fine fettle when finishing second under top weight in heavy ground in Midlands Grand National. Appeared to be ideal prep.

Read the full Pinstickers' guide.

Gina Bryce
BBC Radio 5 Live at Aintree

At this stage, the horses' form is there to see but you look at the shine of their coat and their demeamour. You need a little bit of back knowledge about the horse.

Mr Incredible has pulled himself up midrace and decided he doesn't fancy it before. I think he has a good chance again. There is a standing start and that might prove a bit of a challenge for a horse who is a bit of a thinker.

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Aintree

I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins for owner JP McManus, is retaining his position as favourite for the Grand National.

Approximate odds: 6-1 I Am Maximus, 8-1 Corach Rambler, 9-1 Limerick Lace 12-1 Mr Incredible, Meetingofthewaters, Panda Boy, 14-1 Vanillier, Kitty's Light, Mahler Mission, 16-1 Noble Yeats, 20-1 Bar.

Retired jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, who won the Grand National on Noble Yeats in 2022, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "It's special here because you only get to run it once a year. It's a much more level playing field. It's very special to be part of it all. They're incredibly happy to have amateurs in their ranks as long as you're safe.

"I have muscle memory and feel like I'm going to get on the horse. He's [Noble Yeats] been here and done it, he knows what it's all about. It's a bit like your ex-girlfriend going on a date with someone else but Harry [Cobden] is a great jockey. My son is called Max so we're backing I Am Maximus but I would love a great story to come out of it."

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Aintree

Fences in the Grand National are far less fearsome than they were decades ago after a series of safety changes.

The Chair is the highest fence on the course, now standing at five foot two inches.

The take-off boards at the bottom of fences in British racing have been changed to white from orange after research showed that colour was most visible to horses.

As someone the wrong side of 40, all credit to David Maxwell taking on the National. Incredible.

David Maxwell, owner and rider of Ain't That A Shame, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "I'm 45, I've been riding for years but I only took up serious race riding seven years ago. I just love it. Competing against guys and girls at the top of their game.

"I bought the horse and then rang Henry de Bromhead and told him I'm riding him. The fences are big, they're hard to jump and there's a lot of fallers but there's a huge element of chance. You don't know how the horses will cope with the fences and the trip."

1 Cruz Control (Stan Sheppard) 9-1

2 Sam Brown (Freddie Gingell) 20-1

3 Forward Plan (Ben Godfrey) 13-2

13 ran

Image source, Reuters

Cruz Control, post-to-post! Sam Brown is second.

Cruz Control clears the last in front...

Cruz Control still leads and still in, well, cruise control...

The King of Ryhope is making moves. Still plenty to do. Two to go!

Denmat is dropped off the back as they pick up the pace. Four fences to go, The King of Ryhope still at the back and Cruz Control still leading from Twig.

Cruz Control still at the front and looking comfortable at this stage as Fugitif is forced very wide around the grandstand turn. Seven to go.

Favourite the King of Ryhope is at the back of the field. Biding its time? Nine fences remain.

I'm not sure if it's my camera angle but Denmat looks tiny compared to some of the others in the field. It's up at the front, regardless, as Cruz Control continues at the front.

19 fences to jump in this one, a longer race. Cruz Control at the front in these very early stages.

The King of Ryhope is in Newcastle colours, they've just had a thumping win if you believe in omens.

We're off!

How's your day panning out? Who are you backing in the big one?

Let us know...

The King of Ryhope is going to go off as favourite in this one. Not an actual monarchy, as far as I'm aware.