I’m a former jockey who rode in the Grand National – this is my expert tip and 1-2-3 prediction for this year’s race

RECENTLY retired top jockey Aidan Coleman knows what racing in the Grand National is all about.

And he has exclusively revealed to Sun Racing the horse he thinks can handle the Aintree track best.

Marc Aspland – The TimesColeman thinks the Irish will dominate in this year’s National[/caption]

Bookies have reported an ‘incredible’ gamble on two Willie Mullins runners.

While Gary Moore’s Nassalam continues to be backed by those praying for more rain.

Coleman, however, who announced his retirement on live TV last weekend, is looking back to last year’s race for the winner.

And he has singled out a runner for a trainer who’s made mince meat of plundering top British prizes this season.

Coleman told Sun Racing: “I actually love Vanillier, Gavin Cromwell’s horse, he flew home last year.

“They have obviously campaigned him with the National in mind after how well he took to it last year. 

“I think he could have a great chance.”

The third favourite, who’s currently 10-1, was a strong second in the race last year behind defending champ, Corach Rambler who is leading the betting again this time round.

Given the grey has been treated well by the handicapper and Cromwell is operating off a 25 per cent strike rate in Britain this season, there is every chance the form could be reversed.

Coleman was also looking over the sea for his top three – with his predictions bad news for British trainers.

He said 16-1 Mahler Mission is in with a right chance while Mullins’ I Am Maximus looks certain to come in the top three.

He said: “I just think they are all very good horses with good jockeys and good trainers.

“The National has gone to a kind of race now where it’s a class horse race and they have all proven it at this kind of level.”

Coleman also acknowledged that while changes had to be made to the world’s most famous race, he didn’t necessarily agree with cutting the field to 34 runners from 40.

He said: “I’m a bit disappointed. It takes away a bit of allure about the National – people want to watch a 40 people cavalry charge. 

“I understand the day and age we are in, and changes do need to be made, the game has to evolve into society as best as possible.

“But that’s probably one of the changes – a few of the changes seem to be good but that’s one of the ones I was kind of hoping wouldn’t come to fruition.”

The race has also been moved from 5.15pm to 4pm in order to improve the ground.

In spite of this, Coleman said: “I still think it looks like it’s going to be particularly testing ground so it’s really going to be a stamina test.”

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