My Grand National thoughts and tips

This weekend sees Merseyside play host to a sporting event which, for just a few short minutes, has the world interested. But enough about Liverpool v Fulham, I'm here to talk about the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree.

For me, it is one of our country's greatest sporting events, and one that I always look forward to for the whole year. I am not a massive racing fan, although its a sport I like to think I know a bit about. This year will be slightly different for me, however. For the first time in living memory, I will not be watching the great race live due to my Nottingham Forest season ticket (rightly) taking priority. Lets hope Forest can last the course and distance in the next few weeks, but that's for another time.

My earliest memory of the race as a kid was probably watching Seagram power past Garrison Savannah to take the money in 1991, when I was just five. Since then, I have witnessed many ups and downs, backed two winners (1996, 2004) and many, many losers. But, no matter what horse you are on, where your money is won or lost, it is a Saturday like few others in the British sporting calendar for drama, anticipation and excitement.

As for this year's renewal, there are plenty of runners in with a chance. All of the first six home last year are back again, including Comply Or Die and Mon Mome, both of which have genuine hopes of becoming the first horse since 1974 (Red Rum, of course) to win it more than once.

I am going to back three of those first six from last year in My Will, State Of Play and Cerium, who only scraped into the race today (Friday) but has had a surge of interest since it was initially named a reserve.

My Will came close last year, and this time carries less weight (11-2) than last year. he should have another decent run following similar preparation. State Of Play has a great chance in my opinion despite a quiet season. He has won over the big fences in the past, and experience like that is invaluable. I thought it was tough not to select at 16/1. As for Cerium, he was 5th last year at incredibly long odds, and was not even fully fit. His long price of 66/1 suggests it will take another monumental effort, but you never know, it is Aintree after all.

Enjoy the race!