The long wait is nearly over and in two days the Grand National 2010 will begin and with all 40 horses standing their ground today we should be in for a terrific race, so much so that trying to determine the outcome if it is proving more and more difficult. In fact, the short list is growing steadily longer and all the trainers and jockeys seem to think that their horse has what it takes to be first past the winning post of the worlds most grueling steeple chase.

We’ve studied the form, the stats and the horses performances over the last year and with some degree of difficulty have finally reached a point where we think we have at a horse who can offer you the best return on your money this weekend:

Erics Charm ~ Our Top National Tip!

So far, this horse has remained under the radar of the pundits who seem to be far more focused on which horses will be ridden by Ruby Walsh and Tony McCoy but make no mistake, this French 12 year old has plenty of potential. First and foremost he is one of only eight horses in this race who have ever run over 3m5f and won. He has also been placed on all other occasions he ran at that distance and stamina like that cannot be under-estimated.

He has also only ever had one fall in his entire career and that was back in 2004 and he has never been pulled up or unseated his rider no matter how difficult the race. The handicapper has also advised that given the opportunity he would weight him higher and believes him to be a good 5lbs under where he should be which will give him a significant advantage.

Odds on him are still long so get in there with an each-way bet with Paddy Power Bookmakers before they shorten!

Pundits Tips

Mike Cattermole – Raceform
* MON MOME
* Vic Venturi
* Big Fella Thanks
* The Package

Tony Stafford – Raceform
* BLACK APALACHI
* Whinestone Boy
* The Package
* Arbor Supreme

You can check out the odds on all the 2010 Grand National runners below.

When Hedgehunter won the 2005 Grand National he became the first winner since Corbiere (1983) to carry more that 11 stone. Watching the weights the horses carry in the National is key to picking a winner. Only top quality chasers can run four and a half miles carrying more than 11st, with Red Rum being the only winner to carry 11st 3lbs.

Look for horses that carry around the between 10 and 11 stone, last years winner Mon Mome carried 11st, in 2008 Comply Or Die carried 10-9 and in 2007 Silver Birch won with 10-6. Statistically a Grand National winner normally carries between 10-4 and 11st a few pounds here and there doesn’t make too much difference but don’t look to far beyond those weight ranges.