Grand National 2023 Tips - British contender overpriced in Aintree betting

Jon Vine

Editor

Last updated: 14 Apr 2023

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Jon Vine 14 Apr 2023

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We've picked out a runner to back in the 2023 Grand National
This huge handicap takes place at Aintree on Saturday 15th April
Le Milos is our first tip for the Grand National at 20/1

Harry Skelton riding Le Milos (orange cap) clear the last to win The Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Newbury. (Getty)

Here's our first selection for the 2023 Grand National, which takes place at Aintree on Saturday 15th April.

Given the size of the field and the unpredictable nature of this race, I - and most punters - will be backing several horses in this famous handicap. Today, I've put up my first selection for the 2023 Grand National.

Grand National 2023 Tip 1 - Le Milos

Few British trainers came away from the Cheltenham Festival with a reason to celebrate. Paul Nicholls certainly did. Another was Dan Skelton, who saddled two handicap winners and watched Protektorat run well in the Gold Cup for the second season in a row.

Results at Cheltenham further emphasised that Skelton is one of the best target trainers in the business, so I find it strange to see LE MILOS - who Skelton said was being trained for the Grand National back in February - still sitting at a best price of 20/1.

Le Milos arrived at Alcester from Tim Vaughan's yard at the beginning of the campaign, having won three of his first seven starts over fences. Following an impressive victory on his stable debut at Bangor, Harry Skelton's mount held off the charging Remastered to win the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury.

The favourite had to come through trouble in running at Newbury and was pestered by a loose horse continually down the home straight. The fact that Le Milos was able to keep his composure and pick up again when challenged bodes very well for a race like the Grand National. What's more, the form of that Coral Gold Cup has worked out really well, with Remastered, Corach Rambler and Annsam all going on to win next time out.

Dan Skelton used the Premier Chase at Kelso as Le Milos' prep-run for the National. Prior to the race, Skelton stated that his runner was only 85% fit and he would come on plenty for the run. Le Milos proceeded to run brilliantly for 85% of the race, before tiring enough to allow Empire Steel to snatch an unlikely victory under the shadow of the post.

Harry Skelton could have a decision to make if Le Milos' stablemate, Ashtown Lad is entered up. The Becher Chase winner has valuable experience over the fearsome fences, but Skelton has said that stamina may be an issue over the National distance. Le Milos showed at Newbury that he's a very strong stayer. He's won on both good and heavy ground this season and he's yet to fall in 23 starts over obstacles. If Harry Skelton doesn't ride Le Milos, I will be amazed.

Verdict

Dan Skelton will have Le Milos 100% primed and ready for his tilt at the Grand National. 20/1 about this season's Coral Gold Cup winner is too good for me to pass up.

Le Milos

Each-Way

@20/1 - 10 Units

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with bonus code NEWBONUS

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