Can Tiger Roll triumph for a second successive year? Will Richard Johnson break his duck at the 21st attempt? Or can a female jockey win for the first time?
Over the years the nickname 'Mr Grand National' has been bestowed on various people, notably the late trainers Fred Rimell and Ginger 'Red Rum' McCain, both of whom saddled a record-equalling four winners; these days, it's octogenarian owner Trevor Hemmings who most fits the bill.
In fact, Johnson has not taken part in the last two stagings. This time, he will partner Rock The Kasbah, one of the leading contenders, trained by in-form Philip Hobbs; the horse hasn't run since disappointing in a race before Christmas but prior to that he advertised his big-race prospects twice, once when taking a competitive prize at Cheltenham in November, and the previous April when runner-up behind fellow Aintree hopeful Step Back - strongly fancied by some - at Sandown.
However, when a tendon injury was diagnosed, 'Arthur' missed the following season. Since his Aintree victory he's raced just twice and both times parted company with his rider - in addition, hopes of any other run were scuppered by unseasonably dry weather.
There have been fatalities in other races on the historic Grand National course but none since 2012 in the feature itself, though officials insist that they continually review safety standards and make any improvements they deem necessary.With more than half of the main fancies contained within it, the Irish challenge is looking more formidable than ever with Willie Mullins as well as Gordon Elliott, his arch rival at home, sending over the strongest of contingents.
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