IT might seem mad to describe the Grand National as like a virus but, yet, no horse race has more potency and has crept into households over the years quite like Aintree’s four-and-a-quarter-mile, 30-fence spectacular.

Whether you were brought up in a ‘horse’ household or not, National day created huge interest, through being encouraged to have a bet or just the added excitement of the race and the stories it inevitably produced.

In a recent interview, Rachael Blackmore said: “The Grand National is my first memory of racing, it’s different.” And it’s the same for most people.

With not a horse to be found in any generation of our family, Grand National day is also my first racing memory. Neighbours going to the bookies to put a 50p each-way for you; as a child the possibility of winning money was a huge novelty. But even at a young age, you’ll never forget preferring Black Secret to Specify just because it was a nicer name!

Even play time in those early years could become a National game, your cowboys and Indians set was adapted with Lego fences to become a National. Odd scenes still return in childish memories – one ‘horse’ always had to go back out the course to collect the fallen jockeys!

It’s a vastly different race now than it was in the days of Red Rum and Crisp. Becher’s Brook nothing like the fearsome obstacle of the ‘70s – neither Tiger Roll nor Magic Of Light might have negotiated the old fences.

But still, nothing gives an opportunity of a glory day to the lesser-known stables and trainers like the National.

There was once a theory that years ending in seven threw up something out of the ordinary: Caughoo, Foinavon, Red Rum, Lord Gyllene’s Monday race. Then on page 20 today you can see that years ending in ‘one’ also threw up storied renewals. So who will have their hour of fame at 5.30 today?

We had some lovely stories from Cheltenham and Fairyhouse, and Aintree rarely fails to throw up one too.

Where is the fairytale today? A first woman to win with Bryony, Rachael or Tabitha? Colin Tizzard’s grand finale as he hands in his licence? Denise Foster to get her name on the National roll of honour? Another win for Henry to crown the seasons of seasons. A first for Nicky?

A win for one of the first-timers: Darragh O’Keeffe, Brian Hayes, Derek O’Connor, Sean O’Keeffe, Jody McGarvey, Kevin Sexton? Bristol De Mai would be one of the most popular winners.

Caught out

Cloth Cap is thrown in on ratings but I have a bit of a doubt on his prominent racing and fast jumping. If he gets a bit lit up by the occasion, one could see him over-jump or be caught out by the early drop fences. Odds of 4/1 are awfully short. The fences might be softer but they still looked very big all week!

Yet Cloth Cap would be a great win for Trevor Hemmings – surely we could petition for him to be conferred Lord Trevor of Aintree for services to jump racing if he has four winners, after his appearance with his old heroes on the Luck On Sunday show last weekend?

Despite changes to the fences, some things remain indisputable – you need stamina and experience to win this marathon. Farclas and The Long Mile are dismissed on those grounds. Shattered Love and Double Shuffle may not stay either but, on better ground, the extreme stayers like Lord Du Mesnil and Le Breuil may just be too slow.

‘Nationals’ form is a plus, although previous experience over the fences is no longer needed. Only six winners since 2000 had previous National experience at Aintree.

It puts horses like Burrows Saint, Acapella Bourgeois, Potters Corner and Takingrisks firmly in the mix and the two Mullins horses are major players.

Tom Lacey and Richie McLernon combine with Kimberlite Candy

And it’s hard to find negatives for the majority of the J.P. McManus runners. Kimberlite Candy is the preferred, though Minella Times has a lot in his favour. Any Second Now might find the last mile too much.

You are always trying to find one that others overlooked at big odds. Jett has the Waley-Cohen connections and this was why he was bought.

His recent form is poor but look back to his fourth in the Grade 1 Paddy Power Chase and some bits of old form, with the Harrington yard enjoying a better spell now.

It would be something for a mare to produce a Champion Hurdle winner and a Grand National winner. Lake View Lad is a big price, based on his Old Roan win.

Mister Malarky also has that touch of class through his back form (Reynoldstown winner as a novice) and that is often an asset in the National, and is at attractive odds.

There are any number of connections that would bring a bit of delight and there has to be a strong likelihood of another Irish-trained winner.

So the selections: From a long shortlist, of those at the head of the market, Kimberlite Candy to win and each-way Acapella Bourgeois, Takingrisks and Mister Malarky.