Forty horses line up for the £1 million Randox-sponsored showpiece, primed to tackle 30 fences, many of which have household names such as Becher's Brook, The Chair, Valentine's Brook and the Canal Turn.
Those fences are not as fearsome as they once were. Quite rightly, animal welfare takes first priority now. But the historic race, which dates back to 1839, is still a thrilling spectacle.
Last year, it was forced behind closed doors by the pandemic, having been cancelled altogether in 2020. But it's back in all its glory on Saturday (5.15 pm) and will be enjoyed by 70,000 on course and a global TV audience of up to 600 million people. You can watch it live on ITV.
It remains the one day of the year when most of us have a flutter, whether it be a couple of quid each/way or a go on the sweep at work or our local pub. Bookies expect about £200 million to be bet on the great race.
This year's running looks as competitive as ever, even though it lacks the presence of two-times winner TIGER ROLL, who was retired after last month's Cheltenham Festival.
Last year's race made history when Rachael Blackmore became the first female rider to triumph aboard MINELLA TIMES. They are back for more, but the horse has been burdened by top weight and has been in poor form.
Amazingly, ten of the first 11 places 12 months ago were filled by horses trained in Ireland. Once again, Irish handlers such as Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott are well represented.
So in trying to find the winner, do you study the form or do you stick a pin in? To help you decide, our guide pinpoints 12 horses likely to have a say in the outcome. A couple of lively outsiders, Mount Ida and Fortescue, just failed to make the cut!
Please note: the numbers do NOT relate to their order on the racecard. And the prices quoted were correct at the time of going to press.
Good luck!
MY VERDICT - 1 Escaria Ten, 2 Any Second Now, 3 Fiddlerontheroof, 4 De Rasher Counter, 5 Delta Work
Last year, it was forced behind closed doors by the pandemic, having been cancelled altogether in 2020. But it's back in all its glory on Saturday (5.15 pm) and will be enjoyed by 70,000 on course and a global TV audience of up to 600 million people. You can watch it live on ITV.
5. Delta Work (10/1)
One of several runners for crack Irish trainer Gordon Elliott and powerhouse owners Gigginstown Stud, run by Michael O'Leary of Ryanair fame. Once a top-class prospect, his form regressed after finishing fifth in the 2020 Cheltenham Gold Cup. But he bounced back when spoiling Tiger Roll's retirement party at the Cheltenham Festival, jumping better than he has ever done. Very much the class horse of the contest, with a brilliant young jockey (Jack Kennedy) in the plate.
Photo: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images
6. Santini (40/1)
Dismissed by many as a slow plodder since leaving the top yard of Nicky Henderson, but it's only two years since he was a mere neck second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. He's now on a handicap mark fully 18lb lower than his peak and has been rekindled back to form this term by his new trainer, Polly Gundry, who aims to become the fourth woman to saddle the winner since 2009. A big horse with oodles of stamina, he might just be suited to this test.
Photo: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images
7. Eclair Surf (14/1)
One of two tasty runners for trainer Emma Lavelle, this 8yo has been a revelation this term. He landed what is often a solid National trial at Warwick before proving his stamina for 4m-plus when second in the Eider Chase at Newcastle, beaten only by a rival who went on to win the Scottish National last week. Jumping-wise, he can throw in a howler, which doesn't augur well, but, sneaking into the race at the foot of the weights, he could still be improving and relishes going with 'Good' in the description,
Photo: Pool
8. Run Wild Fred
The stock of Gordon Elliott/Gigginstown's 8yo seems to have fallen since his defeat at the Cheltenham Festival last month. But he was beaten only by a rival, Stattler, likely to develop into a Cheltenham Gold Cup contender next season. Strictly speaking, he's still a novice, which would normally be a big no-no, but he has plenty of experience, gallops all day and was second in last season's Irish National. Tiger Roll's pilot, veteran Davy Russell, takes the ride.
Photo: Getty Images