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14-1 Package can deliver in National

It's a nightmare from a punting point of view, yet the Grand National is still the most popular race of the year.

As the 100-1 outsider Mon Mome proved when claiming the world's greatest steeplechase, you can study race form for as long as you like but that doesn't mean you're any closer to finding the winner.

If you are going to bet on the race, have a few sheckles on The Package. The seven-year-old won the prep race at Cheltenham which Mon Mome took on his way to Aintree glory and comes from a stable who know how to train National winners. At 14-1, The Package is decent each-way value — particularly with Paddy Power paying 1/4 odds on the first FIVE home.

Alternatively, take the advice of this columnist's nan, who is a once-a-year punter and will be choosing a horse because the name or the jockey's silks mean something to her!

Nicholls nightmare

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has sent out 44 National runners since 1992, yet he's only had a couple of placed efforts in return. This year, he saddles four runners including the 7-1 favourite Big Fella Thanks, who finished sixth in the race last year. Ruby Walsh takes the ride and a big run is expected.

Just like Nicholls, who is 4-1 to train the National winner, jockey Tony McCoy hasn't had the best of luck in the race and will be hoping it's 15th time lucky. Third place is his best finish. His mount, Don't Push It, has been backed down to 20-1 and he's 5-1 to be top jock out of a list including Walsh (6-4), Timmy Murphy (7-2), Barry Geraghty (5-1), Davy Russell (5-1) and Robert Thornton (10-1).

Grant's last hurrah

With relegation staring them in the face and injuries taking their toll on a threadbare squad, it's difficult to see Portsmouth winning their FA Cup semi-final with Tottenham.