The National Hunt season is about to get well and truly underway and that can only mean one thing, the Grand National betting is about to heat up.

The race is not until April 2010 but punters will no doubt be trying to do the impossible and identify the winner of the Aintree showpiece in the antepost markets.

If you think it is a bit steep to expect to pick the winner of the race now, then the bookmakers have opened up a number of specials markets to wet the Grand National fanatics’ appetite.

2008 National winner and 2009 runner up Comply Or Die is 9/1 with VC Bet to run into the places again next April and it is becoming obvious that the David Pipe gelding is becoming something of an Aintree specialist.  The 9/1 for him to place is generous and he is certain to be aimed at the race by his trainer.  Click here to head to the market.

Leading bookmaker Stan James has chosen to concentrate on the nationality of the winner and go 11/4 that the winner of next year’s famous race will be Irish.  For those who are interested in a market like that should remember that five of the last 11 National winners have come from Ireland!

Stan James have also chosen to speculate over the weight of the winner and with stats and trends playing such a big part in the handicap it is no surprise to see them go 7/4 that the winner carries more than eleven stone.  That would look an incredible bet if Denman were to finally take his chance at Aintree.  Click here to head to Stan James to check out their Grand National markets.

One of the greatest Grand National mysteries is Paul Nicholl’s big race duck and Blue Square go  7/1 that he is responsible for this season’s winner.  That stands out as an attractive bet with the likes of Denman, Tircky Trickster and Big Fella Thanks all in line to tackle the Aintree fences. Click here to head to Blue Square for more information.