Weight of Expectation

In Liverpool at lunchtime the weights will be revealed for the Randox Health Grand National. Always keenly anticipated, this year’s unveling has even greater significance given that Tiger Roll’s connections have stressed that if he’s given what they feel is too stiff a task, he won’t be risked in an historic attempt for a third win on the spin.

The handicappers have a unique amount of licence at Aintree, in that official marks are there to guide only. Some years ago a trend emerged whereby the handicap became compressed, and that classy horses were not asked to concede quite the amount of weight, in order to encourage higher-quality animals to enter.

‘Tiger’ may well be allotted top-weight of 11st 10lbs, but it’s how that looks in relation to the rest of the field that will determine whether Gigginstown Stud allow the gallant little hero (pictured above) his date with potential destiny.

Ahead of the weights being announced, the Tiger is a warm 5/1 fav with Betfred.

Championship football

After Nottingham Forest’s emphatic 2-0 win over Leeds United at the weekend, they’re back in action tonight as they host Charlton Athletic.

Fellow promotion hopefuls Leeds travel to Brentford, who are currently occupying a play-off place.

Table-toppers West Brom take on Reading at the Madejski Stadium and third placed Fulham play Millwall at the Den.

You can find all the latest odds for tonight’s games here.

Welsh Open

There’s plenty of action throughout the day from the Welsh Open.

Judd Trump reached the second-round yesterday, as did Mark Williams and Mark Selby.

Today see Ronnie O’Sullivan in action (1pm) as well as John Higgins and defending champion Neil Robertson.

You can find the latest odds as well as the outrights, here.