Irish contender Don Poli is the early favourite for this year’s Randox Health Grand National.

Don Poli finished third in the Irish Gold Cup on Sunday, beaten out by Sizing John and stabelmate Empire of Dirt.

Gordon Elliott will send Don Poli to Cheltenham to compete in the flagship event, where he will again meet Sizing John, and he will then likely go to Aintree.

Empire of Dirt could also go from Cheltenham to Aintree, but he is unlikely to feature in the Gold Cup at Presrbury Park.

“They both ran good races,” said Elliott.

“I suppose with Don Poli we’ll look to run in the Gold Cup and Grand National. Empire Of Dirt could be a horse for the Ryanair the way he travels.

“We have no excuse. The winner is a really good horse and he beat us fair and square. We’re happy enough.”

Don Poli is now at the head of the market at 16/1, a mark he is currently sharing with Last Samuri, whilst Empire of Dirt is listed at 25/1 for the National.

“The Grand National is the biggest betting race of the year and because it is the public race, form almost goes out of the window when it comes to people’s selections,” said William Hill spokesman Jon Ivan-Duke.

“Anything with a person’s name in is always popular. This year we have an Arthur, a Phil, a Carole, an Oscar and a Sam all towards the top end of the betting. It would be no surprise to see one of them start favourite.”

William Hill Odds – 2017 Randox Health Grand National:

Who will train the winner of the 2017 Randox Health Grand National?:
6-1 Gordon Elliott
12-1 Paul Nicholls
14-1 Willie Mullins
16-1 David Pipe
20-1 Rebecca Curtis
20-1 Nicky Henderson

How Many Horses Will Complete The Course?:
10 Or Less: 15-2
11 to 15: 11-4
16 to 20: 6-4
21 to 25: 11-4
26 Or More: 9-1

All Horses To Clear First Fence In 2017 Randox Health Grand National?:
6-4 Yes

Where Will The Winner Of The 2017 Randox Health Grand National Be Trained?:
8-15 UK
11-8 Ireland
50-1 France

Don Poli To Finish In The First Four In The Cheltenham Gold Cup & Grand National: 12-1

2017 Randox Health Grand National: 16-1 Don Poli, The Last Samuri, 20-1 One For Arthur, The Young Master, 25-1 Empire Of Dirt, Vieux Lion Rouge, 33-1 A Toi Phil, Blaklion, Carlingford Lough, Carole’s Destrier, Cause Of Causes, Champagne West, Definitly Red, Foxrock, Gallant Oscar, Goodtoknow, Junction Fourteen, Minella Rocco, More Of That, Outlander, Rogue Angel, Saint Are, Saphir Du Rheu, Stellar Notion, Ucello Conti, Vicente, Ziga Boy, 40-1 Alary, Alelchi Inois, Alvarado, Le Mercurey, Measureofmydreams, Out Sam, Polidam, Raz De Maree, Regal Encore, Road To Riches, The Crafty Butcher, Wonderful Charm, 50-1 Alfie Spinner, As De Mee, Benbens, Bishops Road, Devils Bride, Doctor Harper, Goulanes, Hadrian’s Approach, Highland Lodge, Killer Crow, Knock House, Lord Windermere, Maggio, O’Faolains Boy, Pendra, Perfect Candidate, Pleasant Company, Potters Cross, Roi Des Francs, Royale Knight, Sambremont, Sausalito Sunrise, Seventh Sky, Shantou Flyer, Shutthefrontdoor, Sizing Coal, Streets Of Promise, The Game Changer, The Romford Pele, Thunder And Roses, Tiger Roll, Tour Des Champs, Triolo D’Alene, Vics Canvas, Vieux Morvan, Viva Steve, Vivaldi Collonges, Vyta Du Roc, Wounded Warrior, 66-1 Ballynagour, Clarcam, Cloudy Too, Cocktails At Dawn, Dare To Endeavour, Double Shuffle, Father Edward, Gas Line Boy, Gone Too Far, Houblon Des Obeaux, Just A Par, Katenko, La Vaticane, Lessons In Milan, Lord Scoundrel, Milansbar, Milborough, Mountain King, Racing Pulse, Silver Man, Straidnahanna, Tenor Nivernais, Waldorf Salad, 100-1 Beeves, Bless The Wings, Dromnea, Drop Out Joe, Emperor’s Choice, Federici, Lamb Or Cod, Samingarry, (EW ¼ Odds Places 1,2,3,4)