Grand National 2025 tips as ITV Racing expert gives 1-2-3-4-5 verdict and 22/1 EW outsider

An ITV expert has tipped an outsider to shine at the as he gave his verdict on the big race. While I Am Maximus goes into the Aintree showpiece as the favourite to make it two National wins in a row, lead commentator Richard Hoiles is expecting a big run from Meetingofthewaters.

The Willie Mullins' trained gelding is as long as 22/1 with some bookmakers. But while outright victory may be slightly beyond the eight-year-old - Hoiles has tipped a 10/1 shot to win outright - he believes Meetingofthewaters is a good each-way bet as he backed him to finish fifth. Hoiles said via "Finished seventh off the same mark last season when not looking to quite see out the trip. That was on softer ground and he could well outrun his odds. Each-way chance."

Hoiles picked Hewick (10/1) to finish fourth, saying: "The ground has come in his favour and while he isn't the biggest, that didn't count against Tiger Roll. The 2023 King George winner and not one to be discounted lightly."

Hoiles backed Hyland (18/1) to come as high as third. He said: "Probably the best of those towards the foot of the weights as he will love the ground and has placed in Grade 1 company this season in the Kauto Star."

The ITV man is expecting a big performance from Irish National winner Intense Raffles (12/1), saying: "Only seven years old and there could still be more to come, and he is 5lb well in compared to future races."

but Hoiles picked Perceval Legallois (9/1) as his winner. He said: "Has given the impression this trip could really bring out the best in him. His trainer Gavin Cromwell is looking to land the Gold Cup-Grand National double and this horse has all the credentials to do so."

Explaining his decision to overlook I Am Maximus, Hoiles added: "Last year's winner bids to follow up off an 8lb higher mark. He has likely been campaigned with this in mind all season but has only had two runs - unlike last year when he had four - and was a non runner with a respiratory infection just five weeks ago."

However, trainer Mullins insists I Am Maximus is in good shape ahead of the race. The legendary Irish handler said: "All the horses are running well and we're looking forward to it. I Am Maximus is in good shape. I wish I'd got the last run into him, but it didn't work out that way."

Richard Hoiles' Grand National 1-2-3-4-5

1. Perceval Legallois

2. Intense Raffles

3. Hyland

4. Hewick

5. Meetingofthewaters