Grand National 2025 Odds and Predictions: I Am Maximus to Repeat?

Iroko (+700)

The leading favorite to win the Grand National 2025 is a seven-year-old French horse, Iroko. Trained by Oliver Greenwall and Josh Guerriero, Iroko is one of the select runners in this race that can compete at more than 4 miles.

Stamina shouldn’t be a concern for Iroko, and the horse is in top form at the moment. Nevertheless, Iroko hasn’t seen the winner’s circle since 2023. He most recently won on Nov. 7, 2023, as a 149-rated runner.

Since then, Iroko has gone winless in six events. That being said, the last four events were 152-rated for Iroko, so he’s gained some more traction and respect recently. In his latest start, Iroko finished 2nd out of four runners over 2.875 miles.

"Everything he does suggests he wants further!" 🟢🟡

Josh Guerriero (@G_G_Racing) previews Iroko's upcoming Grand National tilt… pic.twitter.com/pI3AfRGHN8

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 1, 2025

Iroko has raced in two races of over three miles. The gelding finished 3rd out of 15 and 2nd out of six horses at 3.125 miles — most recently on April 12, 2024. He’s likely in his best behavior approaching a four-mile distance, so I understand the favored Grand National odds.

Also, jockey Jonjo O’Neill Jr. has been riding Iroko since 2021, so there is a lot of familiarity here! He’s only fallen out of the saddle in one race with Iroko. Nevertheless, never winning a race over three miles before is a concern for me in this marathon at Aintree.

Intense Raffles (+800)

Intense Raffles may not have as much experience as Iroko and I Am Maximus, but this horse is quickly learning how to run well. Another French horse, Thomas Gibney’s seven-year-old, is the most intriguing and fastest-rising horse on the board.

He made his debut on January 13, 2024, and has already taken keenly to steeplechase events. Note that Intense Raffles has won three of four steeplechase races in his young career.

Intense Raffles took the top spot in three consecutive assignments to open his career. That included finishing 1st out of 20 runners in a 3.625-mile start in the Irish Grand National on April 1, 2024.

A superb performance by INTENSE RAFFLES for the double green under JJ SLEVIN wins the IRISH GRAND NATIONAL 🇮🇪🏇

ANY SECOND NOW 🥈
MINELLA COCOONER 🥉pic.twitter.com/6JcLz8PvV3

— Rein It In! Horse Racing (@ReinItInHR) April 1, 2024

He was rated as a 127 runner in February 2024 and skyrocketed to 151 for his latest outing on Feb. 25, 2025. Also note that Intense Raffles is one of only four horses in the field that have won a Class 1 race.

Despite placing 2nd out of six horses, Intense Raffles was less than a length behind Nick Rockett at the wire in the 3.125-mile race. He seems to prefer longer distances, so the Grand National should play to his strengths. This isn’t a horse to discard for your Grand National picks!

I Am Maximus (+800)

After winning a thrilling Grand National in 2024, I Am Maximus returns looking to repeat at Aintree. The last horse to win back-to-back races was Only Tiger in 2019. He remains the only runner to successfully win consecutive races in a race that dates back to the early 1800s!

History is against I Am Maximus, but Only Tiger proved it can be done if the form is right. The race has changed since the 1800s, and even over the last five years, so repeat winners may be more common. Last year, I backed I Am Maximus to win at +800 odds, and it clearly was the right side.

I AM MAXIMUS flies home like a SERIOUS horse to win the Randox Grand National!

The horse they call Moo Moo at home ❤️🤣 pic.twitter.com/6ELFDbZOMH

— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) April 13, 2024

Should we go back to the window with I Am Maximus? There is a compelling argument to be made on W P Mullins’ nine-year-old. He has won six of 17 career starts — three of 10 wins were steeplechase entries. I Am Maximus is a winner in four of his previous eight events, including the 2024 Grand National.

In his latest start, I Am Maximus was rated at 169, which puts him ahead of the other contenders at Aintree. However, I Am Maximus isn’t entering with the most momentum. He was pulled up on Dec. 28 in a three-mile event and recently went 8th out of 10 runners over three miles.

In any event, I Am Maximus has shown he can win over four miles and on this very course just one year ago. He is certainly a short-lister for your best Grand National 2025 bets!