BOOKIES are ‘very wary' of a 20-1 Willie Mullins Grand National tip the trainer said ‘looked like the winner' of last year's £1million race.
Mullins has found it impossible to hide his love for JP McManus' Meetingofthewaters.
The eight-year-old travelled like a dream under jockey Danny Mullins in last year's contest.
But the youngest horse in the first nine home just ran out of gas on the run-in and ultimately finished seventh – still good enough for £20,000.
Grand National odds via William Hill
8-1 Stumptown, Iroko
9-1 Intense Raffles, Hewick
10-1 I Am Maximus
12-1 Vanillier
14-1 Perceval Legallois
20-1 Meetingofthewaters, Hyland, Kandoo Kid
25-1 bar
Meetingofthewaters ran off a mark of 147 and weight of 10st 8lbs in last year's renewal, which was won by stablemate and McManus horse I Am Maximus.
Meetingofthewaters is a year older and stronger this time and carrying 1lb less, which could prove all the difference on the run to the line.
Mullins immediately picked out Meetingofthewaters as ‘the one I like' when the Grand National weights were revealed in February.
He said: “My eye was drawn to him when I saw his weight.
“Last year he was looking almost like the winner coming to the second-last, he was certainly going well within himself.
“He’s a year older and stronger and he has a lovely racing weight.”
And having already seen his odds half from what they opened, William Hill are expecting more money to come for him ahead of Saturday.
Spokesperson Lee Phelps said: “It’s Grand National week and our eyes are firmly fixed on the main race on Saturday afternoon, with our Grand National book looking dominated by the Irish.
“Joint 8-1 favourite Stumptown is our worst result and he’s been very popular ever since romping to Cheltenham glory in the Cross Country for William Hill Ambassador, Gavin Cromwell.
“We’re also very wary of a Mullins horse, but interestingly it’s not defending champion I Am Maximus.
“Meetingofthewaters was a huge plunge horse in last year’s National, and although he looks to be coming to this year’s race more under the radar, he is a big loser for us and one we’re taking seriously at 20-1, Non-Runner Money Back.
“Hewick has definitely been this year’s big ante-post gamble in the National, and he’s one we’re going to need to get beat.
“He’s very much a punters’ favourite with his plucky underdog backstory, and there’s even a chance he goes off favourite if the sun continues to shine and the ground dries out to his liking.”
Grand National 2025 confirmed runners (ahead of final decs 10am Thursday)
I Am Maximus
Royale Pagaille
Nick Rockett
Grangeclare West
Hewick
Minella Indo
Appreciate It
Minella Cocooner
Conflated
Stumptown
Hitman
Beauport
Bravemansgame
Chantry House
Threeunderthrufive
Perceval Legallois
Kandoo Kid
Iroko
Intense Raffles
Senior Chief
Idas Boy
Fil Dor
Broadway Boy
Coko Beach
Stay Away Fay
Meetingofthewaters
Monbeg Genius
Vanillier
Horantzau D'Airy
Hyland
Celebre D'Allen
Three Card Brag
Twig
Duffle Coat
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