Ruby Walsh has decided to ride Grand National ante-post 7/1 favourite Big Fella Thanks at Aintree this year rather than the 12/1 shot Tricky Trickster.

The two-time previous winner had a choice of either of Paul Nicholls’ trained entrants but has sided with the in-form eight-year-old, owned by Paul Barber and Harry Findlay.

Big Fella Thanks is set to start the race as the ante-post National favourite following his impressive triumph at the Greatwood Gold cup at Newbruy earlier this month.

With positive vibes from Venetia Williams’ stable, there is a growing belief defending champion Mon Mome could dispute favouritism for next month’s Grand National, in contrast to his 100/1 starting price in 2009.

The 10-year-old will carry an extra seven pounds this year but his form is far better than it was in the run up to last year’s marathon and the public are expected to get behind the champion in the run up to the race

As we all know, the Grand National is a minefield for punters, with the huge majority of backers losing their dough at the end of the four-and-a-half mile slog.

However, there are certain trends that are well worth following in order to ensure that the Aintree marathon works in your favour.

Firstly there have been no repeat winners in any of the last thirty renewals since the great Red Rum, so we can hopefully straight away discount, or indeed lay last year’s shock hero Mon Mome (currently at 10/1) and the 2008 victor Comply Or Die (25/1).

The opening day of the turf Flat season is upon us and Penitent is the 4/1 favourite after being drawn against the rail for Lincoln Handicap.

Bagging stall one in Thursday’s draw – and with the ground expected to suit William Haggas’s four-year-old – there can be few excuses if he fails to give Haggas a third success in the valuable handicap.

With second favourite Manassas being withdrawn (he was an 8/1 shot beforehand), the circumstances are looking favourable for Johnny Murtagh’s mount.

Trainer Even Williams has confirmed Deep Purple will make an appearance at Aintree next month after a reasonably impressive display in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.

Imperial Commander is the 4/1 joint favourite to win the 2011 Gold Cup after his blistering success in the Cheltenham event on Friday.

Nigel Twiston-Davies’s mount, ridden by Paddy Brennan, commanded the race through sheer power, beating second-favourite and second-placed Denman by seven lengths.

Favourite Kauto Star stumbled at the eighth and failed to recover, falling four fences from the finish. However, like Imperial Commander, he is 4/1 to succeed next year.

Kauto Star and Denman were both beaten by 7/1 shot Imperial Commander in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup to cap what has been a remarkable festival.

Kauto Star was bidding to win his third Gold Cup but a massive mistake at the eighth fence destabilised horse and jockey Ruby Walsh. With focus destroyed, Kauto Star fell four fences from the end.

Denman, meanwhile, finished second for the second successive year. He was involved in a tussle with Imperial Commander but Paddy Brennan’s steed powered up the home straight to win by seven lengths.