It will be all eyes on Merseyside this Saturday afternoon, as the 165th Grand National takes place at Aintree, with up to 40 riders competing for a record £975,000 prize.

The bookmaker’s favourite is last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup Synchronized, ridden by AP McCoy, who won the 2010 Grand National on 10/1 joint-favourite Don’t Push It.

That was McCoy’s first win in 15 attempts, and he is best price 9.50 (17/2) with Bodog to become this first jockey to win twice since Ruby Walsh in 2005.

Walsh, who won the race in his first attempt aged just 20 on Papillon back in 2000, rides On His Own this time around, and is a good each way shout at 17.0 (16/1) with Bet Victor.

Paddy Power are giving punters an even better chance by offering odds of 5.0 (4/1) for the double of either Walsh or McCoy riding the winner.

Second favourite West End Rocker won the Becher Chase on heavy ground at Aintree back in December, and is a 12/1 chance with Bodog.

William Hill are offering 51.0 (50/1) for Black Apalachi, racing in the Grand National for what is sure to be the last time. The horse, who will be rode by Denis O’Regan, was runner up to Don’t Push it in 2010.

The year before saw Liam Treadwell beat the odds to ride 100/1 shot Mon Mome to victory, and the French bred horse returns as a 51.0 (50/1) outsider with William Hill.

Jason Maguire rides last year’s winner Ballabriggs in a hope to become the first jockey to win back to back races since Brian Fletcher on Red Rum in the early 1970s, and is best price of 17.0 (16/1) with Bodog.

Alternatively, if you don’t fancy backing an outright winner, you may be tempted to follow one of the many specials offered by various bookmakers.

Four of the last six races have had less than sixteen horses complete the race, and Stan James are offering odds of 1.66 (4/6) for this to be the case once again, whereas Paddy Power have a price of 4.0 (3/1) for there to be over 20 horses at the finishing line, for the first time since 2005.

Also, don’t forget that the Aintree meeting isn’t just about the main race at 4.15pm Saturday. There are three days racing in total beginning on Thursday. You might want to take advantage of some of the promotions from Bet 365, such as their feature race 4/1 offer.

They will give a free bet to anyone who backs a winner of 4/1 or more in any race shown live on the BBC. They are also paying out on the fifth place horse in the National as opposed to the usual four.