Let’s take a break from the Cheltenham Festival countdown and have an early look at this year’s Grand National at Aintree on Saturday, April 14, for which the weights were published this week.

With record prize-money of £975,000 this year, some pundits reckon the 4m 4f marathon may well prove the best and one of the most competitive in living memory due to the fact that 69 of the 82 entries are in the handicap.

My own formula for the National, which has achieved an excellent strike rate over the years, is based on age, weight and form. Nine or ten-year-olds have the best record, they must be weighted no more than 11-5, no less than 10-6, have decent recent form and must have won over a minimum of three miles.

That counts out on both age and weight considerations Jonjo O’Neill’s Lexus Chase winner Synchronised and last year’s National winner Ballabriggs, both trading as 16/1 joint second favourites.

The bookies have installed the David Pipe-trained Junior as their 14-1 market leader and he ticks most of the boxes as a nine-year-old set to carry 11-2. However, he has not run since last June, though holds entries over hurdles at Newbury tomorrow - the preferred option –and at both Ascot and Haydock on Saturday. Whichever option is chosen, we should have a much better clue.

Alan King’s West End Rocker, who knows the course well, is quoted at 20/1. He was brought down early on last year, but must have a chance if completing. The same trainer has also entered his progressive nine-year-old Hold On Julio, who may well be overpriced at 50/1.

The Irish will again have a strong hand. Chicago Grey, trained by Gordon Elliott, has won over four miles and meets age and weight requirements, so must go on the shortlist at 25/1, along with Dessie Hughes’ 40/1 shot Roberto Goldback.

The Ted Walsh-trained nine-year-old Seabass is an interesting entry. He hasn’t been beaten in his last five runnings and is priced at 33/1. Willie Mullins’ Apt Approach, who has won his last three races, is 40/1.

While Henrietta Knight’s Calgary Bay has been allotted 11-6, the nine-year-old is a class act who is in fine heart and must enter considerations at 25/1.

However, there’s a long way to go and much can change. The two scratchings deadlines for the 2012 Grand National are on February 28 and March 20, with the final declaration stage on April 12. There’s a maximum field of 40 runners, with a proviso for up to four reserves.

Wetherby stages a seven-race programme next Tuesday, which begins at 1.40, followed by a seven-race card at Doncaster on Wednesday, 1.55 start.

Don’t forget the rearranged Betfair meeting at Newbury tomorrow. Below are tips for Saturday’s meetings – look out for further Grand National clues in the big trials race at Haydock. The anticipated heavy going will favour Welsh Grand National winner Le Beau Bai, though note an alternative entry in the 2.25 at Ascot.

Saturday's selections: 3.00 Ascot - Kauto Stone, 3.20 Haydock - Le Beau Bai (also entered 2.25 Ascot), 3.35 Ascot - Swincome Flame, 3.45 Wincanton - Nicky Henderson’s runner, 4.00 Lingfield - Numeral.