THERE’S no doubt that the changes made to the Grand National have fundamentally altered the race as a spectacle, but they haven’t diminished the thrill of backing the winner of the race.

With regards this year’s renewal, I think I’ve found a pair of fancies who could go well over the four-and-a-quarter-mile marathon trip and the big Aintree fences.

Many fans will have been disappointed to see handicap blot Inothewayurthinkin scratched on Tuesday morning, but I think another Gavin Cromwell charge in VANILLIER has a great chance.

The popular grey has a load of top form to his name and ran a belter two years ago to finish second in this to Corach Rambler.

Things didn’t go so well in last year’s renewal, but he was carrying six pounds more, and he looks to be in better form this term.

I was encouraged by Gavin Cromwell’s positivity about him in his latest William Hill blog, and off the back of a fine third at the Cheltenham Festival he rates as a cracking each-way bet at 16/1, even more so if some rain comes.

At a much bigger price, I also like the look of Nigel Twiston-Davies’ BEAUPORT at 40/1.