At 4.15pm this afternoon, a lot of sporting fans will stop what they are doing to watch the 2014 Grand National at Aintree.

In what is always a strong field, the unpredictably of the race, which includes 30 fences, often makes picking out a winner nigh on impossible.

Some punters plump for a name that catches their eye, or the colour of the jockey's silks, while others back a favourite rider or trainer.

However, for those of you that are yet to place your hard-earned pennies on a nag, below, Sports Mole has picked out five horses that we believe have a good chance of winning or claiming a place.

1. Burton Port
In the weeks leading up to this race, the Jonjo O'Neill-trained Burton Port could have been backed at around 33-1, but is now among the favourites. Having ran once after undergoing a breathing operation, horses tend to perform better the second time around. If he takes to the fences with Brian Harding on board and with the ground in his favour, the 10-year-old could well be in contention.

Odds: 16/1

2. Monbeg Dude
Part-owned by former England rugby union international Mike Tindall and his wife Zara, 'The Dude' has been tipped to do well by a number of race-goers. Already a winner of the Welsh National, it will help the nine-year-old considerably if there is some rain in the air up at Aintree.

Odds: 18/1

3. The Rainbow Hunter
Having recorded a career best last time out, The Rainbow Hunter could not be in any better form. What's more, trainer Kim Bailey has won the National before, having masterminded Mr Frisk's success back in 1990. Speaking recently to The Telegraph, Bailey said: "He's in good form. I'm very happy with him and Aidan [Coleman] rode him in Lambourn on Friday and was happy with him. He goes there with every chance."

Odds: 28/1

4. Chance Du Roy
While there are some that question his stamina, the 10-year-old certainly wasn't lacking when he won over the Aintree fences during The Becher Chase back in December. Many feel that Chance Du Roy is trainer Philip Hobbs's second string behind Balthazar King, but there is a no reason why the gelding cannot be a decent each-way shout.

Odds: 33/1

5. Vesper Bell
A back injury suffered by Mikey Fogarty yesterday has resulted in Katie Walsh being given this ride, but despite the unanticipated jockey change, Vesper Bell can still be in with a shout. Speaking about her mount, Walsh said earlier today: "He's run well around Punchestown a couple of times, he's a big, scopey horse who stays well and I'm looking forward to the ride." She will be looking to emulate her brother, Ruby, who won this race in 2000 with Papillon.

Odds: 40/1