Aintree's Grand National is the most popular jumps race on the calendar as 40 runners take on the daunting obstacle of 30 fences over the course of four and a quarter miles. Like the millions of others I will not be going and instead catching it on ITV. The TV channels recently changed the timing of the race so it's near the end of the card, I can only assume this is to try and gain a bigger TV audience though there are plenty of other events on this weekend.
The forecast going is now described as "SOFT, GOOD TO SOFT in places" and this 4m 2f+ trip will surely be run at a fast pace.
Last years winner ONE FOR ARTHUR (above) is an absentee having not seen a racecourse again since his epic victory twelve months ago, still in training though so we might see him again. This years race is headed by BLACKLION now and he's already popular in the betting and a winner over these fences too.
There's a feast of good jumping before we get to the main event towards the end of the card, we will have a brief look through these when the final declarations are out and give some selections for the accompanying races.
13.45 Gaskells Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) 3m ½f
Our opener on National day is a 3m+ handicap hurdle, we've a huge field of 22 declared overnight and this will be run at a decent pace. I had a punt on the David Pipe trained MR BIG SHOT [WON 7/1] at Cheltenham and though he ran well for a long way found the finish too much and that might have put him spot on for today on an easier track.
At a bigger price also interested in FORTUNATE GEORGE [20th 33/1] to get us up and running on National day.
Found a nice 7/1 winner to kick us off with, hopefully the rest of the meeting will be as kind to us.
14.25 Betway Mersey Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f
A field of 14 for the G1 Novice hurdle and we've a strong fav in ON THE BLIND SIDE who will doing well to keep his unbeaten run going now. I will side with the pair of WESTERN RYDER [5th 13/2] and MOMELLA [3rd 10/1] against the field at 10/1 each and the latter should be backed in the place markets too with the Skelton team still in good form and wasn't far off the fav earlier in the year so very high in my shortlist.
15.00 The Doom Bar Maghull Novices' Steeple Chase (Grade 1) 2m
A poor turn out here with only six runners, and an odds on favourite in PETIT MOUCHOIR [LOST 4/5F]. Doesn't appeal as a betting contest but would rather lay the fav and look at SHANTOU ROCK [3rd 13/2] who could get an easy lead and will take that one in the win and place markets too.
15.40 The Betway Handicap Chase (Listed) 3m 1fA big field now with 17 declared for this chase, sure a race where the jockeys will be praying for a clear round so not to compromise their rides in the big race later.
Will want to rule out all those that have either a 'PFU' in their last run or two here, and that will help narrow it down a bit. Plenty of interest in THOMAS PATRICK [WON 3/1] who is rapidly improving as a stayer and although 8lb higher than last win could still be ahead of the handicapper.
At a larger price i would take interest in HEIST [7th 33/1] at 33/1 he's a multiple winner over fences and back to a winning mark now so could be good time to catch him and is a game battler although this is obviously more difficult hence the price.
16.20 The Ryanair Stayers' Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m ½f
Time for the stayers hurdle and we see SAM SPINNER take his chance for redemption having failed at the Cheltenham Festival. At the likely short price it's one to avoid for me and although a month off might have helped I'd rather be on one of the bigger odds options than risk him again.
Both LIL ROCKERFELLER [Pulled up 12/1] and OLD GUARD [7th 12/1] are tough but will be tested here although at 20/1 that looks worth a punt should get a good gallop too.
17.15 Randox Health Grand National Steeple Chase (Grade 3) 4m 2½f
And now for the BIG ONE, 40 runners declared for a 4m 2f+ marathon over two circuits of this unique course and 30 fences to be jumped in all.
So much required here, staying power, jumping and all the luck needed to avoid the falls, debris and loose horses too. Look to one with proven ability around this unique course and fences and that's BLACKLION [12/1] who has won the Beecher Chase in the past and was 4th here last year. A year older and in excellent hands could improve a bit as an 9yo, worth a shout. FELL 1st !
Appears I've picked out TOTAL RECALL in the office sweepstake and is probably the pick of Willie Mullins entries and it might be foolish to ignore the talent at the disposal of Gordon Elliott who has TIGER ROLL [WON 10/1] in his corner.
Big prices are available all over and one of interest although 11yo now is MILANSBAR [5th 25/1] who will stay all day but has no previous experience over these fences, placed in the Midlands National on awful ground though.
RAZ DU MAREE [10th 20/1] won the Welsh National and was running well in this race last year too, respected especially if further rain comes.
18.20 The Pinsent Masons Handicap Hurdle (cond' and amat') (Class 2) 2m ½f
Very much an event after the lord mayors' show, a race for conditional and amateurs to end with and a race that could go to anyone ... 19 runners, not a race for me but will have a little win/place wager on Amour de Nuit - Non Runner with Bryony Frost in the saddle against the field.
Results will be updated later
Hope you have enjoyed a wonderful weekend.
Hope you have enjoyed a wonderful weekend.
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