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 nearer the end of the card (due off about 5:15), I can only assume this is to try and gain a bigger TV audience though there are plenty of other events on this weekend including FA Cup semi finals.
The forecast going is now described as "GOOD, GOOD TO SOFT in places" and this 4m 2f+ trip will surely be run at a fast pace. You can see a link to the official going report here.
Last years winner TIGER ROLL (above) is going to be a short price favourite for a repeat win here and simply cruised round Cheltenham winning the Cross Country event again while the long term target has always been to defend his title here. Will of course be the first horse to win again since Red Rum back in the 1970s. However that is still a BIG ask.
Last years winner TIGER ROLL (above) is going to be a short price favourite for a repeat win here and simply cruised round Cheltenham winning the Cross Country event again while the long term target has always been to defend his title here. Will of course be the first horse to win again since Red Rum back in the 1970s. However that is still a BIG ask.
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. Headed by the favourite SIRE DU BERLAIS [8th 7/2F] who won at the Cheltenham Festival and despite top weight is expected to give more than a good account of himself here.
The likes of KEEPER HILL [3rd 25/1] should find this easier than the stayers hurdle he contested last time, and with Richard Johnson in the saddle the 20/1 price looks appealing as an each way alternative. Along with CANYON CITY [6th 50/1] who is a young horse, with a light weight, and has run well in regular handicaps with bigger weights so might find the burden eased and appreciate this trip too.
Winner -- (2) AUX PTITS SOINS 11/1
14.25 Betway Mersey Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f
Just the field of nine go to post here, with the interesting horse at the bottom of the list UMBRIGADO [6th 10/1] from David Pipe who has been lightly raced and could take advantage here against some more experienced opponents.
While the top rated pair of ANGLES BREATH and BREWIN'UPASTORM are strong in the market they are both been beaten when favourites the Henderson horse beaten at odds on so not without flaws. Gordon Elliott's CHOSEN MATE [5th 6/1] rates the other danger to the market leaders having won three from four outings this season include a Grade 2 win at Naas last time.
Winner -- (7) RESERVE TANK 20/1
15.00 The Doom Bar Maghull Novices' Steeple Chase (Grade 1) 2m
A decent Grade 1 chase for the seven novice chasers and should be a good opportunity for LALOR [6th 7/2] to get back to winning ways having disappointed more than a little when pulled up in the Arkle at Cheltenham. Looks to have most to fear from Joseph O'Brien's US AND THEM [2nd 3/1].
Winner -- (6) ORNUA 3/1JF.
15.40 The Ryanair Stayers' Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m ½f
Time for the stayers hurdle with a field of 15 declared, and APPLES JADE looks likely to have plenty of support here, proven over three miles and although disappointing in the Champion Hurdle was still 6th and the longer trip ought to play to her strength. Another popular runner will be UKNOWWHATIMEANHARRY [12th 25/1] and is 16/1 while not the force of old will stay, and won't mind the ground becoming softer either. ROKSANA [2nd 10/1] will also be interesting with the 7lb allowance for Mares and the Skelton yard still going well so wouldn't be here without a chance.
Winner -- (3) IF THE CAP FITS 7/1.
16.20 The Betway Handicap Chase (Listed) 3m 1f
A big field now with 18 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.
Usually I would want to rule out all those that have either a 'PFU' in their last run or two here, and that would often help to narrow it down a bit, although sadly (or not, depending on your point of view) that doesn't apply to many here so we have a good number of half decent jumpers to play with.
Richard Johnson might be able to nurse SPRINGTOWN LAKE [Pulled Up 10/1] over this trip, and worth paying attention to MISTER MALARKY [2nd 11/2] too from Colin Tizzard's yard and both were useful over hurdles so with some reasonable jumping and a clear round can make their experience pay on the run for home.
Winner -- (1) KIDISART 8/1.
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. Much has been made of last years winner Tiger Roll repeating that feat, but to be honest he only won by a neck last year, it was on different going last year, and it's really hard to back at 3/1F in a race like this. Good luck to him if he does it, but it's not a back able price in this for me really. WON 4/1F ,,, wow.
So who does appeal, well the likes of VINTAGE CLOUDS has the pedigree to be a top stayer and is in the right hands to achieve National Glory so if he avoids trouble in running expected to be thereabouts. Sadly Fell 1st 😥.
Let's have a couple of big price outsiders who might get round and spring a surprise, start with GO CONQUER and BALLYOPTIC both hail from the Nigel Twiston-Davies yard who know better than most how to tackle a National and should stay the trip (which is a question most have to answer to) they are both showing at 33/1 which is worth a punt.
While support for WALK IN THE MILL [4th 25/1] would not be surprising given his win in the Beecher Chase around here early in December and any experience of these National fences must be considered useful. Far too many from Gordon Elliot's yard to know what is fancied other than last years' winner Tiger Roll.
The only wish is to see them ALL come back safe and sound. Sadly that was not the case, as we lost UP FOR REVIEW at the 1st fence. RIP x
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 conclude the meeting with and a race that could go to literally anyone ... 22 runners go to face the starter. Would have to consider the more experienced riders here which brings in JJ Codd on CHIEF JUSTICE [WON 13/2] for Gordon Elliott, and Jonjo O'Neill (jr) on SCHEU TIME [6th 6/1] but good luck to all the riders and their horses giving them a day out at the big meeting.
Results will be updated later
Results will be updated later
Hope you have enjoyed a wonderful weekend.
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