The World’s Greatest Steeplechase is always a fascinating puzzle for racing fans to solve, and this year is no different. One of the great appeals of the race is identifying horses at attractive prices who can give you a real run for your money, something that remains very much possible in a contest like this. While the race has evolved in recent years to favour classier types often found towards the head of the market, there is still plenty of scope for lesser-fancied runners to produce big performances. Here are three who could outrun their odds, despite having to defy a few trends.
Marble Sands – 150/1
This ten-year-old has been a real star for connections, largely due to his versatility. Not many Grand National contenders line up having finished a neck second at Goodwood three starts ago while also mixing it between staying chases and the all-weather, but he has.
He was below his best in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby on Boxing Day, but produced a hugely impressive performance at the Cheltenham November meeting when landing a valuable handicap chase over three miles three and a half furlongs by four lengths. It was a marked step up in trip for the Killena and McPherson-trained grey, but he took it in his stride. Turning for home, as his three main rivals came under pressure, he travelled strongly into contention and quickened clear with ease, before staying on to the line. Protektorat, albeit over too far a trip that day, has since franked the form.
He will likely need to be ridden more prominently to have any chance in the National, as it is notoriously difficult to come from off the pace. However, given his price, he is not a complete no-hoper, particularly as he shapes like one of the more likely stayers among the bigger-priced runners and won’t mind ground conditions. In reality, he is vulnerable on age and overall class, but a repeat of his Cheltenham performance could see him give his supporters a run for their money at a huge price.
Quai De Bourbon – 40/1
This Gigginstown-owned contender will have to defy a couple of notable trends, with only one seven-year-old having won the race since 1941, and he has yet to win a chase over three miles or further. He has also had issues with his jumping and completing, as reflected by the letters in his form. However, he was travelling well before being brought down in the Mildmay here last year.
He does fit the type Willie Mullins often targets for the National, a horse with a touch of class who could improve for the step up in trip. He has some strong Cheltenham Festival form, with a good third in the Martin Pipe, and finished third in the Irish National, where he was seven and a half lengths clear of the remainder and had to give 7lb to the winner Haiti Couleurs. He warmed up for this with a good third in a Listed chase at Leopardstown, travelling well and jumping soundly.
While he may prefer softer conditions, he looks well treated on his current mark and could go very well.
Final orders – 25/1
Gavin Cromwell’s ten-year-old fits a couple of important trends, having won over fences beyond three miles and arriving here off a recent run. He has enjoyed a fantastic season, landing two competitive cross-country chases at Cheltenham over three miles and five and a half furlongs.
A major positive is his prominent running style, having been up with the pace throughout his Festival success in March, which should suit conditions at Aintree. His jumping has been very solid this season and he is likely to appreciate the spring ground.
On the face of it, he looks certain to stay, although the stronger pace here compared to cross-country races is a slight concern. There is also a small question mark after his fall in the Topham a couple of years ago, and he is not the biggest, which can be a slight disadvantage over these fences.
That said, at the prices, he looks a solid each-way option given his excellent season and the strength of his cross-country form.
Odds correct at time of posting – 10:50am Wednesday 8th April
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Please note that although Matt has uploaded the tips, he is not our Racing Club Insider – the insider will remain anonymous!
