The Grand National Festival is here, bringing three fantastic days of racing, headlined by the world-famous marathon on Saturday. Run over four miles and two and a half furlongs, with thirty fences to be jumped by a field of thirty-four, it presents a unique and demanding test for both horse and jockey. It is notoriously one of the toughest puzzles in the sport to solve, but also one of the most enjoyable. Few races capture the imagination quite like the Grand National, and we’ve had a go at unravelling it for you. We return off the back of some successful tipping at the Cheltenham Festival, so hopefully that good form can continue. Richard has been enjoying a well-earned holiday and hasn’t had time to assess the full field, so it’s just the three of us bringing you the tips for the Aintree showpiece.
Tom’s Selections
My strongest fancy for the National has to be GRANGECLARE WEST (10/1) , who would’ve undoubtedly finished closer last year had he not made a big error jumping the final fence. He was last seen winning the Bobbyjo Chase, which is the same race the past two National winners contested on their final run before winning at Aintree. He should have a huge chance and he’s definitely my main play in the race.
Willie Mullins had four of the first five home in last year’s Grand National, so I have got a second Mullins runner in my shortlist – this time it’s CAPTAIN CODY (16/1). The 8YO has only won once over fences, but that was over a marathon trip, when winning last year’s Scottish Grand National. He’s had some good efforts in defeat this season, and with a bit of luck he’s more than capable of making his presence felt.
For those who would want one at a huge price, I can see FIREFOX (50/1) outrunning his odds (100/1 at time of writing). Gordon Elliott is no stranger to having a winner in the National, and although Firefox doesn’t meet some of the trends, he is a classy horse, who on his day is capable of a big performance. Last seen finishing 6th in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham, he’s untested over this sort of trip but that’s probably why we’re getting such a big price with him. If his stamina is up to this, he can run into a place.
Matt’s Selections
OSCARS BROTHER (16/1) brings a fantastic story into the race, coming from a small County Tipperary yard with just two horses, trained by 29-year-old Connor King.The ride goes to his younger brother Daniel, while their father sourced him for a bargain at the sales. It is the kind of background that captures the imagination and fits perfectly into the Grand National narrative, but he also possesses the form and profile to be a serious contender, as a progressive novice who looks likely to improve for this step up in trip.
He has enjoyed an excellent career to date, winning and placing in Listed company over hurdles at trips of around three miles, before showing marked progression over fences from two miles six furlongs up to three miles, including two wins at Grade 2 level. He ran a fine race in the Grade 1 Brown Advisory at the Cheltenham Festival, where things happened a little quickly for him, but he stayed on strongly from the rear to finish fourth. That performance also showed he can handle better ground, having previously done much of his racing on soft and heavy.
He is one of the most progressive horses in the field and ticks many of the key trends, including his age, this being his first attempt at the race, and the stamina he has displayed to win over three miles over fences. Racing off a nice weight of 10st 13lb, he should be ridden prominently and, with a clear round, looks capable of being in the mix for each-way punters.
I also like the chances of FINAL ORDERS (25/1). Gavin Cromwell’s ten-year-old fits a couple of key trends, having won over fences beyond three miles and arriving here off a recent run. He has enjoyed an excellent season, landing two competitive cross-country chases at Cheltenham, and his prominent running style and largely sound jumping should suit. He will also appreciate the spring ground and has already won over three miles five and a half furlongs, although the pace in cross-country races is typically slower. He arrives in top form and looks worthy of each-way interest.
For those looking for something at a massive price, MARBLE SANDS (125/1) is worth considering. A dominant four-length winner of a valuable Cheltenham handicap over three miles three and half a furlongs. He travelled strongly into the race before asserting with ease and staying on well to the line, form that has since been franked. He will like the ground and a similar performance could see him give his supporters a run for their money at huge odds.
Meena’s Selections
JAGWAR (11/1) is a striking seven-year-old with a strong Cheltenham record, including a Festival win. The ground should suit, and a step up in trip could unlock further improvement for a horse who looks well treated and has good form in staying handicap chases.
PANIC ATTACK (12/1) has been one of the stars of the season, contributing significant prize money to Dan Skelton’s challenge for the trainers’ title. She landed the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham before following up in fine style in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury over three and a quarter miles. She jumps well, handles the conditions and looks capable of staying the trip.
Odds correct at time of posting – 9:15pm Wednesday 8th April
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