The Grand National What Horse Are You Going To Bet On

3 months ago 05th Apr 10:17

18 459-0P CONTRABAND 10 11-0
Keith Mercer Paul Murphy
A horse in apparent terminal decline, having achieved nothing of note for more than three years.

19 612-80 MCKELVEY 9 11-0 Tom O'Brien Peter Bowen Bravely chased home Silver Birch for second place last year, despite going lame in the last 100 yards. Something of an unknown quantity this year, with only two races over hurdles.

20 -20030 JOAACI 8 10-13
Johnny Farrelly David Pipe
Trainer gave him time off after a poor run in a hurdle race at Bangor in December. Massive improvement required.

21 080403 POINT BARROW 10 10-13 Tony Dobbin Pat Hughes Former Irish National winner fell at the first in 2007 when sent off co-favourite. Has not enjoyed a consistent season, and cannot be backed with any great confidence.

22 2-P014 D'ARGENT 11 10-12
Robert Thornton Alan King
An out-and-out stayer who goes well in long-distance slogs but has seen his overall record marred by some erratic jumping. Unlikely to be improving that discipline at the age of 11.

23 -434P2 NO FULL 7 10-12 Shay Barry Eoin Doyle Has never fallen in 16 starts over fences, so may complete a circuit or two. Little else to recommend it.

24 F176P0 BAILY BREEZE 9 10-11
Paddy Flood Mouse Morris
Not a noted stayer but connections are bullish and stable is in form after winning Irish National at 33-1.

25 2-360P BOB HALL 7 10-11 Noel Fehily Jonjo O'Neill Form has declined worryingly over the course of the season, and nothing indicates he will stay the trip.

26 U-5111 CLOUDY LANE 8 10-11
Jason Maguire Donald McCain
With outstanding recent form, this horse is well ahead of the handicapper and has exceptional claims. Trainer's father saddled Red Rum, and the only negative is that he is unraced at Aintree.

27 P-2221 KING JOHNS CASTLE 9 10-11 Paul Carberry Arthur Moore Definitely one for each-way hunters, with six seconds from 11 starts and the right weight and age balance for the race. Irish trainer has canny record in handicaps.

28 34-P36 MON MOME 8 10-11
Aidan Coleman Venetia Williams
Enjoyed a long lay-off before returning to racing in February and then ran well enough when sixth to An Accordion at Cheltenham. Given decent running, he should complete the race.

29 26-2P8 CORNISH SETT 9 10-10 Mr Nick Scholfield Paul Nicholls Has three wins in 15 starts over fences but has never seen an Aintree obstacle. Not a major contender.

30 104329 NAUNTON BROOK 9 10-10
Andrew Tinkler Nigel Twiston-Davies
Solid stayer who led for a while on the first circuit last year. Right credentials and could snatch a place.

31 -57626 TUMBLING DICE 9 10-10 Tom Ryan Tom Taaffe An inconsistent sort who simply does not stay this trip. Don't be tempted - invest your cash elsewhere.

32 4/0-14 BACKBEAT 11 10-9
Wilson Renwick Howard Johnson
The surprise winner of a 3m chase in January, he remains desperately inconsistent. Not one to recommend.

33 /-0P21 COMPLY OR DIE 9 10-9 Timmy Murphy David Pipe Top weight did not stop him winning the Eider Chase, following a second place to Cloudy Lane when he gave away weight. Now gets two pounds from the same horse; connections are bullish.

34 28U575 IDLE TALK 9 10-9
Brian Harding Donald McCain
It would be idle talk to big up this one's chances. A very iffy jumper, he rarely inspires even when his jockey stays in the saddle.

35 4300F2 KELAMI 10 10-09 Barry Keniry Francois Doumen Finished second in the Racing Post Chase (Kempton, 3m) when he looked the likely winner and is likely to get the good ground he needs to be most effective. Clearly warrants consideration.

36 85-547 MILAN DEUX MILLE 6 10-9
Tom Malone David Pipe
Strung together four wins on the trot last season, and is regarded as a National type. Recent form uninspiring.

37 -713P7 NADOVER 7 10-9 Robbie Power Charlie Mann Trainer admitted last December this horse doesn't stay even three miles, let alone four-and-a-half, and needs soft ground.

38 564420 BLACK APALACHI 9 10-8
Andrew McNamara Dessie Hughes
Usually confined to Irish handicaps, this is a dour stayer prone to errors and is likely to struggle.

40 1P-062 DUN DOIRE 9 10-07 Richard McGrath Tony Martin Irish trainer is one of the shrewdest in the business at handicaps, so it may be best to ignore some patchy recent form. Was excellent as a seven-year-old, less good last year.

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