Grand National
Grand National Favourites Discussed
It’s nearly time for the most popular horse race of the year; the Grand National.
Read on for our discussion of the chances of the current market leaders ahead of the race on Saturday.
Corach Rambler
The winner of this race last year, Corach Rambler has shot up 13lbs in the handicap since then, and placed a very strong third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.
His ability needs no case made for it, and he is more than capable of winning this race again, but it looks likely that the ground will be very testing by time he jumps off for this and that will not be to his benefit.
Carrying over a stone more than last year, this will be a real test on slow ground and he might be vulnerable to lower-weighted runners.
Bet on the Grand National here
I Am Maximus
Having won the Bobbyjo at Fairyhouse by a very impressive 14 lengths, I Am Maximus’ chance seems obvious, however there is one thing to be concerned about. While a talented individual with lots of ability, his jumping can occasionally leave something to be desired. In the Grand National, the one race in the calendar where jumping ability can trump all else, that doesn’t inspire a huge amount of confidence.
That said, his jumping has been good enough to make him the winner of two top class races, so – on his best form at least – he is a formidable opponent to all challengers.
Meetingofthewaters
Willie Mullins’ second string, Meetingofthewaters, is statistically unlikely to win the Grand National, aged only seven, but the gelding has had a very impressive season thus far and warrants serious consideration.
He’s improved 19lbs in the handicap since December, but – at 10st 8lbs – carries an attractive weight in this race. His form on soft ground is good and, while he might be just shy of his best in very heavy ground, he has run solid races in testing conditions before, so should be able to handle whatever this race throws at him.
Bet on the Grand National here
Vanillier
Gavin Cromwell’s grey gelding was the runner up in this race last year, two-and-a-quarter lengths behind Corach Rambler when carrying a very similar weight. This year, however, he is eight pounds lower than the favourite, which could prove very beneficial.
While we know Vanillier is experienced around this track and over the fences, truly heavy ground is not his forte, therefore, if the rain continues to fall, your money may be better off elsewhere. If it remains soft or better, though, he could be excellent value.
Panda Boy
Said to be a ‘clever trainer’, Martin Brassil sends Panda Boy into the mix. He has improved six pounds over fences this season, and was the runner-up to Meetingofthewaters at Leopardstown in December, so has plenty of ability.
He steps up in trip significantly here and is fairly unexposed at trips north of three miles, but rarely runs a bad race and, especially when carrying just 10st 7lbs, could be a tempting prospect.
