IN this world of ever-changing habits where speed is of the essence and patience in short supply, the Grand National still captures the attention like no other race.
It is the longest race in the calendar yet viewers will be gripped for the near-ten minutes it takes to jump round the 30 fences.
The action is all live on ITV, from the Opening Show at 9.30am (ITV4) to the afternoon coverage on the main channel from 2.00pm.
Don’t miss a hoof beat.
This is the day when many who never have a bet end up having a flutter, with more than 35m bets struck and £225m wagered.
A couple of years ago this column hit the jackpot. Of the four horses I picked One For Arthur and Cause Of Causes finished first and second. I was happy with that! Last year, though, I was not so lucky so this time I’m determined to do better.
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Since the marathon equine test was first run in 1839, the fences have been modified — it’s a long time since one of the obstacles was a stone wall! — but the Grand National still remains one of sport’s toughest and greatest events.
Here are some leading contenders.
Tiger Roll is the defending champ although he is 9lb higher than in 2018. That said, after a brilliant, win at Cheltenham his official rating has leapt to 167, so technically he is 8lb well-in. He has been in awesome form but few bang in two Nationals in a row.
Rathvinden returned this season with an impressive victory in defeating Alpha Des Obeaux in the Grade 2 Bobbyjo Chase. He’s now 8lb well-in on ratings, but I’m not totally convinced by his jumping.
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He has only won four races, but Vintage Clouds is aiming to provide owner Trevor Hemmings with an unprecedented fourth victory.
He showed the benefit of a wind operation when second in the Ultima at Cheltenham and is now 5lb well-in. He has run well in Scottish Nationals.
Anibale Fly brings the class. Fourth in the 2018 Grand National and now 5lb higher in the weights. However, he is well-in by 8lb after a fine second in the Gold Cup.
Lake View Lad won two of his last three starts including the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle. Third in the Ultima when keeping on well and has place claims.
Joe Farrell has sneaked in at the bottom of the handicap. This lightly raced ten-year-old has just 17 starts to his name. Appeared to be running into form at Newbury last time and showed guts and stamina when scoring in last season’s Scottish National.
Pleasant Company was a fantastic second to Tiger Roll in 2018 and laid out for the race. He has yet to fall or unseat in 18 starts over obstacles.
Jury Duty is fancied at big prices by trainer Gordon Elliott. Hasn’t looked a stayer over 4m in the past, but kept on well over 3m2f last time. Robbie Power a good booking.
Step Back has had only eight races under rules, although he has lots of point-to-point form. He landed quite a punt in the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown last season and is a bold, prominent racer.
- Selections:
1.Vintage Clouds
2. Pleasant Company
3. Lake View Lad
4. Anibale Fly
https://textbacklinkexchanges.com/matt-chapman-talks-everything-aintree-and-the-grand-national-in-his-latest-column-for-sun-racing/
News Photo Matt Chapman talks everything Aintree and the Grand National in his latest column for Sun Racing
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