timeDire forecasts for Aintree rainfall this week have not come to pass, but Saturday’s game will still be the toughest in 23 years and only those who stay outright will be considered for supporter’s shortlists.
The betting markets have done a lot of the legwork in this regard, as all but a few contestants with odds of 33-1 or below have Endurance as one of their strongest suits. Narrowing it down to three or four leading candidates is a much bigger problem, though, and ultimately comes down to the individual bettor’s idea of what might be needed.
Lucinda Russell pulled off a remarkable trick to send the Corach Rambler to Aintree, arguably handicaping the race for the second consecutive year The best horse available and his track form makes him a more attractive price than the similar I Am Maximus or Meetofthewaters.
But in the end, his chances weren’t much better than those of the runner, who had twice the odds against him and an opponent like Panda Boy who was already at the bottom of the heavyweight division.
In fact, most of the leading contenders are running low on price, with the possible exception of around 16-1 Mahler Mission (4.00)has been kept fresh since November and only considers the national team.
His trainer, John McConnell, is also less visible in the UK, but he has an excellent record with his runners in this country and had his first Grand National runner in the race Also near perfect for his age, talent, stamina and form so far.
Aintree 1.20 Nicky Henderson’s strings are still running at a lower than normal high level, but Be bold and try He was the best of the trainer’s field of 16 runners at last month’s Cheltenham Festival, finishing fourth in the Pertemps final. If he can build on his career best, the eight-year-old could have an early record of 25-1.
Aintree 1.55 Caldwell Porter was the star lot of the dispersal sale when his previous owners Andy and Gemma Brown unexpectedly sold their entire collection earlier this year. He clearly has a chance of earning first-tier honors at his first try on the board for his new club, which includes former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
quick guide
Greg Wood’s Saturday Tips
exhibit
chelmsford 10.00 Winter Snowfall 10.30 City Road 11.00 Pentagram 11.30 Billy Mill 12.00 Valium 12.30 New Hope Bullets 1.05 Local Music
chepstow 12.40 Allen Knight 1.10 Casanomento 1.40 Wise Man 2.15 Bolsover Bill 2.50 King of Brazil 3.32 Lady Barco 4.40 France Jahabit
new castle 12.55 Fainsh 1.30 One more stroke 2.05 Select News 2.40 Benefit a lot 3.25 Atomic Angel 4.30 Rolling Ruler 5.05 Fight to give birth
Aintree 1.20 Bold Endeavor 1.55 Caldwell Potter 2.20 Kilbeg King (nb) 3.05 Sire Du Berlais 4.00 Mahler Mission (nap) 5.00 Hercule Du Seuil 5.35 Castle Ivers
yarmouth 3.40 Handel 4.25 Fighter Command 4.55 Letaba 5.30 Stone Circle 6.00 Berry Smart 6.30 Mr. Mojito 7.00 Blue Collar Guy 7.30 Special Mason
Wolverhampton 5.10 Profitman 5.40 Orchard Park 6.10 Local Hero 6.40 Damoiseau 7.10 Radio Goo Goo 7.40 Gogo Yubari 8.10 Red Dwarf
Aintree 2.20 Company gets a little too hot in Cheltenham’s National Hunt Chase kilbergkin Dealing with issues last time, but he’s still a good prospect to keep the handicap chase going.
Aintree 3.05 respectable lord duberlais He is entering the veteran phase of his career but performed well in the Stayers race at Cheltenham last time and has a good chance of making it three wins in a row in this race.
