The Grand National What Horse Are You Going To Bet On

6 months ago 05th Apr 10:17

1 9-P572 HEDGEHUNTER 12 11-12
Ruby Walsh Willie Mullins
The 2005 winner has to lump a massive weight these days, and rarely enjoys it, but the booking of double Grand National-winning jockey Ruby Walsh may ease some of the burden.

2 625142 HI CLOY 11 11-12 Tom Doyle Michael Hourigan Solid jumper and a classy sort on his day but does most of his racing over significantly shorter trips and will struggle to stay.

3 135P16 KNOWHERE 10 11-11
Joe Tizzard Nigel Twiston-Davies
Did not make it far round the course last year and his jumping looked off-key in the Cheltenham Gold Cup (he finished sixth). Huge weight scarcely helps matters.

4 22-416 MR POINTMENT 9 11-11 Sam Thomas Paul Nicholls Fell foul of the handicapper after winning over the National fences in last November's Becher Chase and will probably face too tough a task now.

5 P-P123 TURKO 6 11-10
Richard Johnson Paul Nicholls
Trainer extremely bullish about this one's chances, although despite some fine form he looks too young when carrying a big weight to stand more than a slim outside chance.

6 3-4425 MADISON DU BERLAIS 7 11-9 Tom Scudamore David Pipe Once so consistent and a sound jumper, he has not been at his best this season and is likely to be outclassed.

7 F-52U4 SIMON 9 11-7
Dominic Elsworth John Spearing
An untimely late fall in this race last year dashed his hopes after he had travelled so well. Expected to be a prominent runner again, although high weight might prove a hindrance.

8 166POP ARDAGHEY 9 10-07
David England Nigel Twiston-Davies
Won his first race of the season but has since declined and has produced three wretched performances in last three outings. Promoted from reserve list to replace Opera Mundi.

9 16F5PP IRON MAN 7 11-5 Christian Williams Peter Bowen Eighteen months ago was one of the most progressive chasers in training but has been dismal since. Avoid.

10 412183 FUNDAMENTALIST 10 11-4 Paddy Brennan Nigel Twiston-Davies Doughty competitor with little to fault him but ran two hard races at the Cheltenham Festival in March and may be tired.

11 11-373 BUTLER'S CABIN 8 11-3 Tony McCoy Jonjo O'Neill Irish National winner in 2007 began the season as favourite for this but has had some unfavourable results of late. Trainer is likely to have invested time and effort in getting him right.

12 3-62S5 SLIM PICKINGS 9 11-3
Barry Geraghty Tom Taaffe
Third last year when he seemed not to stay the final half-mile. Has had a decent campaign this season and has attracted support. Arguably best of the Irish hopes.

13 3F6514 CHELSEA HARBOUR 8 11-2 Davy Russell Tom Mullins Won under a big weight at Punchestown before staying on nicely over an inadequate trip last time out. Arrives in good shape but will not want the ground to dry out too much.

14 -01105 VODKA BLEU 9 11-02
Paul Moloney David Pipe
Blinkers have worked wonders for this horse, netting two wins on the bounce this season, but punters must note there will be some major doubts about him getting the trip.

15 -63003 L'AMI 9 11-1 Mick Fitzgerald Francois Doumen Ran well for a long way last year before finishing 10th. After dropping down the ratings, showed his well-being when third to An Accordion in the William Hill Trophy. One for the shortlist.

16 -F1133 SNOWY MORNING 8 11-1
David Casey Willie Mullins
A one-time second to Denman at Cheltenham and backed into about 10-1 at one stage but a poor performance at Fairyhouse and some iffy jumping since then.

17 29F-2P BEWLEYS BERRY 10 11-0 Denis O'Regan Howard Johnson Regarded as an Aintree specialist, so a surprise that he should fall at Becher's Brook 12 months ago. His weight has gone up again amid fears his best days may be behind him.

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