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| Eye Of The Tiger - Rocky Creek can win the Grand National for Paul Nicholls |
For better or worse, the Grand National remains a typically British tradition and, though controversial, a wonderful occasion for the whole family to enjoy.
As always my main hope for the race is that all forty horses and jockeys come back safe and sound, but if you’re having a bet in the race – which if you’re reading this you more than likely are – I have again compiled my annual runner-by-runner guide to hopefully allow you to place a bet on the people’s race using greater information than simply name or the colour of the jockey’s silks.
Though given what a lottery (ironically the name of the first ever winner of the race) the Grand National can be, you could do worse than betting based purely on name!
Since the changes to the race over the last few years the line-up has become stronger and stronger and more than ever you now need a proven top class horse. Below you will find the forty horses set to jump thirty fences and travel just under four and a half miles round Aintree along with their credentials for the world’s greatest steeplechase.
1. Tidal Bay – Mercurial veteran that has enjoyed a career renaissance since joining Paul Nicholls in 2011. Has multiple Graded victories to his name including an Arkle over 2m in his novice campaign. Most recently an excellent second in the Hennessy off top weight in 2012 before winning the Grade 1 Lexus and this season produced an incredible effort under a welter burden to narrowly taste defeat in the Welsh equivalent of this race before another brilliant performance at the top level when a late-rallying second in the Grade 1 Irish Hennessy. Unseated on his only previous start in this race back in 2011 and a huge ask under top weight here but well in on official ratings due to unique shape of the handicap and if anyone can defy top weight and become the first teenager to win the race since 1923 it is surely this enigmatic thirteen-year-old.
2. Long Run – Former dual King George and Gold Cup hero that had never been out of the places in seventeen starts until this season. Had looked a shadow of his former self this campaign until back on song in a minor race at Kelso last time out. Has long looked like a marathon trip could be what he needs these days but his occasionally sketchy jumping will need to hold up over Aintree’s notorious obstacles, though these fences don’t take the same amount of jumping as they used to and he could simply plough through the odd one and still outclass these rivals. Jockey has a good record over the fences and finished second in this race in 2011 and fourth last year aboard Oscar Time. Another that is very well in on official ratings and anything like a return to his pomp would see him go very close, based on this season’s efforts though he could struggle but undeniably the class act in the race.
3. Hunt Ball – One of the more renowned stories of the last couple of years in the National Hunt sphere, Hunt Ball enjoyed a rapid ascension to the top of the jumping game, improving from a lowly rating of 68 to 157 in the space of twelve months including winning under top weight in the two and a half mile novice handicap at Cheltenham in 2012. Subsequently sold to race in America where he enjoyed a torrid time of it but has produced two solid if unspectacular efforts since returning to these shores under the care of Nicky Henderson. His only two efforts at three miles or greater have yielded places including in the Grade 1 Bowl over Aintree’s Mildmay Course two years ago. Would be some story if he could win this, but looks up against it still seemingly on the comeback trail and high in the weights.
4. Triolo D’Alene – Champion trainer Nicky Henderson inmate that won the Hennessy earlier this season. Been targeted at this race since winning last year’s Topham over these fences with confidence such that jockey Barry Geraghty reportedly begged Henderson not to run him in the Hennessy to preserve his mark for this. Only raced three times this season but thanks to his Hennessy win now finds himself towards the head of the weights. Will act on the course and over the fences though and the Hennessy takes some winning any year (Gold Cup winner Lord Windermere back in eighth). Warmed up for this with a somewhat laboured effort in the Gold Cup but if that run has put him right for this – which you would have to suspect it has – should hold a decent chance of going well over the big fences for a second year running.
5. Rocky Creek – Relatively lightly raced eight-year-old with Paul Nicholls. Was second to Triolo D’Alene in the Hennessy having been targeted at that race for some time; fine effort in defeat though carrying a big, if not insurmountable weight. Second again on most recent start in Grade 2 Argento Chase won by narrow Gold Cup third The Giant Bolster who received 5lb. Has always looked a stayer and jumps exceptionally well, thus looks tailor made for Aintree’s unique challenge. This hasn’t always been the target though and it looked for a while like he would be saved for next year but missed intended run in the Gold Cup through ringworm. If fit and ready must have a great chance if he takes to the course but without a win since February last year and did flop at this meeting last year.
6. Quito De La Roque – Looked to have a big future when notching five straight wins all at Grade 2 or Grade 1 level throughout 2011 but pretty much gone backwards since tasting defeat in 2011 Lexus. Last win came in January last year when beating Roi Du Mee at Grade 2 level but much more miss than hit since then and it’s tough to see him getting involved here on that form. Has tackled Aintree before though and won at this meeting; was also fourth in the Grade 1 Bowl here twelve months ago. Does look to be a better horse in the first half of the year and not without the ability to go well but would need a major return to form to do so here.
7. Colbert Station – Well fancied when unseating Tony McCoy at the fearsome Chair last year but back for more twelve months on. Failing to complete last year not ideal but there have been several horses that have returned and gone well following an incompletion in recent years. Was in much better form coming in to the race twelve months ago having won the Paddy Power Chase and a Pertemps Qualifier over hurdles but this time around hasn’t won since that Pertemps win last February. Ran a decent race at Navan back in November but has failed to complete on two of his last three starts, unseating and falling last time out. His history of mistakes is a worry but he has that experience of the course and trainer Ted Walsh is a wily operator, given his connections any money for him beforehand would be telling but suspicion that last year could have been his big chance.
8. Walkon – Nine-year-old grey for Alan King that has a touch of class on his day. Very good juvenile hurdler back in 2008-2009 and won a Grade 1 round Aintree’s Mildmay course. Missed almost two years following his juvenile campaign through injury but returned in 2011 to show no ill effects with a couple of solid efforts over the smaller obstacles. Has since developed in to a decent chaser, though hasn’t won over fences since his first attempt back in December 2011. Has been placed in several competitive Grade 3 handicaps though, including when second to Triolo D’Alene over these fences twelve months ago in the Topham. Returned this year as favourite in the Old Roan here but unseated and his only start since saw him practically tailed off in fourth in the Denman Chase on heavy ground back in February. Has course form and the requisite class to go well but pulled up on his only other attempt at a marathon trip in the Scottish National two years ago and lack of recent form a concern.
9. Balthazar King – Excellent servant to Philip Hobbs over the years and finished fifteenth in this last year having led for a long way. Being on the pace probably contributed to fading back through the field twelve months ago as his myriad Cross Country wins prove he has plenty of stamina. Unbeaten this season and won a second festival Cross Country race at Cheltenham just a few weeks ago. Has become somewhat of a Cross Country specialist in recent times but the unique nature of that race (including National replica fences) should be good experience for this event and horses that complete the previous year generally have a good record the following year. Proximity of tough Cheltenham win to this race not a major plus but in the form of his life and a really interesting contender.
10. Wayward Prince – Former Ian Williams inmate now trained by his owner Hilary Parrott that has kind of lived up to his name since his novice chase campaign. Was a decent hurdler – won a Grade 1 event in good style at this meeting in 2010 – but really looked to have a bright future over fences during his novice season; went in to Cheltenham that year unbeaten and finished a respectable third in the RSA. Has struggled since, including being beaten here twice and pulling up when well backed for the 2011 Hennessy. Twice placed in the Grade 2 Charlie Hall at Wetherby though and did record an Aintree victory back in December 2012. Jumps well enough and but is a bit of a plodder and does have a tendency to not see out his races. If this race sparks something in him though could be a lively outsider given his clear ability (though he has become somewhat of a cliff horse for me over the years so take that with a pinch of salt) but a big ask of a horse with only one win to his name in the last three years.
11. Mr Moonshine – Ten-year-old trained by last year’s winning trainer Sue Smith that was pulled up twelve months ago. Has had plenty of racing since and been in good form including a third placed effort over these fences in leading trial the Becher. Won two of his last three but was beaten favourite last time up at Kelso. Not exactly well treated at the weights but clearly goes well over this course and has to be respected coming from last year’s winning connections. Seemed to lack the stamina in last year’s race and though he was staying on in the Becher he was never going to get to the first two. Capable of springing a surprise but it seems unlikely considering – though I’m pretty sure I was even harsher about the eventual winner in this preview last year!
12. Teaforthree – Last year’s third and many people’s idea of the winner this time around with all the pieces looking in place for a big run. Trained by Rebecca Curtis in Wales he sprang to the top of many people’s lists for this race (including mine) when winning the amateur rider’s four-miler at Cheltenham two years ago. He’s been relatively lightly raced since but generally always runs his race – narrowly beaten in the Welsh National last season by Monbeg Dude but built on a lacklustre effort in Haydock’s National Trial to take third in this race twelve months ago, only narrowly losing second almost on the line. Had looked the winner for a while so sure to go well again and ticks many of the right boxes. Ran well again in the Welsh National on his first start this term in spite of finishing down the field and then enhanced his credentials for this in no uncertain terms with a great effort at Ascot in the race Cappa Bleu used to prep for this ahead of his two placed efforts in the National. Warmed up in the Gold Cup finishing eighth of the eleven finishers and was ahead of the other National preppers in that race. Well backed and fancied by many so boring to say but looks destined to be on the premises again and if he gets round (which he should barring bad luck in running) booked for a place at least.
13. Across The Bay – Fourteenth last year and represents 2011’s winning trainer Donald McCain, a man that has the Grand National in his blood. Led for a long way last year and didn’t have the best of luck in running but managed to clatter several fences and eventually finished way back. Likely to go well again and could get closer with improved jumping display but unseating last time out in the Grand National Trial doesn’t exactly bode well on that front. Won over three and a half miles the time before though and was eighth in the Becher earlier in the season. Is a Grade 2 winner over hurdles and has the tools and experience to run well it’s just a case of putting it all together on the day which in a race like this is easier said than done. An outside chance of a place but would be a surprise to see him go any better than that.
14. Double Seven – Really interesting Irish raider trained by Martin Brassil for JP McManus. Racked up a five-timer between June and October last year including beating subsequent Kim Muir winner Spring Heeled in the Munster National. Only eight but had plenty of racing though never ventured outside of native Ireland. Only sixth last time out but off 126 days prior to that and if that run has brought him on and he comes here in the sort of form he was in last autumn then, although this is much more competitive and demanding than anything he’s faced, could give a good account of himself. Never raced beyond 3m1f however and tough to assess properly in the context of this race. Given connections, a market check is advised as, again, any significant market support could be very telling indeed.
15. Battle Group – Not at his best this season having pulled up twice and refused to race in Newbury’s Long Distance Hurdle at the end of November. Notched a hat trick last spring however, including winning twice at this meeting in the space of three days (once over hurdles, once over fences) both in taking style. Those two wins here last year added to his already stellar record at this meeting having won over hurdles in 2011 before finishing second over fences in 2012. Hasn’t tried the National fences though and form this season a concern, but seems to really come in to his own this time of year and has to be respected on his Aintree record.
16. Buckers Bridge – Lightly raced eight-year-old trained by Henry De Bromhead. A winner at Grade 2 level but seems to struggle in the best company; has mainly been campaigned at two and a half miles but finished third in the Bobbyjo last time out on his first attempt at three miles plus. Form of that race is strong but he was a long way back and he looks pretty poorly handicapped here all things considered. If he stays you couldn’t rule him out completely but looks too inconsistent and will likely find several too good once again in a fiercely competitive race.
17. Lion Na Bearnai – Somewhat surprise winner of the Irish National in 2012, now twelve though and never really recaptured form of that big win. Pulled up in last season’s Hennessy and Scottish National but got back to winning ways at Fairyhouse in February before finishing a rather distant fourth in the Bobbyjo behind Buckers Bridge (3rd). Clearly does stay a marathon trip but probably past his best now and failure in last year’s less competitive Scottish version of this race would suggest he’ll find this pretty tough going from what looks a high enough mark.
18. Prince De Beauchene – Well fancied for this race for the last two years but missed race both times through injury. Now eleven and probably past his best but fragility has meant he doesn’t have many miles on the clock and he has actually won at this meeting having taken the John Smith’s Chase in 2011 on his last start before joining Willie Mullins. Won the Bobbyjo in 2012 but now without a win since December of that year, has only raced on five occasions in that time though to be fair. Been disappointing this season, finishing thirteenth in the Hennessy and last in the Lexus before only mustering a well beaten fourth last time out in the Grade 2 Kinloch Brae Chase. The confidence behind him for this race in the past can’t be ignored but his shot at glory in this was probably two years ago and seemingly on the decline now he will be up against it which is a little bit of a shame having finally made it to the race.
19. Monbeg Dude – Part-owned by Mike Tindall, Michael Scuadmore’s gelding won the Welsh National last season (beat Teaforthree) under an inspired Paul Carberry ride; victory in that race had looked almost an impossibility for a long way thanks to his suspect jumping. Was talked about for this last year after that Chepstow win but opted for the Gold Cup instead and ended up pulling up well beat. Returned over hurdles at Cheltenham and has contest two Grade 3 handicap chases there this season too, winning on his most recent visit to Prestbury Park beating Hennessy third Theatre Guide. Prepped for this in the Grimthorpe at Doncaster but could only manage fifth, his jumping errors were back in that race in spite of apparently having had help from Zara Phillips on that front. Pretty well treated on his best performances but his racing style will surely leave him a hostage to fortune amidst the rough and tumble of the National and though he’ll no doubt be doing his best work late on it is very difficult to come from well back and win in this. If he gets round though a place would not be out of the question in the slightest.
20. Big Shu – Another interesting contender from across the Irish Sea. Rarely runs a bad race but has mainly been campaigned in Hunter Chases and in Cross Country races. Been in great form over the last twelve months and last seen finishing a good third in the Cheltenham Cross Country race (Balthazar King won), was held up in that and came with every chance but just got outbattled on the run in. Racing style could leave him needing luck in running but if able to creep through the field as has become his style could be one staying on for a place at the business end of affairs.
21. Burton Port – Formerly top class chaser that has tumbled down the handicap having suffered with injury at a cruel point of a promising career. Excellent novice campaign culminated in a second-placed effort in the RSA at Cheltenham (Long Run 3rd) and then victory in the Grade 2 Mildmay at this meeting. Returned with an excellent second in the 2010 Hennessy (the mighty Denman back in third albeit giving almost two stone) off over a year after that but returned with a narrow second to Long Run in the Denman Chase (Tidal Bay last) again receiving weight though. Excellent fourth in that year’s Gold Cup and second at this meeting in the Grade 1 Bowl. The wheels have truly come off since, following another lengthy absence, and had looked a shadow of his former self before good second in a Veteran’s event last time out. Very well treated on his best form and if anyone can recapture that level of performance it’s his trainer but this much tougher than anything he’s competed in over last two years and needs to bounce back in emphatic fashion to get on terms.
22. Our Father – Owned by the late David Johnson, this David Pipe trained entrant would no doubt be a popular winner. Connections took this race in 2008 with Comply Or Die and this lightly raced eight-year-old certainly has the talent to go well for them again here. Was the subject of strong, sustained support prior to the Hennessy and went off favourite but only managed seventh. Was fifth in the Grand National Trial at Haydock on heavy ground before travelling well for a long way in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham before his jumping let him down near the end, though no chance with front two. Limited chase experience a concern but the usual volume of support behind him in his races suggests a big run expected one day and this could be the race to draw out that untapped potential. Tends to reserve his best performances for when fresh off a lengthy break so proximity of last run to this not ideal. Unlikely to be a player on recent performances but has the tools to run well if he can finally put it all together.
23. Mountainous – Welsh National winner from Richard Lee yard. Though decent, never really looked a stayer over hurdles but has proven his stamina in abundance since going chasing. Great effort to land the Welsh version of this (Tidal Bay in 3rd) but looked to struggle from revised mark last time out when only fifth in West Wales National at Ffos Las. Best performances have all come in the mud and in spite of big win earlier this season this is much more competitive and all together different to anything he’s experienced before. Impossible to rule out but would be a surprise if he were able to land an historic double.
24. The Rainbow Hunter – Kim Bailey inmate that only made it as far as Canal Turn the first time twelve months ago. Somewhat uncharacteristic mistake there but was pulled up in the Bet365 Gold Cup the time after. Been back in better from this season and surprised a few when winning the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster last time out in a convincing manner. Experience of last year a positive but obvious negative he only made it as far as the eighth fence. If on song would not be without place claims but has been frustratingly inconsistent at times in his career.
25. Vintage Star – Representative of last year’s winning trainer and 2005 and 2011’s winning owner. Fell at Cheltenham last time out in the 3m handicap but excellent second in Grade 2 Peter Marsh the time before that (Chance Du Roy pulled up). Sixth in Welsh National earlier in season as well as second in Newcastle Rehearsal Chase and winning at Carlisle on come back. Was good novice last year and though form has been in and out, you’d have said the same about last year’s runaway winner. Clearly stays well enough and though fall last time not ideal, if none the worse from that tumble you’d be hard pressed to discount him completely given connections.
26. Chance Du Roy – Good record round here having been second in the Topham in 2012 and won the Becher earlier this season. Did fall in the 2012 Grand Sefton though and was only ninth in last year’s Topham having never really got going. Battled well to win the Becher though and that is generally a great guide to this race. Recent form mostly poor however and pulled up in the Peter Marsh in January before only managing fourth last time out at Ascot. That Ascot race a solid prep for this though and this clearly has been target, warrants respect on the back of those good performances here previously but if he didn’t have those on his CV would be tough to fancy. He does though and hails from the yard of a master trainer, if return to Aintree sees him at his best again would have a decent chance.
27. Hawkes Point – Paul Nicholls’s lightly raced Welsh National runner-up. Only narrowly denied at Chepstow and has some decent pieces of form in the book, including fifth placed effort here in a Grade 1 Hurdle two years ago. Pulled up in 4m National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham last season but his Welsh National effort and his plodding on sixth in Haydock’s mud-spattered Grand National Trial last time out show he stays. Best efforts all in the mud and yet to win on anything other than heavy ground, that a concern and could be outpaced on quicker ground. Will surely be staying on late in the day but looks to have his work cut out to get as close as he did in Welsh equivalent.
28. Kruzhlinin – Donald McCain trained seven-year-old. Started the season well before a seventh placed effort in the Sky Bet Chase behind The Rainbow Hunter. Only third of five on last start (Mr Moonshine second) and looks too young for this really this time around. Pretty consistent since hurdles debut and finished fourth here twice (Mildmay) in last twelve months but surprisingly high in the weights really. Would be a turn up if he were good enough at this point in his career to get on the premises but a good run could be worth noting for future years.
29. Pineau De Re – Dr. Richard Newland eleven-year-old that caught the eye in the Pertemps at Cheltenham. Kind of went a little under the radar in that given the extraordinarily close finish but was staying on in third and only just failed to catch the front two. The Pertemps is often used as a prep for the National and that coupled with a Veterans’ win at Exeter in January see him come here in good form. Fell in the Becher over these fences when starting to make his move, which is an obvious concern but some of his earlier Irish form, especially over hurdles, would suggest he’s feasibly treated here. Had plenty of racing this season but would need to run a career best to get on terms here which is no mean feat for an eleven-year-old.
30. Golan Way – Former flat horse that has a win over an extended mile to his name. Not the sort you’d ordinarily expect to be lining up in the Grand National but has proven himself over long distances since going chasing. Took the jumping game in his stride winning first four starts over hurdles (including a Grade 2 at Cheltenham). Third in the Grade 2 Mildmay Novices’ Chase here in 2011 and good win in Listed Future Stars Chase the following season saw him take his chance in the King George, where he was pulled up. Largely inconsistent since and off for over a year following third placed finish in London National in December 2012. Hunter Chasing this season and though unseated on first start back romped home by 14l last time out. Be some story if he could do it but has a lot going against him and looks likely to struggle.
31. Twirling Magnet – Eight-year-old for Jonjo O’Neill. Unseated in the Kim Muir last time out after a couple of errors but had been going well enough until blunders. Seventh in Ascot Grade 3 back in November on start before that, the form of which looks strong (Triolo D’Alene third) but probably lacks the overall experience you’d want for this. Won a couple of novice events in last year or so but lacks the form really for a race like this, loathe to rule anything out completely but shouldn’t be good enough and looks destined to struggle.
32. Vesper Bell – Willie Mullins trained gelding in the ownership of the powerful Riccis. Solid hurdler two seasons ago and was second in a Grade 1 over timber at Punchestown. Had made a good fist of chasing until this season (seventh in Kim Muir last season) when falling at the first in the Becher having been sent off second favourite. One would assume that was his prep for this so not much was learned about his Aintree credentials and unseating in Classic Chase at Warwick next time out didn’t alleviate any jumping concerns surrounding him. Had travelled well enough in that race until blundering but could only manage ninth in the Thyestes in January when picked over Gold Cup second On His Own by Ruby Walsh. Clearly well thought of and given connections has to be given a chance but sketchy jumping this season tempers enthusiasm.
33. The Package – Another for Messrs Pipe and Johnson, was narrowly denied in the 3m handicap at Cheltenham in 2010 and went off having been well supported for this later that season unseating on second circuit. Missed almost eighteen months between November that year and March 2012 though but returned with great effort in three-mile handicap at the festival again finishing fourth. Won Listed Badger Ales Trophy at start of last season before finishing fourth in strong renewal of Hennessy (Tidal Bay second, subsequent Gold Cup winner Bobs Worth won). Pulled up in his beloved Cheltenham race at end of last season though and off until returning in it this season with another brilliant placed effort in third. Now eleven and concern that he goes best fresh these days but has to be respected and would be no surprise to see him go well.
34. Raz De Maree – French bred challenger for Dessie Hughes. Useful enough hurdler and solid handicapper over fences, enjoying a good novice campaign last season. Struggled recently this term though failing to complete on two of his last four starts – third last time out reads better than it looks though and trainer has a good record with horses over these fences. Has looked good on his day but liable to find this too hot and ultimately looks another likely to struggle.
35. Rose Of The Moon – Interesting contender for David O’Meara and Middleham Park Racing, connections you’d ordinarily associate with the flat. Boasts some good little bits of form from his bumper and hurdling days (including a second to Bobs Worth on his hurdling debut) and won three out of six over fences to date. Strike rate probably flatters slightly as has struggled in better company, such as when pulled up in the four-miler at Cheltenham last year or when only tenth in the Becher earlier this season. Plenty to like about latest Wetherby victory though and looks on a fair mark; trainer one to always take note of and if limited chase starts not too much a of a barrier rates as an outsider that could go well.
36. Shakalakaboomboom – Seventh in the Topham of 2011 and ninth in this two years ago when sent off joint favourite. Went well for a long way in that 2012 renewal but just failed to get home, lengthy absence since, only returning in January this year in a jumper’s bumper. Decent enough performance off a break that day but been poor in two starts since, pulling up over hurdles before only finishing seventeenth of twenty-three in the 3m handicap at Cheltenham. Probably had his best chance in this and though still only ten would be a surprise if he were able to recapture the form of his pomp, when he was a Grade 3 winner over fences.
37. Alvarado – Represents owners that’ve had a horse placed in this race for the last five years but sadly doesn’t quite look as good or as straight forward as State Of Play (2009, 2010. 2011 or Cappa Bleu (2012, 2013). Won a Grade 3 Cheltenham handicap at start of this season though, the form of which looks strong (Monbeg Dude fourth) and has taken a couple of other decent chase prizes. Form a little patchy and was pulled up on most recent start on New Year’s Day, should stay but has a couple or refusals to his name too so clearly has his own views on how to do things which is far from ideal on an occasion like this. Looks unlikely to be involved when things get serious.
38. Last Time D’Albain – French bred, Irish raider that was third in last year’s Topham behind Triolo D’Alene and Walkon staying on at the end. Had previously been a good third behind Colbert Station in the Paddy power Chase at Leopardstown. Largely poor this season however, beaten a distance in all three of his starts at around two and a half miles. Been consistent enough in his career prior to this season though and performance at this meeting last year a big positive. Realistically doesn’t look a major player but couldn’t be totally ruled out for a place if turning up in form he was in here last year.
39. One In A Milan – Trained by Evan Williams, the man who sent out State Of Play and Cappa Bleu to bag places in the last five renewals of this. Was fourth in Welsh National behind Mountainous and third in last year’s Midlands Grand National. An obvious stayer that’s largely been pretty consistent, rather off colour since Chepstow though and worry that slog could have taken a lot out of him. Respected given trainer, stamina and lowly weight but probably lacking the class for this.
40. Swing Bill – Veteran grey for David Pipe that boasts a good record round here. Sixth last year and tenth in 2012, has also been fifth in this year’s Becher and fourth in 2012’s renewal of that trial, as well as fifth in 2011’s Topham. Thirteen now though so would be some effort to better previous performances round here but seems to enjoy Aintree and cannot be ruled out of staying on for a place if putting in a safe round.
Verdict:
A minefield as usual but ROCKY CREEK has long appealed to me as a National type and his pinpoint jumping should give him every chance if he takes to the unique aspects of the race. He is a class horse and a strong stayer and I can see him possibly going off a bit bigger than he should with so much attention likely to fall on Paul Nicholls’s other main hope Tidal Bay.
Teaforthree’s chance is clear for everyone to see, he was unlucky to lose second last year and looks very well treated to bid for redemption this time around. His prep runs have done nothing to temper enthusiasm really but he is a short enough price now considering the luck you need to enjoy in running too. He attacks his fences though and should be on the front end which should limit his exposure to the chaos likely to be developing in behind, I couldn’t back him at that price though.
Balthazar King didn’t get home in this race last year and will need to try and conserve his energy a little better this time around but he’s been a fantastic servant and his experience in races a little left of centre has to give him a solid base from which to make his bid for glory. He’s been in the form of his life this season and should once again give a bold account of himself.
While Chance Du Roy comes here having won my favourite trial for this the Becher, he battled hard that day on the run in and still looks a fair price given his record over these fences.
Rocky Creek is the main hope though and the Hennessy runner-up looks more than capable of handing Paul Nicholls his second win in the race.
1-2-3-4:
1. Rocky Creek
2. Teaforthree
3. Balthazar King
4. Chance Du Roy
Recommendations:
1pt e/w Rocky Creek @ 20/1 (Bet Victor) [6 Places, NRNB]
0.25pt e/w Balthazar King @ 20/1 (Bet Victor) [6 Places, NRNB]
0.25 pt e/w Chance Du Roy @ 33/1 (Bet Victor) [6 Places, NRNB]
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