The Derby 2014 - Ante-Post

Take Cover - Bunker (background, right [in grey]) could be a live Derby contender

My ante-post punting over the last twelve months is the main reason I’m not showing a healthier profit on here than I am. However in spite of the pitfalls and frustrations that come along with long range bets, there’s just something about it I can’t resist.

Sitting on a ticket at a massive price when everybody else is on at a fraction of your odds allows you to feel smug and superior, until the horse gets absolutely stuffed of course (Dawn Approach in last year’s Derby for example).

I will not be deterred after last year’s Derby debacle though and I’m back for further punishment with a speculative bet on a horse I’ve been a big fan of for some time now.

He was my idea of a banker on Arc day when I was there last October but didn’t make the cross-Channel trip and with his form having stood up, he more than likely would have won.

With not holding an initial entry in the Derby there was some consternation over whether he would actually line up, but he features among the second entries for the race recently announced and having already bagged an Arc you can bet connections will be keen to have a go if they have a live chance in the race.

Grand National 2014 Tips and Preview

Eye Of The Tiger - Rocky Creek can win the Grand National for Paul Nicholls

The time is almost upon us again when the eyes of the general public descend on our fair sport for one afternoon of the year.

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.