For any racing fan it would be easy to sit here and conger
up superlative after superlative in the build up to the race of the year- The
Grand National. Rather than bore you with tales from yesteryear that in all
likelihood are unique for each of us, I’ve decided to look towards this terms
renewal. The classy elders, in Tidal Bay and Long Run, represent the two most
powerful battalions England has to offer- hailing from the yards of Paul
Nicholls and Nicky Henderson. The aforementioned is due to saddle Hennessey
winner Triolo D’Alene, 9th placed of 2 years prior Shakalakaboomboom
and the ever popular Hunt Ball, in addition to the Gold Cup winner a trio of
years ago. Nicholls turns to solid performer Rocky Creek along with Welsh
National placed Hawkes Point, whose form ties in conveniently with enigmatic stalemate
Tidal Bay. Stewart-owned There’s No Panic is also engaged with questions upon
his participation.
The Welsh National is a key form line to follow as it categorises
many of Aintree’s hopefuls. However, conditions to which the athletes were
subject to at Chepstow are sure to be the polar opposite here, so doubts remain
regarding its relevance. Nevertheless, winner Mountainous will again attempt to
belittle his rivals, Hawkes Point, Tidal Bay and National favourite Teaforthree
being those under primary inspection.
In terms of value, my eyes are firmly fixed on Prestbury
Park hero Balthazar King. It looks this year he may finally get the quicker
surface he so desperately depends on. Many people forget he finished 15th
last year, admittedly with only 2 behind and a gargantuan 91 lengths behind
Aurora’s Encore. He probably did too much early on and paid the price in softer
than ideal going. Should the rain stay away I think at 25-1 he has more to
offer, his superb form this season encourages the statement that he is better
than ever. His diminutive size should be overlooked, the only down sides being
his heroic Cheltenham exertions and whether he could be caught by something coming
from behind on the run in. Overall, we know he has the ability to get around
and clearly revels in this genre of race. 10-13 is a fair weight and familiar
captain and talented jockey Richard Johnson is aboard once more.
Mr Moonshine represents last year’s winning connections and
is another at a huge price. Again, he didn’t show his true colours when pulling
up last year, yet his course experience should stand him in good stead. He’s vastly
improved since last year, his 139 official rating has now blossomed to 149 on
his last runs’ efforts. He clearly stays very well and although having been campaigned
aggressively has become all the better for it. He is another that could be in
with a shout with a lower weight of 10-12. His form and improvement suggests he
has earned another crack and will be one to look out for.
Prince Du Beauchene has been targeted at this race and thus
far never made it to Aintree on the day, although his form figures aren’t
awe-inspiring he’s another than interests me. Pineau De Re ran an eye-catching
trial last time out and has an interesting profile. The Package looked back to
form last time and although usually runs best fresh, has always been a horse
for this race and the jockey and trainer combination have been almost
flawlessly good this season.
Best of luck to everyone with their National bets, it’s
never a race I neither go into too much nor tend to be very successful in!
Tweet me your thoughts at: @mp_horseracing
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