Here's my Twitter guide to the remaining 48 entries in this year's Grand National.
In the past this particular post has never been keenly awaited by any of my regular readers and, unsurprisingly, this year has proved no exception.
As always, the guide has been compiled using Twitter's 140 character limit for each individual entry.
It will be of limited (if any) use when attempting to make your own selections for this year's race.
At the time of writing layers offering each-way a quater the odds five places include bet365, SkyBet, Boylesports, BetVictor, Blue Square, Paddy Power and 888sport.
SYNCHRONISED Bids to become first horse to win Gold Cup & Grand National in the same year since Golden Miller in 1934; not the most natural jumper
BALLABRIGGS Last year's winner off a 10lb higher mark; looks sure to give a good account
WEIRD AL Charlie Hall winner has disappointing effort in the Gold Cup to put behind him
CALGARY BAY Fell at the fourth last year but comes here in fine form; will he stay the trip?
NEPTUNE COLLONGES Nicholls keen to secure the services of R. Walsh for this one - Ruby prefers On His Own
ALFA BEAT Two Kerry Nationals to his name, Davy Russell booked; trainer predicts big run provided ground remains good
PLANET OF SOUND Won the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestwon last April; others preferred
BLACK APALACHI Won Becher Chase over National fences in 2008 but now aged 13 the best years are behind him
DEEP PURPLE Won the London National at Sandown (29f) in December but possibly better over shorter; Evan Williams' third string
JUNIOR Short enough in the market; blinkered runner who didn't jump well enough going down a short head in the Grimthrope
CHICAGO GREY Won 4 mile NH Chase at Cheltenham 2011, then eighth in Scottish National; sometimes low at his fences - Paul Carberry rides
TATENEN Quirky customer who has found a new lease of life with Richard Rowe; never won beyond 21f
ACCORDING TO PETE Peter Marsh winner has been in good form this season; entitled to take his chance
SEABASS Trained by Ted Walsh, daughter Katie bids to become first woman to ride the National winner
SHAKALAKABOOMBOOM Seventh in last year's Topham over the National fences
WEST END ROCKER Unlucky to be brought down at Becher's last year. Won this year's Becher Chase unchallenged; further rain will help
ON HIS OWN Owned by Andrea & Graham Wylie and leased to charity Children's Heart Unit Fund for the day; Willie Mullins trains, Ruby Walsh rides
ALWAYS RIGHT Third in last year's Scottish National; had a soft palate operation after being pulled up in Haydock's National Trial
CAPPA BLEU Paul Moloney choses this one from Evan Williams' three entries; third in Welsh National behind Le Beau Bai and Giles Cross
RARE BOB Fourth in 2009 Irish National; done most of his winning around two and half miles
MON MOME Shock 100/1 winner in 2009; 12 years old now - age appears to be taking its toll
ORGANISEDCONFUSION Last year's Irish National winner; first try at a trip beyond three miles since that win
THE MIDNIGHT CLUB Sixth in this last year, beaten a long way in the Gold Cup; Walsh prefers On His Own
TREACLE Reasonable recent form, staying on to be beaten seven and a half lengths in the Irish Hennessy; Andrew Lynch rides
ARBOR SUPREME Fell at the Chair in 2011; hasn't won for three and a half years
SUNNYHILLBOY Third in last year's Irish National; ran a fine trial taking the Kim Muir at Cheltenham four weeks ago
KILLYGLEN In the process of running a big race at big odds (66/1) last year when coming to grief four from home
QUISCOVER FONTAINE Fourth in last year's Irish National and been racing over shorter trips since
THARAWAAT Gordon Elliott's second string
ALWAYS WAINING Likes these fences - won the past two renewals of the Topham and fourth in the Becher in December
BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE Second behind Sunnyhillboy in the Kim Muir; closely matched with that one
LE BEAU BAI Welsh National winner who stays forever but small and may struggle with these fences
STATE OF PLAY Fine record in the race - fourth 2009, third 2010, fourth 2011 but older now; Moloney prefers Cappa Bleu, Fehily rides
SWING BILL Pulled up in the Becher and beaten a long way in the Kim Muir
POSTMASTER Winning form on quick ground which he's unlikely to get here
GILES CROSS A gallant second behind Le Beau Bai in the Welsh National; gained revenge in Haydock's National Trial - every chance
HELLO BUD Won the Becher in 2010 but pulled up in this race last year and at 14 his best days are behind him
IN COMPLIANCE Completed in thirteenth last year but is another year older
MIDNIGHT HAZE Kim Bailey opted for this rather than Irish National; Sean Quinlan rides
VIC VENTURI Former Becher winner who still retains a touch of class at the age of 12; prefers soft
VIKING BLOND Blinkered front-runner likely to struggle against some of these
NEPTUNE EQUESTER Out of sorts this season
ANY CURRENCY Third in London National at Sandown last December but hasn't built on that since
OUR ISLAND Eighth in four mile NH Chase at Cheltenham - 100/1 chance
ABBEYBRANEY Didn't appear to appreciate the fences in the Becher
SADDLERS STORM Pulled up in Monday's Irish National
SMOKING ACES Sixth in the Punchestown Grand National Trial but unlikely to make cut
BALLYVESSEY Remote third in the Becher; unlikely to make the cut
Showing posts with label twitter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label twitter. Show all posts
Monday, April 09, 2012
Sunday, May 29, 2011
In the frame...
Earlier this week Daryl Jacob was appointed Paul Nicholls' second jockey. Having read Lucky Break and Ruby: The Autobiography, I wondered whether Nicholls would have perhaps considered an alternative arrangement this time given that first choice Walsh missed much of last year's core NH season with a broken leg. Of course, Walsh is peerless and returned to action in March to ride five Festival winners. Nonetheless hints of tension in the partnership were inevitably present - Nicholls was known to be disappointed by Walsh's decision to ride Willie Mullins' Mikael D'Haguenet ahead of Aiteen Thirtythree in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham. In the Weekender Alistair Whitehouse-Jones reports that trainer Nick Williams has acted quickly and appointed James Reveley as a replacement for Jacob but hints that Reveley's reluctance to relocate south could lead to problems in the future.
It may be very early days in the new NH season but I've seen snippets from Simon Holt and Alan Lee suggesting two jockeys who could give current champion A P McCoy a run for his money this year are Jason Maguire and the aforementioned Daryl Jacob.
Mickael Barzalona rode a double at Newmarket yesterday and later Barcelona won the Champions League Final at Wembley, but did anyone else think Paddy Power were sailing close to the wind with the advertisement that interspersed Channel 4's racing coverage? A young lady showed viewers a mobile device displaying the message 'Barcelona win normal time, refund losing bets'; the lady in question then encouraged punters to go to a specific web address. In actual fact the refunds applied to Paddy Power's correct score, scorecast and first/last goalscorer markets only; although full details were displayed in 'small print' on screen, I thought the deliberate impression created was the refund applied to all bets struck.
Finally, a couple of horses you may wish to follow if, unlike Ryan Giggs, you're a fan of Twitter...
Twitter horse Trending @Trending_Horse trained by @jeremygask website: http://socialmediaracing.com/
The People's Horse @peopleshorse website: http://www.thepeopleshorse.co.uk/
Student Horse Tae Kwon Do @StudentHorse His progress has been mentioned on the blog previously; he obliged at odds of 9/2 at Fontwell earlier today.
It may be very early days in the new NH season but I've seen snippets from Simon Holt and Alan Lee suggesting two jockeys who could give current champion A P McCoy a run for his money this year are Jason Maguire and the aforementioned Daryl Jacob.
Mickael Barzalona rode a double at Newmarket yesterday and later Barcelona won the Champions League Final at Wembley, but did anyone else think Paddy Power were sailing close to the wind with the advertisement that interspersed Channel 4's racing coverage? A young lady showed viewers a mobile device displaying the message 'Barcelona win normal time, refund losing bets'; the lady in question then encouraged punters to go to a specific web address. In actual fact the refunds applied to Paddy Power's correct score, scorecast and first/last goalscorer markets only; although full details were displayed in 'small print' on screen, I thought the deliberate impression created was the refund applied to all bets struck.
Finally, a couple of horses you may wish to follow if, unlike Ryan Giggs, you're a fan of Twitter...
Twitter horse Trending @Trending_Horse trained by @jeremygask website: http://socialmediaracing.com/
The People's Horse @peopleshorse website: http://www.thepeopleshorse.co.uk/
Student Horse Tae Kwon Do @StudentHorse His progress has been mentioned on the blog previously; he obliged at odds of 9/2 at Fontwell earlier today.
Friday, April 08, 2011
Aintree Grand National 2011
For those who are keen to make their own selections, my Twitter Guide to this year's runners may prove of very limited use. For everyone else, here's a view...
1. Backstage Going well last year when brought down. Had this as his target all season. Trainer knows what's required having won the 2007 running with Silver Birch.
2. Big Fella Thanks Fourth last year, appearing to run out of petrol losing third spot on the long run-in. Sixth the year before, so knows how to get round.
3. Don't Push It Last year's winner is another year older and has an extra five pounds to carry.
4. State Of Play Finished third last year and fourth the year before. 2006 Hennessy winner has a nice racing weight although trainer thinks his charge can't win.
5. Golden Kite Munster National winner sneaks in at the bottom of the handicap and looks the best big-priced outsider to these eyes (80/1 bet365, Victor Chandler and Stan James.)
6. Oscar Time Sam Waley-Cohen finished fifth on 40/1 chance Liberthine in 2007. Oscar Time, part-owned by his father, is taken to give the amateur a decent ride round. Expect mayhem if he becomes the first amateur to win the Gold Cup and the National!
Good luck everyone!
1. Backstage Going well last year when brought down. Had this as his target all season. Trainer knows what's required having won the 2007 running with Silver Birch.
2. Big Fella Thanks Fourth last year, appearing to run out of petrol losing third spot on the long run-in. Sixth the year before, so knows how to get round.
3. Don't Push It Last year's winner is another year older and has an extra five pounds to carry.
4. State Of Play Finished third last year and fourth the year before. 2006 Hennessy winner has a nice racing weight although trainer thinks his charge can't win.
5. Golden Kite Munster National winner sneaks in at the bottom of the handicap and looks the best big-priced outsider to these eyes (80/1 bet365, Victor Chandler and Stan James.)
6. Oscar Time Sam Waley-Cohen finished fifth on 40/1 chance Liberthine in 2007. Oscar Time, part-owned by his father, is taken to give the amateur a decent ride round. Expect mayhem if he becomes the first amateur to win the Gold Cup and the National!
Good luck everyone!
A Twitter Guide to the 2011 Grand National final declarations
Please find below, as requested (by one person only), the updated Twitter Guide to take account of this year's Grand National final declarations. Comments compiled on each runner using Twitter's 140 character limit. You may wish to note that, at the time of writing, amongst those bookmakers *not* offering a quarter the odds five places are Betfred, Coral, William Hill and Ladbrokes... Tut, tut.
DON'T PUSH IT Gave McCoy his first National victory in this race last year. Top weight makes it a tough task this time
TIDAL BAY Quirky customer with plenty of ability. Sixth in the Gold Cup, not guaranteed to stay or take to the fences
VIC VENTURI 2009 Becher Chase winner looked unlucky to be brought down when going well last year
WHAT A FRIEND Part owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, failed by a nose to take third from Kauto Star in the Gold Cup. Decent ground essential
MAJESTIC CONCORDE Won the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown on his first try at three miles; will he stay?
OR NOIR DE SOMOSA Ninth in the 2008 Grande Chase de Paris. Now registered with Pipe yard - 50/1 in places and could be anything
DOONEYS GATE Fourth behind Always Waining in the Topham last year; prefers cut underfoot
BIG FELLA THANKS Sixth in 2009, fourth last year. Now with new trainer and new owners. Place prospects
THE TOTHER ONE Quirky inidivdual who woudn't be one to trust implicitly. Last won October 2008
BALLABRIGGS Trevor Hemmings owned. One time favourite for this before going down to the smart Skippers Brig at Kelso
THE MIDNIGHT CLUB Willie Mullins trains the current market leader; Ruby Walsh booked to ride
NICHE MARKET 2009 Irish National winner had this race as target all season. Lost his place after Canal Turn on second circuit last year
SILVER BY NATURE Hacked up under top weight in Haydock National trial. Lucinda Rusell's grey is easy to spot, as is @petescu. Wants soft
BACKSTAGE Well in contention when hampered and unseated rider at 20th last year
CHIEF DAN GEORGE Only two winners this season for Cumbrian trainer Jimmy Moffat doesn't bode well
SILVER BY NATURE Hacked up under top weight in Haydock National trial. Lucinda Russell's grey is easy to spot, as is @petescu
CALGARY BAY Jockey Hadden Frost hopes to emulate his father's victory on Little Polvier (1989); a big horse for the fences but stable form poor
KILLYGLEN Pulled up in last year's Scottish National when trained by Howard Johnson
OSCAR TIME Sam Waley-Cohen bids to become the first amateur to ride Gold Cup / Grand National double - horse part-owned by his father
QUINZ Impressive winner of Racing Post Chase. Young horse who may lack thatlittle bit of experience
BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE Suffered injury when second to Majestic Concorde at Leopardstown. Undergone surgery; Davy Russell rides
COMPLY OR DIE Won this in 2008; getting on now but owes nobody
QUOLIBET JP McManus owned grey pulled up in the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival
GRAND SLAM HERO Chestnut gelding owned by Dai Walters who has pumped plenty of money into Ffos Las racecourse
STATE OF PLAY Finished 3rd and 4th in last two renewals; will think he's let loose with 10-6. 25/1 looks big - trainer states he can't win
KING FONTAINE Well beaten in the Haydock National trial won by Silver By Nature
IN COMPLIANCE Never won beyond two miles six furlongs
HELLO BUD Commendable fifth last year but now aged 13 and chances are his best days have passed by
WEST END ROCKER Dour stayer who won Warwick Classic Chase before being pulled up in Haydock National trial. Not without a chance if taking to big fences
SANTA' S SON Won Wetherby's Castleford Chase over two miles in 2008 - unlikely to stay
BLUESEA CRACKER Bay mare who won last year's Irish National. Recently purchased by JP McManus
THAT'S RHYTHM Owned by 'Don't Tell Henry'; fell in past two Scottish Nationals
SURFACE TO AIR Won the Summer National in 2008. Off the track until last month - follow trainer's Twitter updates @nhtrainer
PIRAYA Trained by @DavidPipeRacing, pulled up on last two starts
CAN'T BUY TIME Fell at the Canal Turn on the first circuit last year; been out of sorts since
CHARACTER BUILDING Seventh last year and a decent prep in this year's Grimthorpe at Doncaster. Plenty of market interest, Nina Carberry rides
ORNAIS Owned by the Stewart family, has been running in hunter chases recently
ARBOR SUPREME Should handle ground, 8lbs well in, fell at Chair last year
ROYAL ROSA 12 year old owned by Andrea & Graham Wylie. Second in Becher last November, unseated at 14th last April
SKIPPERS BRIG Defeat of Ballabriggs last time reads well but prefers soft ground
GOLDEN KITE Munster National winner trained by former jock Adrian Maguire. Handles ground - there are worse 66/1 shots
DON'T PUSH IT Gave McCoy his first National victory in this race last year. Top weight makes it a tough task this time
TIDAL BAY Quirky customer with plenty of ability. Sixth in the Gold Cup, not guaranteed to stay or take to the fences
VIC VENTURI 2009 Becher Chase winner looked unlucky to be brought down when going well last year
WHAT A FRIEND Part owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, failed by a nose to take third from Kauto Star in the Gold Cup. Decent ground essential
MAJESTIC CONCORDE Won the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown on his first try at three miles; will he stay?
OR NOIR DE SOMOSA Ninth in the 2008 Grande Chase de Paris. Now registered with Pipe yard - 50/1 in places and could be anything
DOONEYS GATE Fourth behind Always Waining in the Topham last year; prefers cut underfoot
BIG FELLA THANKS Sixth in 2009, fourth last year. Now with new trainer and new owners. Place prospects
THE TOTHER ONE Quirky inidivdual who woudn't be one to trust implicitly. Last won October 2008
BALLABRIGGS Trevor Hemmings owned. One time favourite for this before going down to the smart Skippers Brig at Kelso
THE MIDNIGHT CLUB Willie Mullins trains the current market leader; Ruby Walsh booked to ride
NICHE MARKET 2009 Irish National winner had this race as target all season. Lost his place after Canal Turn on second circuit last year
SILVER BY NATURE Hacked up under top weight in Haydock National trial. Lucinda Rusell's grey is easy to spot, as is @petescu. Wants soft
BACKSTAGE Well in contention when hampered and unseated rider at 20th last year
CHIEF DAN GEORGE Only two winners this season for Cumbrian trainer Jimmy Moffat doesn't bode well
SILVER BY NATURE Hacked up under top weight in Haydock National trial. Lucinda Russell's grey is easy to spot, as is @petescu
CALGARY BAY Jockey Hadden Frost hopes to emulate his father's victory on Little Polvier (1989); a big horse for the fences but stable form poor
KILLYGLEN Pulled up in last year's Scottish National when trained by Howard Johnson
OSCAR TIME Sam Waley-Cohen bids to become the first amateur to ride Gold Cup / Grand National double - horse part-owned by his father
QUINZ Impressive winner of Racing Post Chase. Young horse who may lack thatlittle bit of experience
BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE Suffered injury when second to Majestic Concorde at Leopardstown. Undergone surgery; Davy Russell rides
COMPLY OR DIE Won this in 2008; getting on now but owes nobody
QUOLIBET JP McManus owned grey pulled up in the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival
GRAND SLAM HERO Chestnut gelding owned by Dai Walters who has pumped plenty of money into Ffos Las racecourse
STATE OF PLAY Finished 3rd and 4th in last two renewals; will think he's let loose with 10-6. 25/1 looks big - trainer states he can't win
KING FONTAINE Well beaten in the Haydock National trial won by Silver By Nature
IN COMPLIANCE Never won beyond two miles six furlongs
HELLO BUD Commendable fifth last year but now aged 13 and chances are his best days have passed by
WEST END ROCKER Dour stayer who won Warwick Classic Chase before being pulled up in Haydock National trial. Not without a chance if taking to big fences
SANTA' S SON Won Wetherby's Castleford Chase over two miles in 2008 - unlikely to stay
BLUESEA CRACKER Bay mare who won last year's Irish National. Recently purchased by JP McManus
THAT'S RHYTHM Owned by 'Don't Tell Henry'; fell in past two Scottish Nationals
SURFACE TO AIR Won the Summer National in 2008. Off the track until last month - follow trainer's Twitter updates @nhtrainer
PIRAYA Trained by @DavidPipeRacing, pulled up on last two starts
CAN'T BUY TIME Fell at the Canal Turn on the first circuit last year; been out of sorts since
CHARACTER BUILDING Seventh last year and a decent prep in this year's Grimthorpe at Doncaster. Plenty of market interest, Nina Carberry rides
ORNAIS Owned by the Stewart family, has been running in hunter chases recently
ARBOR SUPREME Should handle ground, 8lbs well in, fell at Chair last year
ROYAL ROSA 12 year old owned by Andrea & Graham Wylie. Second in Becher last November, unseated at 14th last April
SKIPPERS BRIG Defeat of Ballabriggs last time reads well but prefers soft ground
GOLDEN KITE Munster National winner trained by former jock Adrian Maguire. Handles ground - there are worse 66/1 shots
Sunday, April 03, 2011
A Twitter Guide to the 2011 Grand National entries
A Twitter Guide to the top 44 entries in this year's National. Why stop at 44? Well, I simply ran out of steam... As in previous years, the Twitter Guide has been compiled using Twitter's 140 character limit for each entry and, once again, is likely to prove of no practical use whatsoever in finding the winner. At the time of writing, the following layers offer a quarter the odds five places: bet365, Boylesports, Victor Chandler, BlueSquare, Paddy Power and 888sport.
DON'T PUSH IT Gave McCoy his first National victory in this race last year. Top weight makes it a tough task this time
TIDAL BAY Quirky customer with plenty of ability. Sixth in the Gold Cup, not guaranteed to stay or take to the fences
MIDNIGHT CHASE Likes to race prominently, fifth in the Gold Cup, has more than his share of weight
SYNCHRONISED Welsh and Midlands National winner - had a hard race to finish third in this year's renewal of the latter. Prefer cut underfoot
VIC VENTURI 2009 Becher Chase winner looked unlucky to be brought down when going well last year
WHAT A FRIEND Part owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, failed by a nose to take third from Kauto Star in the Gold Cup. Decent ground essential
MAJESTIC CONCORDE Won the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown on his first try at three miles; will he stay?
OR NOIR DE SOMOSA Ninth in the 2008 Grande Chase de Paris. Now registered with Pipe yard - 50/1 in places and could be anything
DOONEYS GATE Fourth behind Always Waining in the Topham last year; prefers cut underfoot
SCOTSIRISH Second in last year's Topham; done most of his racing around two to two and a half miles
BIG FELLA THANKS Sixth in 2009, fourth last year. Now with new trainer and new owners. Place prospects
BALLABRIGGS Trevor Hemmings owned. One time favourite for this before going down to the smart Skippers Brig at Kelso
THE TOTHER ONE Quirky individual who wouldn't be one to trust implicitly. Last won October 2008
NICHE MARKET 2009 Irish National winner had this race as target all season. Lost his place after Canal Turn on second circuit last year
THE MIDNIGHT CLUB Willie Mullins trains the current market leader; Ruby Walsh booked to ride
BACKSTAGE Well in contention when hampered and unseated rider at 20th last year
CHIEF DAN GEORGE Only two winners this season for Cumbrian trainer Jimmy Moffat doesn't bode well
SILVER BY NATURE Hacked up under top weight in Haydock National trial. Lucinda Russell's grey is easy to spot, as is Peter Scudamore
NOTRE PERE Former Guinness Gold Cup winner at Punchestown looks out of sorts these days
CALGARY BAY Jockey Hadden Frost hopes to emulate his father's victory on Little Polvier (1989); a big horse for the fences but stable form poor
KILLYGLEN Pulled up in last year's Scottish National when trained by Howard Johnson
OSCAR TIME Sam Waley-Cohen bids to become the first amateur to ride Gold Cup / Grand National double - horse part-owned by his father
BALLYTRIM Well beaten behind Bluesea Cracker in last year's Irish National
BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE Suffered injury when second to Majestic Concorde at Leopardstown. Undergone surgery; Davy Russell rides
COMPLY OR DIE Won this in 2008; getting on now but owes nobody
NEDZER'S RETURN Never won beyond two miles six furlongs
NORTHERN ALLIANCE Fifth in 2010 Galway Plate behind Finger Onthe Pulse, fifth in Kerry National in September. Behind In Compliance last time
QUINZ Impressive winner of Racing Post Chase. Young horse who may lack that little bit of experience
QUOLIBET JP McManus owned grey pulled up in the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival
GRAND SLAM HERO Chestnut gelding owned by Dai Walters who has pumped plenty of money into Ffos Las racecourse
ROLL ALONG Well beaten at Ascot last time - 66/1 shot
KING FONTAINE Well beaten in the Haydock National trial won by Silver By Nature
STATE OF PLAY Finished third and fourth in last two renewals and will think he's been let loose with 10-6. 25/1 looks big
HELLO BUD Commendable fifth last year but now aged 13 and chances are his best days have passed by
IN COMPLIANCE Never won beyond two miles six furlongs
SANTA'S SON Won Wetherby's Castleford Chase over two miles in 2008 - unlikely to stay
WEST END ROCKER Dour stayer who won Warwick Classic Chase before being pulled up in Haydock National trial. Not without a chance if taking to big fences
BLUESEA CRACKER Bay mare who won last year's Irish National. Recently purchased by JP McManus
CAN'T BUY TIME Fell at the Canal Turn on the first circuit last year; been out of sorts since
CHARACTER BUILDING Seventh last year and a decent prep in this year's Grimthorpe at Doncaster. Plenty of market interest, Nina Carberry rides
ORNAIS Owned by the Stewart family, has been running in hunter chases recently
PIRAYA David Pipe trained grey, pulled up on last two starts
SURFACE TO AIR Won the Summer National in 2008. Off the track until last month - follow trainer's Twitter updates @nhtrainer
THAT'S RHYTHM Owned by 'Don't Tell Henry'; fell in past two Scottish Nationals
DON'T PUSH IT Gave McCoy his first National victory in this race last year. Top weight makes it a tough task this time
TIDAL BAY Quirky customer with plenty of ability. Sixth in the Gold Cup, not guaranteed to stay or take to the fences
MIDNIGHT CHASE Likes to race prominently, fifth in the Gold Cup, has more than his share of weight
SYNCHRONISED Welsh and Midlands National winner - had a hard race to finish third in this year's renewal of the latter. Prefer cut underfoot
VIC VENTURI 2009 Becher Chase winner looked unlucky to be brought down when going well last year
WHAT A FRIEND Part owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, failed by a nose to take third from Kauto Star in the Gold Cup. Decent ground essential
MAJESTIC CONCORDE Won the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown on his first try at three miles; will he stay?
OR NOIR DE SOMOSA Ninth in the 2008 Grande Chase de Paris. Now registered with Pipe yard - 50/1 in places and could be anything
DOONEYS GATE Fourth behind Always Waining in the Topham last year; prefers cut underfoot
SCOTSIRISH Second in last year's Topham; done most of his racing around two to two and a half miles
BIG FELLA THANKS Sixth in 2009, fourth last year. Now with new trainer and new owners. Place prospects
BALLABRIGGS Trevor Hemmings owned. One time favourite for this before going down to the smart Skippers Brig at Kelso
THE TOTHER ONE Quirky individual who wouldn't be one to trust implicitly. Last won October 2008
NICHE MARKET 2009 Irish National winner had this race as target all season. Lost his place after Canal Turn on second circuit last year
THE MIDNIGHT CLUB Willie Mullins trains the current market leader; Ruby Walsh booked to ride
BACKSTAGE Well in contention when hampered and unseated rider at 20th last year
CHIEF DAN GEORGE Only two winners this season for Cumbrian trainer Jimmy Moffat doesn't bode well
SILVER BY NATURE Hacked up under top weight in Haydock National trial. Lucinda Russell's grey is easy to spot, as is Peter Scudamore
NOTRE PERE Former Guinness Gold Cup winner at Punchestown looks out of sorts these days
CALGARY BAY Jockey Hadden Frost hopes to emulate his father's victory on Little Polvier (1989); a big horse for the fences but stable form poor
KILLYGLEN Pulled up in last year's Scottish National when trained by Howard Johnson
OSCAR TIME Sam Waley-Cohen bids to become the first amateur to ride Gold Cup / Grand National double - horse part-owned by his father
BALLYTRIM Well beaten behind Bluesea Cracker in last year's Irish National
BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE Suffered injury when second to Majestic Concorde at Leopardstown. Undergone surgery; Davy Russell rides
COMPLY OR DIE Won this in 2008; getting on now but owes nobody
NEDZER'S RETURN Never won beyond two miles six furlongs
NORTHERN ALLIANCE Fifth in 2010 Galway Plate behind Finger Onthe Pulse, fifth in Kerry National in September. Behind In Compliance last time
QUINZ Impressive winner of Racing Post Chase. Young horse who may lack that little bit of experience
QUOLIBET JP McManus owned grey pulled up in the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival
GRAND SLAM HERO Chestnut gelding owned by Dai Walters who has pumped plenty of money into Ffos Las racecourse
ROLL ALONG Well beaten at Ascot last time - 66/1 shot
KING FONTAINE Well beaten in the Haydock National trial won by Silver By Nature
STATE OF PLAY Finished third and fourth in last two renewals and will think he's been let loose with 10-6. 25/1 looks big
HELLO BUD Commendable fifth last year but now aged 13 and chances are his best days have passed by
IN COMPLIANCE Never won beyond two miles six furlongs
SANTA'S SON Won Wetherby's Castleford Chase over two miles in 2008 - unlikely to stay
WEST END ROCKER Dour stayer who won Warwick Classic Chase before being pulled up in Haydock National trial. Not without a chance if taking to big fences
BLUESEA CRACKER Bay mare who won last year's Irish National. Recently purchased by JP McManus
CAN'T BUY TIME Fell at the Canal Turn on the first circuit last year; been out of sorts since
CHARACTER BUILDING Seventh last year and a decent prep in this year's Grimthorpe at Doncaster. Plenty of market interest, Nina Carberry rides
ORNAIS Owned by the Stewart family, has been running in hunter chases recently
PIRAYA David Pipe trained grey, pulled up on last two starts
SURFACE TO AIR Won the Summer National in 2008. Off the track until last month - follow trainer's Twitter updates @nhtrainer
THAT'S RHYTHM Owned by 'Don't Tell Henry'; fell in past two Scottish Nationals
Monday, May 31, 2010
A Twitter Guide to the 2010 Derby
Looking for a quick pointer to this year's Derby? Here's my Twitter Guide to the five day entries, all compiled within the imposed 140 character restriction.
Al Zir Ninth behind Makfi in Guineas, stable out of form. Godolphin has supplemented two trained by Al Zarooni
At First Sight Coolmore pacemaker - 150/1 in places
Azmeel Won the Dee Stakes with a decent turn of foot from an unpromising position; tough, looks certain to stay, place prospects
Bright Horizon Another Coolmore pacemaker - generally a 200/1 shot
Bullet Train Made all to take the Lingfied Trial in some style. Not originally considered Derby material by connections
Cape Blanco Galileo colt retained ubeaten record coming home three and a quarter lengths in front of Workforce in the Dante at York
Coordinated Cut Third in the Dante - no horse beaten in that race has gone on to win the Derby
Hot Propsect Third behind Bullet Train in the Lingfield Derby Trial
Jan Vermeer Coolmore inmate has shot to the head of the market following victory in the Gallinule. Murtagh still to announce his ride in the race
Midas Touch Won the Derrinstown Stud Trial; beaten three lengths by Jan Vermeer in maiden last September
St Nicholas Abbey Favourite through the winter after Racing Post Trophy victory. Sixth in Guineas, rumours abound, big drifter now, will Murtagh ride?
Ted Spread Won the Chester Vase with battling display; owned by the fabulously-named False Nose 'n Glasses Parternership
Workforce Looked awkward ride when second in Dante but connections reported bit had slipped. More to come - no horse placed in Dante has won Derby
Buzzword Fourth in French Guineas, surprise supplementary entry at cost of £75,000. Strong recent homework reason cited for entry
Rewilding Second Godolphin supplement. Won Cocked Hat at Goodwood - last horse to win that and Derby was Troy (1979). Will Dettori ride?
Al Zir Ninth behind Makfi in Guineas, stable out of form. Godolphin has supplemented two trained by Al Zarooni
At First Sight Coolmore pacemaker - 150/1 in places
Azmeel Won the Dee Stakes with a decent turn of foot from an unpromising position; tough, looks certain to stay, place prospects
Bright Horizon Another Coolmore pacemaker - generally a 200/1 shot
Bullet Train Made all to take the Lingfied Trial in some style. Not originally considered Derby material by connections
Cape Blanco Galileo colt retained ubeaten record coming home three and a quarter lengths in front of Workforce in the Dante at York
Coordinated Cut Third in the Dante - no horse beaten in that race has gone on to win the Derby
Hot Propsect Third behind Bullet Train in the Lingfield Derby Trial
Jan Vermeer Coolmore inmate has shot to the head of the market following victory in the Gallinule. Murtagh still to announce his ride in the race
Midas Touch Won the Derrinstown Stud Trial; beaten three lengths by Jan Vermeer in maiden last September
St Nicholas Abbey Favourite through the winter after Racing Post Trophy victory. Sixth in Guineas, rumours abound, big drifter now, will Murtagh ride?
Ted Spread Won the Chester Vase with battling display; owned by the fabulously-named False Nose 'n Glasses Parternership
Workforce Looked awkward ride when second in Dante but connections reported bit had slipped. More to come - no horse placed in Dante has won Derby
Buzzword Fourth in French Guineas, surprise supplementary entry at cost of £75,000. Strong recent homework reason cited for entry
Rewilding Second Godolphin supplement. Won Cocked Hat at Goodwood - last horse to win that and Derby was Troy (1979). Will Dettori ride?
Friday, April 02, 2010
A Twitter Guide to the 2010 Grand National entries
Need help making your Grand National selections? My Twitter Guide to the top 50 entries in this year's National, compiled using Twitter's 140 character limit for each entry, may prove of some limited use. For those who simply can't be bothered with such nonsense, Nick Mordin narrows the field to four in the Weekender - Arbor Supreme, Character Building, Chelsea Harbour (non-runner now) and Mr Pointment.
Note that at the time of writing final declarations are not known and most bookmakers have yet to offer the 'non-runner, money back' concession. According to Oddschecker today the following layers offer each way terms a quarter the odds five places: bet365, Boylesports, Victor Chandler and Paddy Power.
MADISON DU BERLAIS totesport Bowl winner out of sorts this term; connections tempted by low weight in Scottish National if Denman runs
NOTRE PERE Disappointing this season - recently trainer reports problem found & rectified
MON MOME No fancy prices about last year's 100/1 winner following an ideal prep; carries 7lbs more this time
BLACK APALACHI Becher Chase winner unfortunate to unseat at Becher's last year when travelling well
JOE LIVELY Taken time to come to himself this term; likes to race prominently
VIC VENTURI Won the Becher in November; prefers cut and looks likely to get it
COMPLY OR DIE Won this in 2008 and second last year - will Timmy Murphy ride?
DON'T PUSH IT Owned by J P McManus - looks likely McCoy will prefer another
MADE IN TAIPAN Irish challenger needs cut but not certain to stay
NICHE MARKET Irish National winner, third behind Denman in the Hennessy, every chance
TRICKY TRICKSTER Won 4 miler at last year's Cheltenham Festival but distant ninth in Gold Cup left Ruby Walsh disappointed
CLOUDY LANE Best chance in 2008 when sixth; unseated last year under top weight. 50/1 looks big
DREAM ALLIANCE Followed Welsh National win with poor display of jumping at Haydock. Talented but inconsistent since return from injury
NOZIC Out of sorts lately; owned by Coral Racing Ltd
MY WILL Third last year but Walsh prefers Big Fella Thanks
PABLO DU CHARMIL Done most of his racing around two / two and a half miles
BACKSTAGE Trained in Ireland by stable that sent out Silver Birch to win in 2007; wants decent ground
BALLYHOLLAND Galway Plate winner had this as target all season; never won beyond two and three quarter miles
BEAT THE BOYS Two ways of running - pulled up behind Chief Dan George at Festival
PREISTS LEAP In with every chance two out last year; recent run in Cross Country Chase not encouraging
CAN'T BUY TIME Fell at 18th last year. McCoy's choice
SNOWY MORNING Third in 2008, ninth in 2009 and racing weight this year
AIR FORCE ONE Probably goes to Ayr
BIG FELLA THANKS Owned by Findlay & Barber, sixth last year, Ruby's mount, current favourite but no value
DEUTSCHLAND Warmed-up in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham; never won beyond 17 furlongs
CHARACTER BUILDING Second in the 2007 NH Chase at Cheltenham and Kim Muir winner in 2009; this has been the target
CHELSEA HARBOUR Met with setback and misses race
DOONEYS GATE Likes plenty of cut
STATE OF PLAY Fourth last year, best fresh, has a Hennessy and Charlie Hall on his CV - prefers the better ground
ELLERSLIE GEORGE Won the Badger Ales at Wincanton in November beating The Pacakge. Often races with the pace - may not stay
BALLYFITZ Talented individual who would have every chance if he could improve jumping - unlikely
CONNA CASTLE Jimmy Mangan trains (sent out Monty's Pass in 2003). Not won for two years and unseated rider last time
EQUUS MAXIMUS Out of sorts this season
ERIC'S CHARM Sandown specialist comes here in good heart but age catching up with him now
KING JOHNS CASTLE Second in 2008 but hasn't shown much since
OLLIE MAGERN Grand old servant whose best days are probably behind him; needs good quick ground
ARBOR SUPREME Needs decent ground, not certain to get it; apparently rejected by McCoy
LENNON Done most of his racing over two miles - will he stay?
MALJIMAR Best fresh. Third in Cross Country at Cheltenham in December, aimed at this, interesting outsider
IRISH RAPTOR Topham Chase winner with a racing weight
MR POINTMENT Tailed off in the Gold Cup three weeks ago
PIRAYA Weakened behind Razor Royale in the Racing Post chase; lacks expereince, unproven over three miles
RAZOR ROYALE Out on his feet to repel Nacarat in the Racing Post Chase (3 miles); tailed off at the Festival
THE PACKAGE Looked unlucky behind Chief Dan George at Cheltenham. One for the shortlist but has quirks; will Murphy ride?
HELLO BUD Scottish National winner in very good nick for his age; prefers good ground. Trainer's son rides.
PALYPSO DE CREEK Beaten ten lengths or so by Vic Venturi in the Becher; ran second in the Peter Marsh at Haydock; there are worse 50/1 shots
ABBEYBRANEY Owned by Andrea & Graham Wylie; pulled up after mistake in Poker De Sivola's race at the Festival
CERIUM Incredible fifth at 100/1 last year; worth another look at a big price
FLINTOFF Part-owned by Freddie; third in a Scottish National, second in a Midlands National, holds entry in Irish National Easter Monday
ROYAL ROSA In same ownership as Abbeybraney; more miles on the clock and not won since 2006
Note that at the time of writing final declarations are not known and most bookmakers have yet to offer the 'non-runner, money back' concession. According to Oddschecker today the following layers offer each way terms a quarter the odds five places: bet365, Boylesports, Victor Chandler and Paddy Power.
MADISON DU BERLAIS totesport Bowl winner out of sorts this term; connections tempted by low weight in Scottish National if Denman runs
NOTRE PERE Disappointing this season - recently trainer reports problem found & rectified
MON MOME No fancy prices about last year's 100/1 winner following an ideal prep; carries 7lbs more this time
BLACK APALACHI Becher Chase winner unfortunate to unseat at Becher's last year when travelling well
JOE LIVELY Taken time to come to himself this term; likes to race prominently
VIC VENTURI Won the Becher in November; prefers cut and looks likely to get it
COMPLY OR DIE Won this in 2008 and second last year - will Timmy Murphy ride?
DON'T PUSH IT Owned by J P McManus - looks likely McCoy will prefer another
MADE IN TAIPAN Irish challenger needs cut but not certain to stay
NICHE MARKET Irish National winner, third behind Denman in the Hennessy, every chance
TRICKY TRICKSTER Won 4 miler at last year's Cheltenham Festival but distant ninth in Gold Cup left Ruby Walsh disappointed
CLOUDY LANE Best chance in 2008 when sixth; unseated last year under top weight. 50/1 looks big
DREAM ALLIANCE Followed Welsh National win with poor display of jumping at Haydock. Talented but inconsistent since return from injury
NOZIC Out of sorts lately; owned by Coral Racing Ltd
MY WILL Third last year but Walsh prefers Big Fella Thanks
PABLO DU CHARMIL Done most of his racing around two / two and a half miles
BACKSTAGE Trained in Ireland by stable that sent out Silver Birch to win in 2007; wants decent ground
BALLYHOLLAND Galway Plate winner had this as target all season; never won beyond two and three quarter miles
BEAT THE BOYS Two ways of running - pulled up behind Chief Dan George at Festival
PREISTS LEAP In with every chance two out last year; recent run in Cross Country Chase not encouraging
CAN'T BUY TIME Fell at 18th last year. McCoy's choice
SNOWY MORNING Third in 2008, ninth in 2009 and racing weight this year
AIR FORCE ONE Probably goes to Ayr
BIG FELLA THANKS Owned by Findlay & Barber, sixth last year, Ruby's mount, current favourite but no value
DEUTSCHLAND Warmed-up in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham; never won beyond 17 furlongs
CHARACTER BUILDING Second in the 2007 NH Chase at Cheltenham and Kim Muir winner in 2009; this has been the target
CHELSEA HARBOUR Met with setback and misses race
DOONEYS GATE Likes plenty of cut
STATE OF PLAY Fourth last year, best fresh, has a Hennessy and Charlie Hall on his CV - prefers the better ground
ELLERSLIE GEORGE Won the Badger Ales at Wincanton in November beating The Pacakge. Often races with the pace - may not stay
BALLYFITZ Talented individual who would have every chance if he could improve jumping - unlikely
CONNA CASTLE Jimmy Mangan trains (sent out Monty's Pass in 2003). Not won for two years and unseated rider last time
EQUUS MAXIMUS Out of sorts this season
ERIC'S CHARM Sandown specialist comes here in good heart but age catching up with him now
KING JOHNS CASTLE Second in 2008 but hasn't shown much since
OLLIE MAGERN Grand old servant whose best days are probably behind him; needs good quick ground
ARBOR SUPREME Needs decent ground, not certain to get it; apparently rejected by McCoy
LENNON Done most of his racing over two miles - will he stay?
MALJIMAR Best fresh. Third in Cross Country at Cheltenham in December, aimed at this, interesting outsider
IRISH RAPTOR Topham Chase winner with a racing weight
MR POINTMENT Tailed off in the Gold Cup three weeks ago
PIRAYA Weakened behind Razor Royale in the Racing Post chase; lacks expereince, unproven over three miles
RAZOR ROYALE Out on his feet to repel Nacarat in the Racing Post Chase (3 miles); tailed off at the Festival
THE PACKAGE Looked unlucky behind Chief Dan George at Cheltenham. One for the shortlist but has quirks; will Murphy ride?
HELLO BUD Scottish National winner in very good nick for his age; prefers good ground. Trainer's son rides.
PALYPSO DE CREEK Beaten ten lengths or so by Vic Venturi in the Becher; ran second in the Peter Marsh at Haydock; there are worse 50/1 shots
ABBEYBRANEY Owned by Andrea & Graham Wylie; pulled up after mistake in Poker De Sivola's race at the Festival
CERIUM Incredible fifth at 100/1 last year; worth another look at a big price
FLINTOFF Part-owned by Freddie; third in a Scottish National, second in a Midlands National, holds entry in Irish National Easter Monday
ROYAL ROSA In same ownership as Abbeybraney; more miles on the clock and not won since 2006
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
A Twitter Guide to the Epsom Derby 2009
Following one quarter of an hour of exhaustive research, here is my Twitter Guide to this year's Derby, the third in an occasional series; I should point out that previous titles, A Twitter Guide to the Grand National Entries and A Twitter Guide to the 2000 Guineas, haven't proved particularly popular. Comments are given below on the five day entries for this year's Derby, all published within Twitter's imposed restriction of 140 characters.
Age Of Aquarius Positive sign when battling to win Lingfield Trial. Ran green, improvement to come but didn't seem to handle turn too well.
Black Bear Island Collared stablemate Freemantle close home to win the Dante; respected.
Crowded House Eighth and cramped for room in the Dante; scoped dirty afterwards. Connections racing against time since.
Debussy Owner won this last year but third in Chester Vase isn't music to the ears this time around.
Fame And Glory Unbeaten; impressive winner of Derringstown Stud Derby Trial. Big chance - aptly named perhaps?
Gan Amhras Third in 2000 Guineas, will appreciate set up in distance; stable says he has similar chance to last year's winner New Approach.
Golden Sword Front runner given too much rope when pinching Chester Vase @ 25/1 from stablemate Masterofthehorse.
Kite Wood By Galileo, fifth in the Dante when probably undercooked. Flying since but will need that and more.
Masterofthehorse Given too much to do when finishing like a train in Chester Vase.
Montaff Close second in Lingfield Trial when run needed. By Montjeu, has to stay calm on the day; trainer rates him as good as Youmzain.
Rip Van Winkle Sleepy fourth in 2000 Guineas. Well backed since and big chance provided he stays; Murtagh's choice.
Sea The Stars 2000 Guineas winner, bids to emulate Nashwan. John Oxx rates his chances of staying 'only 50-50' - big player if he does.
South Easter Part-owned by MD of Investec, Derby sponsor. Won a blanket finish to Chester's Dee Stakes; outsider.
Age Of Aquarius Positive sign when battling to win Lingfield Trial. Ran green, improvement to come but didn't seem to handle turn too well.
Black Bear Island Collared stablemate Freemantle close home to win the Dante; respected.
Crowded House Eighth and cramped for room in the Dante; scoped dirty afterwards. Connections racing against time since.
Debussy Owner won this last year but third in Chester Vase isn't music to the ears this time around.
Fame And Glory Unbeaten; impressive winner of Derringstown Stud Derby Trial. Big chance - aptly named perhaps?
Gan Amhras Third in 2000 Guineas, will appreciate set up in distance; stable says he has similar chance to last year's winner New Approach.
Golden Sword Front runner given too much rope when pinching Chester Vase @ 25/1 from stablemate Masterofthehorse.
Kite Wood By Galileo, fifth in the Dante when probably undercooked. Flying since but will need that and more.
Masterofthehorse Given too much to do when finishing like a train in Chester Vase.
Montaff Close second in Lingfield Trial when run needed. By Montjeu, has to stay calm on the day; trainer rates him as good as Youmzain.
Rip Van Winkle Sleepy fourth in 2000 Guineas. Well backed since and big chance provided he stays; Murtagh's choice.
Sea The Stars 2000 Guineas winner, bids to emulate Nashwan. John Oxx rates his chances of staying 'only 50-50' - big player if he does.
South Easter Part-owned by MD of Investec, Derby sponsor. Won a blanket finish to Chester's Dee Stakes; outsider.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
A Twitter Guide to the 2000 Guineas
Following the (rather limited) success of my Twitter Guide to the Grand National, I thought I’d publish the second in this occasional series, A Twitter Guide to the 2000 Guineas. Here are comments on each of the seventeen runners, all within Twitter's imposed restriction of 140 characters.
Ashram Sixth in Dewhurst last year, beaten under two lengths; first run for Godolphin
Cityscape Second in Greenham; winner, Vocalised, not considered up to this
Delegator Current favourite well talked-up after winning sub-standard Craven in impressive fashion
Evasive Respected trainer took his charge to Ascot this week in an attempt to wake him up
Finjaan Looks more a sprinter than a miler
Gan Amhras Well regarded by connections; interesting outsider with each-way shout
Imperial Guest Well beaten in Craven; hard to fancy - 200/1 chance
Lord Shanakill Missed Greenham with temperature. Each-way chance if stays
Mastercraftsman Ballydoyle second string on jockey bookings, but only just. Stable form a concern
Monitor Closely Plenty to find on official ratings
Ocean’s Minstrel Ditto above; 250/1 shot
On Our Way Flopped badly in Feilden but trainer respected
Ouqba Free Handicap winner; connections forked out £30k late entry fee
Pure Poetry Third in Craven; unlikely
Rip Van Winkle Problem with bruised foot earlier in week. Murtagh’s choice; stable form worries
Sea The Stars Potentially very good but setback in March may have scuppered his chance here
Zafisio More likely to run in German Guineas
Ashram Sixth in Dewhurst last year, beaten under two lengths; first run for Godolphin
Cityscape Second in Greenham; winner, Vocalised, not considered up to this
Delegator Current favourite well talked-up after winning sub-standard Craven in impressive fashion
Evasive Respected trainer took his charge to Ascot this week in an attempt to wake him up
Finjaan Looks more a sprinter than a miler
Gan Amhras Well regarded by connections; interesting outsider with each-way shout
Imperial Guest Well beaten in Craven; hard to fancy - 200/1 chance
Lord Shanakill Missed Greenham with temperature. Each-way chance if stays
Mastercraftsman Ballydoyle second string on jockey bookings, but only just. Stable form a concern
Monitor Closely Plenty to find on official ratings
Ocean’s Minstrel Ditto above; 250/1 shot
On Our Way Flopped badly in Feilden but trainer respected
Ouqba Free Handicap winner; connections forked out £30k late entry fee
Pure Poetry Third in Craven; unlikely
Rip Van Winkle Problem with bruised foot earlier in week. Murtagh’s choice; stable form worries
Sea The Stars Potentially very good but setback in March may have scuppered his chance here
Zafisio More likely to run in German Guineas
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
A Twitter Guide to the Grand National entries
The beauty of Twitter is its 140 character limit. Here are my notes on the entries for this year’s Grand National - with no more than 140 characters per entry…
Cloudy Lane Small horse, big weight
Chelsea Harbour Ninth last year, prefer some cut
Snowy Morning Third last year, out of sorts this year
Knowhere Near enough when falling at Valentine’s (second time) last year; 66/1 looks big
Comply Or Die Last year’s winner ran decent trail at Cheltenham after two poor efforts; each-way claims
Ollie Magern Front runner who likes Wetherby; not the biggest individual - others preferred
Black Apalachi Won The Becher over National fences in November; needs soft
Hear The Echo Won the Irish National last year and aimed at this; interesting
Preists Leap Wants plenty of rain before the off
My Will Fifth in Gold Cup, first in the betting, no value
Eurotrek At thirteen probably too old now
State Of Play A chance at his best but has disappointed too often before for my liking
Big Fella Thanks At seven probably not experienced enough
Mon Mome Tenth last year; each-way shout if in the mood
Silver Birch Won the 2007 running but been off injured a long time
Butler’s Cabin Good chance if he can get past Becher’s where he fell last year; needs McCoy in the plate
Offshore Account Unexposed dark horse at around 40/1
Parsons Legacy Chance if he’s in the mood but not for me
Reveillez Unlikely
Fundamentalist His best years appear behind him
Golden Flight Formerly with Guillaume Macaire; beaten long way at Cheltenham Festival three weeks ago
L’ami Gave Mick Fitz horror fall last year; now with Enda Bolger who may have worked the oracle
Battlecry Not really built on last season’s achievements as a novice
Cornish Sett Bit of a character who finished twelfth last year and could run well; 33/1 shot
Fleet Street Has stamina doubts
Musica Bella Long time since a French horse won this
Can’t Buy Time Fourth in the Cheltenham four miler, not getting up the hill; take the hint if AP rides
Darkness Considered good prospect once but picked up an injury. Each-way chance if jumping holds out
Irish Invader Good form, prefer soft, each-way claims providing he stays
Rambling Minster Ticks the right boxes, the percentage call (if there is such a thing in a race like this!)
Southern Vic Ruby Walsh prefers My Will
Kilbeggan Blade Has nice racing weight and should stay but I think he prefers going right-handed
Brooklyn Brownie Second over National fences in Grand Sefton last November; not guaranteed to stay
Himalayan Trail Won Midlands National for Sue Smith; reasonable each-way claims at 33s
Arteea Hard to fancy
Cerium 500/1 chance sums it up
Idle Talk Never been the best of jumpers but finished fourteenth last year; of limited appeal
Kelami Fell at the eleventh last year and has shown no form since
Zabenz Twelve year old who looks past his prime
Cloudy Lane Small horse, big weight
Chelsea Harbour Ninth last year, prefer some cut
Snowy Morning Third last year, out of sorts this year
Knowhere Near enough when falling at Valentine’s (second time) last year; 66/1 looks big
Comply Or Die Last year’s winner ran decent trail at Cheltenham after two poor efforts; each-way claims
Ollie Magern Front runner who likes Wetherby; not the biggest individual - others preferred
Black Apalachi Won The Becher over National fences in November; needs soft
Hear The Echo Won the Irish National last year and aimed at this; interesting
Preists Leap Wants plenty of rain before the off
My Will Fifth in Gold Cup, first in the betting, no value
Eurotrek At thirteen probably too old now
State Of Play A chance at his best but has disappointed too often before for my liking
Big Fella Thanks At seven probably not experienced enough
Mon Mome Tenth last year; each-way shout if in the mood
Silver Birch Won the 2007 running but been off injured a long time
Butler’s Cabin Good chance if he can get past Becher’s where he fell last year; needs McCoy in the plate
Offshore Account Unexposed dark horse at around 40/1
Parsons Legacy Chance if he’s in the mood but not for me
Reveillez Unlikely
Fundamentalist His best years appear behind him
Golden Flight Formerly with Guillaume Macaire; beaten long way at Cheltenham Festival three weeks ago
L’ami Gave Mick Fitz horror fall last year; now with Enda Bolger who may have worked the oracle
Battlecry Not really built on last season’s achievements as a novice
Cornish Sett Bit of a character who finished twelfth last year and could run well; 33/1 shot
Fleet Street Has stamina doubts
Musica Bella Long time since a French horse won this
Can’t Buy Time Fourth in the Cheltenham four miler, not getting up the hill; take the hint if AP rides
Darkness Considered good prospect once but picked up an injury. Each-way chance if jumping holds out
Irish Invader Good form, prefer soft, each-way claims providing he stays
Rambling Minster Ticks the right boxes, the percentage call (if there is such a thing in a race like this!)
Southern Vic Ruby Walsh prefers My Will
Kilbeggan Blade Has nice racing weight and should stay but I think he prefers going right-handed
Brooklyn Brownie Second over National fences in Grand Sefton last November; not guaranteed to stay
Himalayan Trail Won Midlands National for Sue Smith; reasonable each-way claims at 33s
Arteea Hard to fancy
Cerium 500/1 chance sums it up
Idle Talk Never been the best of jumpers but finished fourteenth last year; of limited appeal
Kelami Fell at the eleventh last year and has shown no form since
Zabenz Twelve year old who looks past his prime
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