Ever since the curtain closed on the Cheltenham Festival last month the countdown has been on for the Grand National and the big race is finally here as Aintree opens its doors to 40 horses and the world watching on for the most famous race in the world.
40 runners will go to post. If you’d like a brief insight into all of the runners then be sure to check out our horse-by-horse guide which can be found by clicking here. After a good look through the card we’re going four-handed against the field.
5.15 Aintree
Preview
The 148th running of the world’s greatest steeplechase, the Grand National, looks like a classy renewal. It’s the longest race run in Britain and it remains a true test of stamina and jumping ability. Rachael Blackmore, who became the first female to win the race on Minella Times in 2021, has another very good chance aboard the well backed Ain’t That The Shame whilst Ted & Mark Walsh bid to go one better with Any Second Now who has been 3rd and 2nd in the last 2 runnings of this. Noble Yeats, last year’s winner, also bids for a repeat but instead, we’re siding with 4 at bigger odds.
Betting
Capodanno – This 7 year old is a classy type who has raced just 6 times over fences, winning 2 of those. In his first season chasing, he won a beginners chase at Naas before finishing 2nd behind the high class Bob Olinger. 4th in the Browns Advisory at Cheltenham was a good effort and he then went even better when winning a Grade 1 at the Punchestown Festival. He’s raced just once this term, over an inadequate 2 miles 4 furlongs, and ran well enough. He has form over hurdles in big fields which is a positive so provided he takes to the fences, this unexposed, progressive and fresh horse could run a very big race.
Lifetime Ambition – The worry is the trainer suggesting he may want better ground but past form suggests soft ground shouldn’t be too much of a concern. His form is good enough for him to be involved with a 4th before Christmas in the Grand Sefton over these fences. Form back in Ireland has seen him finish 2nd in the Troytown and 3rd in the John Durkan behind Galopin Des Champs. In 5 runs over 3 miles, he’s won twice and finished 2nd on the other occasions and I firmly believe the further he goes, the better he’ll be. Given his trainer’s recent health issues, he’ll be a popular winner and I’m hoping he’s bang in the mix at the business end.
Velvet Elvis – Before last year, many thought a 7 year old was easy to overlook in the National but after Noble Yeats’ victory, there’s plenty of well fancied 7 year olds this year including the selection. Recent form is encouraging having finished 2nd to leading fancy Any Second Now last time out. He’s now well over a stone better off. The only time he’s gone behind 3 miles was in last year’s Irish equivalent and he finished a very creditable 6th of 27 behind Lord Lariat, just 8 lengths behind the winner. Trainer is quite bullish over his chances and I am too, with 40/1 too big a price to ignore.
The Big Breakaway – It’s been mentioned previously that he needs to be tried in blinkers so the fact they are on today for the first time is telling. In 11 chase starts, he’s finished 2nd on 5 occasions so he deserves to land a big prize. They have included a 2nd in the Welsh National where he was outpaced before staying on really well and previous to that, a head 2nd in a good handicap over the notoriously tough Haydock fences. Notably his best form was over the furthest distance he’s gone and he is relatively fresh despite running at Cheltenham as he was pulled up in the Ultima. Hopefully he’s recovered from that and if he has, he could run a nice race.
Tips
Back Capodanno (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 21.00 Paddy Power BOG (⅕ odds 1-6)
Back Lifetime Ambition (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 34.00 William Hill BOG (⅕ odds 1-6)
Back Velvet Elvis (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 41.00 Bet365 BOG (⅕ odds 1-6)
Back The Big Breakaway (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 51.00 Betfair Sportsbook BOG (⅕ odds 1-6)
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