My Grand National Pin Points

My own pin points on the entries for this years Grand National, probably aload of rubbish but im due a national winner! Will advise my bets for the National Thursday before the race! alot of reading!

Don´t Push It
11 (years old) 11-10 (weight) Jonjo O´Neill (trainer)
Last years winner, and comfortable winner in that, jumping fantastically throughout (in the past has made the odd sticky jump. Can be a bit quirky and connections reported last year they expected him to run well if the big occasion doesn’t get to him. Has 6 lbs more weight this year to carry and has has the same build up as last year over hurdles early on. If he stays out of trouble no reason not to see him in the shake up, but you have to go back to Red Rum since a back to back National winner.

Tidal Bay
10, 11-9, Howard Johnson
Enigmatic is probably one of the nicest names I can call him, has proven to be a difficult ride but is classy hurdler and past 2 miles arkle chase winner. Has ran some good races this year but as ever has to be ridden with kid gloves or when ridden aggressively he sulks. Twice this year has grown Pegasus wings when looking like he’d be tailed off. Running on 6th in Gold Cup so if he has takes to the big fences may spring a surprise. Seems to want a bit of give in the ground to be at his best. Jumping has been under suspect in years along with head carriage but has never fallen in 29 runs. Has his own way of doing things for sure! He’s anything but straight forward but jockey Brian Hughes knows him inside out.

Midnight Chase
9 11-8 Neil Mulholland
Doubtful runner

Synchronised
8 11-6 Jonjo O´Neill
Winner of Welsh and Midlands Nationals, wants it heavy, doubtful he will get these conditions to prevail, his jumping to me isn’t the greatest so will have to brush up over these fences though if it comes up like a mud bath you’d have to give him a squeak as he will stay the distance

Vic Venturi
11 11-6 D T Hughes
Former winner of Becher Chase Race (race over the National Style fences) so has taken a liking to these big fences. Trainer has a good record over these National fences, thou weighted up to his best but should run give a good account of himself. Unseated rider last year when running quite well. Seems to stay well.

What A Friend
11-6 Paul Nicholls
The plunge horse, co owned by the red nose Alex Ferguson, ran a great race at Cheltenham winning finishing a close 4th just behind Kauto Star (made a mistake 2 out). On that run he is 15lb ‘well-in’ so have to see that as value. Has had blinkers, visor used before and had awkward head carriage but has won some good races (on all types of ground), If he takes to these national fences he may be worth a bet but he’s the most straightforward at times. Trainer Paul Nicholls only has this race left to conquer in jump racing but has eluded him on over 40 other runners.

Majestic Concorde
11-5 D K Weld
Paddy Power Chase winner in Ireland at Christmas, streaked away from a big competitive field so wont mind the large numbers in the race. Trainer hasn’t many runners over the jumps but knows how to ready them. If he takes to these fences could run well.

Or Noir De Somoza
11-5 David Pipe
Done most of his running in France so difficult to access how good he is. Was formerly with Martin Pipe (ran well behind Mast Minded over 2m) until moving to France where he has mopped up many Top staying graded chases over extreme distance on mostly heavy ground. Difficult to access especially if the ground on the dry side how well he could handle it. Owners must be keen to run to transfer him to David Pipe and get him best ready as he could be.

Dooneys Gate
10 11-4 W P Mullins
Comes here fresh form a good win at Clonmel, though has to defy a raise in the weights. Most wins have been on the soft and plenty high in the weights to be taking a chance on at this level. Stamina issues also.

Scotsirish
10 11-2 W P Mullins
One of the large number of entries for Willie Mullins team. Doubtful stayer to me. Has shown a liking for these fences before been placed 2nd in Topsham Chase last year but his stamina will be test here.

Big Fella Thanks
9 11-1 Ferdy Murphy
Has ran over these National fences before (been favourite), been placed twice so clearly likes these fences. This year has a new trainer (and owner) in Ferdy Murphy and has ran some sound races over shorter distances. I can’t see why he cant challenge again this year but has’nt any less weight than last year so possibly difficult to see him beating a coupe of rivals who where infront of him last year (Don’t Push It, State of Play (at better weight)

Ballabriggs
10 11-0 Donald McCain
Trained by top trainer, who certainly knows how to ready them round Aintree, has done nothing wrong this year where he has raced over hurdles to protect him from rising in the weights, until been beaten last time by Skippers Brigg in a Chase race at Kelso. If he stays he must be in the shake-up. Won the 4m chase at Chetlenham last year, but was running out of petrol at the – abliet he was going very hard from a very long way out.

The Tother One
10 11-0 Paul Nicholls
Bits and bobs of form over the years but has never really hit the heights for me. Hasn’t won since 2008 and has alot of weight considering what he has achieved. Did run a good race in the Hennessy finishing 4th and staying on so trip shouldn’t be a problem either. Trainer still hunting a winner in this race after 40 plus attempts.

Niche Market
10 10-13 Paul Nicholls
Former Irish National winner and probably Paul Nicholls first string, seems to have been layed out for the race but didn’t impress me to much when he ran over the national fences last year (thou excuses came after the race). If you could forget that run then fair enough but at times can make the odd mistake. Handicap has given him a chance and 6lbs less to carry this year and has shown his best form on good ground.

The Midnight Club
10 10-13 W P Mullins
Will be one of the favourites, ridden by Ruby Walsh and trained by Willie Mullins. Won the Thyestes Chase and followed up winning the Bobby Jo Chase at Fairyhouse with several of his rivals behind him. These two races a usually a solid trial for the National. Stays well, done most of his winning on a softer surface. Jumping needs to be good around these fences for sure and that would be my slight concern.

Backstage
9 10-12 Gordon Elliott
In great hands with Gordon Elliot who can already boost one National win in his short training career so far. Has won twice this season in two Point to Point and has delibrately not been race to much to keep his fresh and also id imagine to protect his handicap mark .Ran in last years races and was hampered by a loose horse and unseated rider, was still in touch and had every chance , thou there was still a lot of racing to be done. Dropped few pounds in the weights this year. Appreciates good ground to show his best.

Chief Dan George
11 10-12 James Moffatt
Former high class hurdler (won at Aintree over Hurdles who seems to handle all types of grounf though is something of a spring horse. Won last year at Cheltenham Festival but falling in the same race and an early stage.A fair weight and if he jumps and takes well to these fences could fair well but will wont be able to any chances with these fences.

Silver By Nature
9 10-12 Lucinda Russell
Winner of Grand National Trial at Haydock (so 250k bonus if he wins the National), good jumper and stays forever (placed in Welsh National). My one main concern for him would be the ground, I just feel for him to have any chance he’ll need it to be soft.

Notre Pere
10 10-11 Barry Potts
Former top-class grade jumper who has dropped thou the handicap like a hot knife through butter. Now has new trainer so change of scene and drop in the weights. Ran over the National fences in November in the Becher Chase, ran well ok considering after being badly hampered. Former winner of the Welsh National so this marathon trip shouldn’t be trouble. Would like a bit of rain to make the going soft.

Calgary Bay
8 10-10 Henrietta Knight
Finshed 6th last year in the Gold Cup, be specifcally trained for the race, nice weight I suppose but will he stay the crueling distance of 4m 4f? Connections are‘nt too convinced and neither am I. Usually a sound jumper.

Killyglen
9 10-10 S R B Crawford
One time decent novice chaser when with Howard Johnson , thou has declined rapidly in recent years dropping in the ratings. Likes Aintree and now with a different trainer which may have sweetnened him up. On last run went to fast and faded out. The National fences may put a spring back in his step and would like the good ground but still a lot to prove. Has made mistakes in the past.

Oscar Time
10 10-9 M M Lynch
Will be ridden by amateur and Gold Cup winning Sam Waley-Cohen who has a fine record in races over National fences (has won Foxhunters). Horse has ran some sound races this year and has been trained specifcally for this year. Seems to jump well and hasn’t finish too far this season behind The Midknight Club who is the favourite. Will relish the step up in trip but a lot of his form has been on soft/heavy ground so uncertain if these firmer conditions will suit.

Ballytrim
10 10-8 W P Mullins
A running on 3rd in the Thystes Chase behind favourite The Midknight Club. A fair weight and has good form on good ground so if he takes to these fences he could surprise a few. I feel he will certainly stay and will be able to handle coping with the hurly burly of the National. Not the fastest racehorse in year so will need to not get to far behind.

Becauseicouldntsee
8 10-8 N F Glynn
Finshed 2nd in the Paddy Power Chase and likes good ground and goes well left handed. Should run well and has a nice weight. Davy Russell is fighting hard to be fit for the ride so he must think the horse has some sort of chance. Has run some good races in quality fields and usually runs a sound race.

Comply Or Die
12 10-8 David Pipe
Former winner and placed horse, now in his veteran years, has been dropped in the weights to give him a chance but this great warrior may have seen better days. Ran a good race at Warwick two runs ago and then pulled up in the mud at Newcastle which can be forgiven.

Nedzer´s Return
9 10-8 Gordon Elliott
Ran in last years Foxhunters when was in progress of running a good race until been hampered and unseating rider. Has run over all sorts of ground and seems to be a good jumper in the whole. Steps up in grade thou and isn’t handicapped to well, and extreme distance also remains a doubt if will last the 4m 4f. Possibly may run on the Thursday in the Foxthunters id imagine.

Northern Alliance
10 10-8 A J Martin
Winner of the Kerry National in 2009 so and acts on most ground types thou id say he’d prefer good ground. Has’nt set the world alight with recent runs but has been running over shorter distances than the National marathon and trainer knows the time of day. Hasn’t won over 3m+ so steps into the unknown.

Quinz
7 10-8 Philip Hobbs
Racing Post Chase winner who is well in on the weights and may have more improvement in him. Only a 7 year old and unexposed but a 7 year old has’nt won a National for over 40 years. Not without a chance and has a nice weight.

Quolibet
7 10-8 Jonjo O´Neill
A never near challenger and then pulled up when running in the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham for his first run for new connections. Would have to be backed in blind faith now thou from his form in France should jump and stay the distance.

Grand Slam Hero
10 10-7 Nigel Twiston-Davies
Has some good form in the past but has risen in the weights and not too sure he will be up to this grade thou seems to like good ground.

Roll Along
11 10-7 Nigel Twiston-Davies
Has dropped throughout the weights in recent years and if he could recoup a bit of his old horse could go well. Im just concerned the amount of times he has run of lately and may be on the decline. Trainer has a good record in the National thou but is still an outsider.

King Fontaine
8 10-6 Malcolm Jefferson
Improved leaps and bounds since transfering from Paul Nicholls to Malcolm Jefferson, has won 3 on the bounce then to pulled up in Haydock Grand National Trail (didnt seem to handle the soft ground and jumped with no rythem), ran ok at Cheltenham, finished a stayin on 5th over 3m but well beaten. Handicapper may now have the measure of him but he could go well. Iv a feeling he may be more aimed at the Scotish National this year as he is still only 8

State of Play
11 10-6 Evan Wlliams
Former Hennessey and Charlie Hall Chase Winner, Placed twice in the race, so clearly shows a liking for the course. Trainer has kept kept him fresh (hasn’t ran since finishing 4th last year) awhich wouldn’t be a concern. Drop in the weights, Likes good ground, the track thou isnt getting any younger and may be vunerable against one or two younger types. A sound each way bet
Hello Bud
13 10-5 Nigel Twiston-Davies
Becher Chase winner this year, now at 13 years I wouldn’t be put to much of this as this year has been kept fresh for this race (finished 5th last year when running out of puff). Trainer has a great record over these fences and Sam Twiston Davies will get a good tune out of him. Seems to handle most types of ground. Will be ridden with more restraint this year to last the trip

InCompliance
11 10-5 D T Hughes
From his form looks a non-stayer to me, trainer has a good record over the national fences. Can make the odd mistake and Aintree is isn’t the sort of place you can make mistakes.

Santa´s Son
11 10-5 Howard Johnson
Given a run over a 2m at Cheltenham last time gethim spot on for the National. Winner, before the last run over hurdles and hasn’t ran over fences to protect his handicap mark. Won a good 2m race at Wetherby a few years ago but stamina to prove over this mammoth trip.

West End Rocker
9 10-5 Alan King
Ran flat in National Trial at Haydock, travelled well until weakening. Light weight and stays and jumps and if you forgive him for his last run may get a run for your money at a big price.

Bluesea Cracker
9 10-4 J Motherway
Probably will be the only mare (female) in the race, former winner of Irish National and has ran some ok races this year including behind The Midknight Club in the Bobby Jo Chase (national trial). Will stay forever thou would definatley want a bit of rain thou to challenge.

Can´t Buy Time
9 10-4 Jonjo O´Neill
AP McCoy last year was reporting nearly more interested in riding this than don’t Push it. Fell on the first circuit so too soon judge how he might for faired. Has dropped down the weights with a few average runs this year. Another who would appreciate a bit of cut. May go ok at a big price – Jonjo O’Neill know how to get them ready for the big fences. Tailed off on last run round Cheltenham but didn’t run as bad as the result reads.

Character Building
11 10-4 John Quinn
Ran well in last years race finishing 7th staying on but never got a blow in at the leaders, Full exposed and at 11 he may have had his chance but will jump round and as a grey you will be able to see him! Has nearly 6lbs weight less to carry last year to carry so may nick a place if things go wrong for a few other principles.

Ornais
9 10-4 Paul Nicholls
This year has taken the route in Hunter Chases running creditably. Previously pulled up when travelling well at Sandown went something went amiss. Snippets of form but still doubts if he’d be up to this class.

Piraya
8 10-4 David Pipe
Never looked like staying 3m to me never mind 4m4f, will jump around for the first circuit until running out of petrol

Surface To Air
10 10-4 Chris Bealby
Ran his first race for over 2 years + when coming last so obviously going to strip fitter. Previously to that won Summer National on good ground and over a long trip, with races before winning 3 in a row. Has had his problems getting him back to the track and guess work knowing if he still upto the riggours of the national.

That´s Rhythm
11 10-4 Martin Todhunter
Fell in the Scottish National and can make the odd mistake in his races. All form this year has shown that he stays forever and will keep going when others have had enough. Goes best on good ground.

Arbor Supreme
9 10-3 W P Mullins
Strongly fancied last year until seating rider the second time round the track when in toomuh. Put a few bad runs in since then but his last two runs have been encourgaging, finishing just behind The Midknight Club, and is 10lbs better off for him, If he deals with the national fences and large field could get a place.
Frankie Figg
9 10-3 Howard Johnson
A regular over these fences, brave as a lion sometimes too brave (has fallen more than twice), may go better in the Topsham over the shorter distance, but theres only once National and if you back it he should but up a dazzling show for a while. Has a lot of experience over these fences (a few times falling thou jumps like a stag), 4m 4f may just be a distant too far and especially as a front runner he will be there to be shot at.

One Cool Cookie
10 10-3 C F Swan
Orignally saw him as a doubtful stayer but did run well in the Becher Chase over 3m 5f running on, Handicapper also giving him a bit more of a chance of this weight now but has failed to complete last two runs (unseated rider and ran out)

Our Monty
8 10-3 W P Mullins
Just back in training after injury, may not make it to this year but one to look out for last year.

Royal Rosa
12 10-3 Howard Johnson
Final race for 12 year who has good experience for these fences. Wants it to be soft I feel that he is declining but should jump around in his own time. Did finish 2nd in the Becher Chase in November and only narrowly beaten by Hello Bud.

Always Waining
10 10-2 Peter Bowen
Winner of the Topsham Chase last year (fell in the same race year before), trained by Peter Bowen who does very well at this Aintree Meeting. Will certainly need to jump well as he did last year but has never won 3m+ so stamina issues to cast away.

Golden Kite
9 10-2 Adrian Maguire
Won the Munster National over 3m on good ground so has a nice racing weight and looks like he will stay the trip. Seems to enjoy a battle and is very game.

Skippers Brig
10 10-2 Nicky Richards
Nicely weighed, has some great form, placed in some good handicaps in Cheltenham over 2m4f and has a lot of pace and also stays. Dissapointed in the Paddy Power in Ireland but has since won over hurdlers and then beating Ballabriggs in a race at Kelso. Think he would want a bit of cut.

Belon Gale
8 10-1 Howard Johnson
Pulled up the last two occasions which isn’t too encouraging on heavy ground. If you go back in his form he has bits of form but I feel his jumping will be put up to it round the national fences.

Faasel
10 10-1 David Pipe
Former 2nd in Triumph Hurdle many moons ago. Definitely has his own ideas about racing and has at times looked anything from straight forward (moody). Ran sound race last time finishing 2nd in 4m Chase race at Cheltenham (came second in the same race yer before). Ran in Scottish National last year and I couldn’t decide if he didn’t stay or was just not in the mood! Maybe one who will love it or hate it.

Le Beau Bai
8 10-1 Richard Lee
Genuine Thorough stayer but a bit of a mud lark – if it came up soft then only one to get interested in but overwise leave alone.

Merigo
10 10-1 Andrew Parker
Scottish National winner last year who experienced National fences in November in the Becher Chase until falling. The experience may have done him good and if he sneaks into the race may go well at a big price as he may get conditons the appreciates (good ground)

Putney Bridge
9 10-1 Keith Goldsworthy
Doubtful runner
Askthemaster
11 10-0 Robert Tyner
Doubtful runner

Dev
11 10-0 Gordon Elliott
Wont stay the trip

Giles Cross
9 10-0 Victor Dartnall
Thorough stayer, but I doubt he will get into the race because 40 horses more highly rated.

GOOD LUCK!