Last years winner

too old, too much weight

it's hard to believe, but the last horse to win the GN and go on to win another race under rules is 2002 winner Bindaree. That's a pretty incredible stat to overcome, although a couple of past winners have come close in recent years, Hedgehunter and Comply or Die

Be pulled up on the final circuit when miles behind would be my guess, weight, age and ridiculous preparation all being factors. Last year it had good form through the year and going into the race, this year it's hardly picked a foot up. You can't mess with horses like this and expect a miraculous return to the level needed to win this race nowadays. I like and respect the Trainer, his other one looks to have a better chance don't you think?

Thought it ran well at cheltenham without ever getting in the mix, i think it will go well with decent ground.

Some people were saying it had no chance given this season's early runs but I thought the Cheltenham run was pretty good-way better than the others,
especially as I am convinced it had a much easier race than last year.

For me there are 2 things about the horse, firstly I was taken about how well he stays and this could enable him to win again, and secondly I am still not 100% convinced about his jumping as he can make the odd mistake (having said that he absolutely winged the last 2 fences). From last years race imo both Pineau de Re and Balthazar King will take a lot of beating.

The fly in the ointment could yet be the Drs other horse

I agree about the Doctor's other horse, matches all the trends and stays

Lucky to get round last year ,doubt you get away with a mistake like that again.

Defo get round and finish in 1st 10 material.Not a win bet tho

I think backing PDR you need to bet on having faith in the trainer that he has the horse right...

He has such poor form this season so you cannot assess him on his form this year (unlike last year).

Maybe a masterstroke by the trainer, as most GN winner have hard races upto there build up (explains the poor record of post winners - mentioned in the post above) - he hasnt had a hard race at all id argue he hasnt had a race... so it is a matter of faith

I am hoping we will see a different horse - weight does make it very achievable and could be a improved horse from last season...

My gut feeling is he will bring his A-game come GN day... and will be a major threat ...

You have to remember that PNR is a good ground horse.  Last year he ran on soft until Cheltenham and then we all know what the results were.  This season he has actaully been riding on soft to heavy and heavy ground and then good at Cheltenham...having said that I think they expected better from him at Cheltenham...(I hear they thought he was a smashing each way bet again).  As long as the ground is good I would right him off for at least a place.  (no I am not backing him after all that....mine are Night in Milan, Alverado, Saint Are and maybe Godsmejudge IF he goes).

too old as only three 12 year olds have won in last thirty races . plus he is not a red rum who was  the last horse to win back to back nationals over 40 years ago .

I have backed again this year as I think that PDR's main strength is his stamina and imo that is what wins this race now

Mar 25, 2015 -- 5:49AM, barry rico wrote:

too old as only three 12 year olds have won in last thirty races . plus he is not a red rum who was

won off 143 last year
151 now

12 year old

N O C HANCE

cross it off