Think this will be one of the most competitive Grand Nationals - at this stage you can pull a string over 10 horses and not get the winner. For me its about both Jockey and Horse.
With that in mind, the jockey revelation this season has been Bryony Frost... She has really caught the eye winning some high profile races over long distances this season with the likes of Present Man, Frodon, Black Corton and off course Milansbar/b]. Interesting Present Man was touted as her national horse early in the season but didn't materialise - but was a serious hint to her ambitions for the race.
She has 31 wins to her name this season and probably the best female jump jockey of her time, and lets not forget her dad won the national already. Her horsemanship is well taught.
I think she has the perfect horse in [b]Milansbar, he is a real good jumper this season and I love his bold front-running style, and if he takes to the fences this will keep him out of trouble - leading from the front. He will give you a good run for your money.
Think soft ground will probably be the ground that he wants - which seems likely with the weather. He has a nice racing weight, has bundles of stamina - concern is his age... my only negative.
Of the other national runners - I have always fancied Blaklion he was my main fancy last year, but I do feel his 3lb extra weight rise may be a bit too much despite having a wind op.
NTD also has another good runner in Splash Of Ginge 66/1 - Ginger McCain would be a fitting name - but again think he has serious stamina issues - although I have backed him.
Both female riders have a chance of making history , the field is not great this year and both horses are as good as their opponents I think one of both will go very close.
Both female riders have a chance of making history , the field is not great this year and both horses are as good as their opponents I think one of both will go very close.
Personally I can't see any evidence to suggest it wont go the same way as other 7 yr olds. Being asked to travel the best part of an extra mile and bigger fences than it's ever attempted before and it has hardly been flying home in it's races, maybe plodding along. But like everything with this race you have to factor in how many of the field will finish.
Personally I can't see any evidence to suggest it wont go the same way as other 7 yr olds. Being asked to travel the best part of an extra mile and bigger fences than it's ever attempted before and it has hardly been flying home in it's races, maybe
Baie Des Iles did 3m 5f 5th place behind Native River and Raz De Maree......at the age of 5 , another 6 furlongs at age 7 does not sound out of the question.
Baie Des Iles did 3m 5f 5th place behind Native River and Raz De Maree......at the age of 5 , another 6 furlongs at age 7 does not sound out of the question.
Sixtwosix. it was a long way behind and it's rating hasn't improved since. That's what I base my opinion on. It has run many times since and hasn't exactly been flying home as I said.
Sixtwosix. it was a long way behind and it's rating hasn't improved since. That's what I base my opinion on. It has run many times since and hasn't exactly been flying home as I said.