Grand National

My 5 (nrnb) against the field (from weeks back) are Corach Rambler, I Am Maximus, Vanillier, Meetingofthewaters and Mahler Mission, unashamedly; win only though - no each way for me.

Stattler available at 60.0 on here and 4.0/4.5 to be 10th or better.
I've filled up.  Huge value for me.

I've Stattler as my lucky dip.

I think the bookies are "cheating" once a year punters. The prices of Vanillier, Mahler Mission and Meetingofthewaters are almost 50% more here than with high street bookies.

It is an annual event impossible123 - fleece the once a year bettors. 
I'm not a mad fan of Dan Skelton but I think his is worth a win and place too and Kitty's Light also has a bit of mine as this is the National and the horse has won one already and fits the bill of National sentiment and for that reason alone has to be covered.
I still think however that Corach Rambler is the winner.
Hope they all come back safe - horses and jockeys.

I wish every horse and jockey to return safely and enjoy the race.

A good piece written about this year's renewal by Mr Chris Cook, the son of Mr Robin Cook, an avid racegoer and supporter, in the Racing Post; he's about the only journo who'd put his head above the parapet.

He reckoned this race is resembling "a cross country" with 6 of 12 entered for the Cheltenham version (abandoned due to waterlogging) 3 filled the 2nd, 3rd and 4th spot here; those who lauded how good and enjoyable this National was did not voice the same sentiment when the cross country race at Cheltenham was abandoned.

He reckoned "there are few moments in life where you feel as though you've very little idea of what's happening and many of those are unpleasant. The National brings nine minutes of confusion, even for those of us who imagined we're fully prepared as shocks alternating with puzzles as rapidly as you can recognise them.

He also indicated the National "is so much more vulnerable to domination by the biggest stables now eg Mullins (1st) and Elliot (2nd), just like the Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle and many big races to come."

He said he wished "there had been a greater willingness on the part of officialdom to stand up for the concept behind the National, to say: "Here is the greatest chance we offer our athletes to prove themselves. It's one of the world's best sporting events and we must be slow to do anything that may tear at its fabric."

I agree with Mr Cook. The colour (domination by big trainers and owners); the confusion (a cross-country handicap); the puzzles/dramas have been taken away from the present National.

Davy Russell pilot of 2x Grand National winner Tiger Roll believes "qualification races" for the Grand National could boost the strength of the big-race's field and improve the season's staying-chase programme. He also believes some runners have no chance, and keep others out.

How very true! I've always thought this is already the condition. If I was wrong when did it change, and why?

Inothewayurthinkin has been supplemented for the Gold Cup. As such will he run here? It's only 3 weeks between the 2 races.

'Ino...' is not entered.

When I looked at the entries my eyes were drawn to 'Now Is The Hour' - one of two of Mr Cromwell. The other is Final Orders. The former is well-weighted against a few of the more fancied market leaders presently. But, as always what'll run is a bit of a lottery esp those from the big stables and owned by high profile owners.

Scratching day today 24/3

Apparently the other of Mr Cromwelll, Final Orders, might not even run, according to the trainer.

Only a fortnight away but the forum is still very sleepy. Maybe as a result of multiple runners from multiple owners and merely a handful of trainers.

Some interesting ones under 11st, might be time to back a couple before the likes of TS throw their hat in the ring.

Have backed seven between 40 (Final Orders ) and 420 (Marble Sands ) ...thats about normal , small stakes .

Lecky Watson my only very small a/p bet so far. He is a good jumper but has not won since the his Cheltenham novice win. His run on Dec 28 reads OK when you look at the horses he was close behind at level weights. A Mullins plot?

Yep in mine too , and two of my mates .

At the prices now, Captain Cody stands out to me. Should certainly stay, and must be a chance Cobden rides again.

If it comes up soft or worse (some rain in the forecast), Spillanes Tower & Oscars Brother would be of interest (though the price might have gone on the latter).

surely cobbden rides one of Jp,s ?

Yes, it's possible, but he was picking up spares from Mullins at Cheltenham.

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Cobden's riding for JP (not WPM) in the Irish National. I'd still be happy with Captain Cody for the Grand National, Mullins doesn’t lack for decent jockeys.

Quai de Bourbon looks well weighted with scope, shame the 7 year negative but have backed ew, and if you ignore the Iroko festival run he was looking progressive back end of 25 before a short break and possible Cheltenham day out, thats the 2 appealing to me.

only 5 of top 29 in the weights trained in GB and 2 of those owned by JP McManus!!!

Mr Cromwell has 3, and I managed to back the only non-runner Now Is The Hour. Final Orders is 34 here, and nrnb today.

I hope the winning jockey Mr Stone-Walsh on Will The Wise can repeat the same feat on Final Orders in the Grand National tomorrow