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?