Yeah, was just saying guys...........definitely staying out of this one

Looked it up because interested. I believe the below is still the criteria :

The Review Group proposed that the minimum age for a horse to be eligible to race in the Grand National be raised to seven years. While trainers supported the status quo of six-year old horses racing, the Review Group did not find evidence of six-year old horses greatly contributing to the success of the race.
• The Review Group recommended that future participants in the Grand National must have placed no lower than fourth in a recognised Steeplechase event of three miles or further at some point in their career. Moreover, the Group felt that the suitability of a horse should be assessed in the light of expanded criteria, including Steeplechase experience, staying ability, previous injuries or declining performance.
• It is also recommended that the current Rider eligibility criterion in the Grand National should be expanded to require at least 10 of the minimum 15 previous Chase/Hurdle career wins to have been in Steeplechases.

Quite surprised Black Hercules is fav for this. I would think Ruby might be pushing for him to go to the RSA after Pont Alexandre's run today, He's looking short of a decent mount in that race, barring perhaps a Mullins trained Gigginstown second string.

I think they should try Pont Alexandre in this race, he isn't going to stand a chance over shorter as he will be running against horses that ultimately will get him off the bridal and he finds nothing off of it.

See if he stays and he may very well just outclass them without having to fight too hard to do it.

"although"?

"all the"!

Crikey.

For the stats people out there, a couple of strong ones for this (from the excellent Gaultstats):

17 from last 18 had finished first or second in a chase over at least 3 miles.  That's a big negative for Outlander backers, although he did finish second in a point to point back in the day.

Of the last 13 runnings, 11 had finished either 1st or 2nd in a 3 mile hurdle.  Another negative for Outlander, and Roi de Francs too, but he did win 2 hurdle races over 2m 6f.

27 of past 30, 1st or 2nd in either of past two runs.  That most of the market leaders hit this one.

28 from last 31 all out at least 4 times that season and last 16 had all run at least 3 times over fences.  That's a pretty big negative for Black Hercules.

The last four winners rated 146, 150, 146 and 151 respectively.  Lots of the market leaders hit this, showing the better quality.  Black Hercules, Roi de Francs, Rule the World, Pont, Native River, Outlander.  Interestingly, Black Hercules is the lowest rated of those at the minute.

Whichever way you look at it, that's not an ideal prep for BH for Cheltenham.

Think I've done my dough on Native River 12/1 with bookies and double that on here before the suspension.

Yes Roo. Very good. Come on Native River.

That's good news. Also backed him for same reasons as shockster, posted on NH Big Race thread though.

Not a race I would bet on until the 24 hour declarations and all runners and more important, riders, are known. It used to be a good race when it was only open to maidens at the beginning of the season. Pointers won a few times but my biggest win was Fuzzy Logic. Unbeaten after 2 wins over the course in 3 mile novice chases he started at 33/1 and paid 70 on the Tote. He was that price because he was owned, trained and ridden by a permit trainer and his son. These days it is another RSA chase for the horses just below top class.

would be great if native river gets up close home to beat rocco for the heartbreak for o'connor

Withdrawing Black Hercules to allow Minella Rocco a smoother path, conspiracy? No worries, RDF to the rescue.

Just a flippant thought similar to WPM's rerouting of BH to the JLT, a wholly absurd decision to say the least for a stayer.

BH has only a small chance of winning the RSA with both NMH and MOT in; if the recent sound bites about MOT proved untrue and MOT remained in the RSA then BH chance of winning the JLT would be enhanced despite the trip being a wee bit too short - this is merely a flippant thought just like some of WPM.

lol just lucky! You hear what DRussel said reg story about WM bumper winner briar hill i believe ? That he got on the boat by mistake or something so they just decided to run him anyway lol??

no, not at all lol

Just putting what i read from RR. Love the horse his performance in the KG for 90 % of race was jaw dropping, very rare a performance leaves you gobsmacked. I just cant see him staying, i can understand they have to run him and see. Would be an awesome sight in the champion. And i would re mortgage the house for the ryanair.

Just think were in the position a lot of trainers are (where bit diff now have commenwealth cup0 with 3yo sprinters trying to stretch them out to be milers. He deserves a chance as it is the GC. Just hope they have a rethink if he doesnt stay as i hate it when they try make horses run in races due to the prestige of the race, instead of running it over its right trip. Think we all agree he's a horse with a serious cruising speed, thats what he's about now stamina. Stamina horses win gold cups, synchronised, imperial commander, bobs worth, denman etc I no KS won at chelt but it was never his track/trip he was just that good and the times he won they where races he just had a significant abillity advantage over the others. Vauotur is the most talented of these but not enough to make up for his stamina deficiencies. Sorry rant over cant help myself CHELTENHAM FEVER has taken over!

I do not think Vautour will beat Djakadam either let alone the two Dons, why? The two extra furlongs and the punishing hill will take its toll on Vautour ie Vautour will be tanking 100yds from the line, big time; the Ryanair, is a different proposition - Vautour will run them ragged hence a good strategy for inclusion in multiples if nrnb.

Was at a Preview last night and Barry O'Connell gave a big shout out for Ballychorus in this - 16s/20s

I really like the look of Ballychorus actually. Any idea who rides?