2011 Grand National

cheers for that info

I have backed him last 2 years and taken some of the 33/1 with hills but Denman's participation or otherwise will have a major bearing on the race - SOP likely to be well out of the proper handicap if he runs

Calgary Bay for sure.

Carruthers after an eye catching run in the gold cup.

The National is a race which simply demands experience. NumbersixVV was the least experienced recent winner with 10 previous chases, Hedgehunter 11, DPI matched Party Politics in winning the race after a dozen , Comply or Die and Silver Birch 14, Mon Mome 25

A number of this year's major fancies will benefit from a year (or two) more experience. BFT (11), Tricky Trickster(7), Backstage (10) and The Package (9) are all proper chasers who if their career and handicap marks can be "managed" properly will have chances in future.

Really fancy BFT for it next year as long as the Handicap mark is well managed.

The party line currently says BFT for the national and Denman for the Hennessy. After a summer of reflection I think we'll see those rolls reversed. BFT is well handicapped and looks ideal for the Henessy. He didn't seem to get home on Saturday, having jumped much better this year.