Our Tipsters talk Grand National
The Tower
THE big one. I can safely say this looks the most open renewal in many a year of the race we love the most. And come 5.15pm when those tapes go up, it will be anyone’s guess who holds the favourite’s chance. At time of writing, DEFINITLY RED is making a surge towards the head of the market for the canny Brian Ellison and you can see why. A horse with the profile to win this race, he is undoubtedly well in at the weights and boasts the jumping ability to be a real force when all others around him are losing their heads.
For the North, ONE FOR ARTHUR looks a real threat with Lucinda Russell sending down a live chance to land the race for Scotland. He impressed when a close fifth here in the Beecher in December and scored impressively either side of that. Make no mistake, this race is there for the taking for whoever wants it this year – and that’s what makes it the race we all love. Families the length and breadth of he country will crowd around televisions for the one time of the year, all clutching their betting slips. And while some look for big race trends, others simply go for colours on a jockey’s silks to guide the way. For that reason, a play on VICENTE could be a shrewd move – connections have moved to snap him up as a potential National winner and they should know having saddled the great Many Clouds. VICENTE won last year’s Scottish National and is stamina-assured. One to watch, no doubt. But whatever the outcome, it promises to be a thrilling contest – and a great advert for our sport.
DG Tips
As always an incredibly competitive race, remarkably hard to find a winner and in many ways just as hard to find a horse that even finishes. It is without doubt a lottery but the value on offer from a punting point of view is what makes the race so great. Huge odds winners are a consistent trait and if I’m being completely honest any horse could win this race and I wouldn’t be surprised.
A clear round from a good prominent jumper seems to yield the best results and for me that has to be taken into consideration when analysing this race. The Irish have quite frankly walked all over the British contingent this NH year and it is becoming somewhat embarrassing. All that being said I do believe this year’s Grand National will be a British trained horse.
I may be made to eat my words and probably so, however, the Irish challengers don’t inspire me with any confidence. Perhaps their best chance is Rogue Angel who carries a nice low weight however I am not certain he will stay. More of That is vastly over talked and over estimated while Cause of Causes will need a dream run under patient tactics. The British challengers in comparison boast some solid credentials and most importantly good recent form figures. Despite obvious price trends the winner for me this year will come in the form of a horse at odds of 20-1 or lower. I’m not going to reveal my fancies at this stage although if you tune into this week’s podcast you may get an idea of who I fancy.
Good luck with whomever you choose, I hope all runners come back in good health and hopefully one of us from the Tipsters Empire team will find the winner.
JPW Racing Tipster
It’s a lottery they say, is it though? For me, of course you need luck and a good run of events. However, there is no doubt in my mind you can give yourself the best chance possible by delving deep into this. Granted, you could put in hours of work for a first fence faller, or a loose horse to impede your selection but that’s where the luck comes in.
The fences aren’t what they used to be and although they remain some of the most imposing you’ll see, it’s much kinder than the National of old.
It’s a great renewal this year. Favouritism in itself is looking like a battle and a half and there are so many you could make a strong case for. Myself? I’ll be backing three on the day which can be followed with my Grand National package – or you can listen on the Podcast.
I can’t wait myself, I’ll be enjoying it from home this year but if you do go to Aintree have a brilliant time and let’s just hope all 40 horses and 40 jockeys come home safe and sound as another great story will be etched into the history books.
Architect Tips
Every year I get more excited to watch the Grand National and this year’s contest has a host of stars lining up trying to add their name to the roll of honour. You need a horse that stays, jumps and has a touch of class. Many of this year’s runners have those attributes but it’s the Grand National and nothing is certain. However, I would say, good luck with all your choices and enjoy the best 10 minutes of National Hunt racing. It’s a race that makes your spine tingle and this year’s is going to be special, whether it’s short or big odds winner… I cannot wait.
I gave me thoughts on some front runners in this weeks podcast so do give it a listen and hopefully it can nudge you in the right direction of a famous National Winner!!