I've no doubting that many of you, both racing die-hards and once a year dabblers, have chosen your horses for the race. Whether it be through hard analysis or the most colourful silks, everybody has an opinion. That's what is great about the race.
For those of you that haven't quite made your mind up yet, here's six that I fancy to run big races. Three to win and three each-way.
Five of my horses meet certain criteria that worked when backing Pineau De Re in last year's renewal. These are...
MY CRITERIA
- 9-11 year olds most likely age of winner
- Horses have placed or better form at 3m 3f+
- Had 4 or more runs in the season
- Had its last run less than 60 days ago
- Not placed or better in a National previous. (Only horses recently to have won in it having ran in race before were Silver Birch (Fell 2006, won 2007) and Mon Mome (10th 2008, won 2009)
My main selection for the race, the horse that I've had my eye on for a long time in terms of this is NIGHT IN MILAN. His placed efforts in the Doncaster's Skybet and Grimthorpe Chases were solid performances and they should have acted as a nice springboard for this.
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| Night In Milan (pink hat) |
AL CO won last year's Scottish Grand National, which proves he is a dour stayer. Providing he can brush up on his jumping around here, he'll give a bold account of himself.
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| Al Co (right) |
ROYALE KNIGHT represents last year's winning trainer Dr. Richard Newland and sneaks in here off bottom weight. Won over 3m 6f and 4 miles so stamina will be no problem.
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| Royale Knight (foreground) |
And my each-way selections
PORTRAIT KING has won an Eider so is another who has no fears regarding stamina running out. His performance at Down Royal over hurdles last time out was promising.
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| Portrait King |
GAS LINE BOY should be easy to spot towards the front so hopefully he can get into a nice rhythm. Rise in weights a slight worry but 100/1 is big.
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| Gas Line Boy |
And away from the stats...
I couldn't not back PINEAU DE RE. I won my first National in numerous attempts last year so could hardly desert him as he looks to regain his crown. Don't see him winning in all honesty but he's got a great chance of placing.
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| Pineau De Re with his jubilant trainer Dr. Richard Newland after last year's success |
Out of the rest, First Lieutenant will give Nina Carberry a good ride if recapturing some of his old form although the marathon distance is a worry and Saint Are is also worthy of note. He loves Aintree and his win last time out should have him spot on for this.
Must also give a mention to my OnTheOtherHoof sweepstake selection, which is Shutthefrontdoor. Not a fancy of mine but it would be great if history could be made with AP McCoy winning not only on his last National ride, but his last ride full stop- should he win that is.
Whatever you back, I wish you all the best of luck!
And lets hope all the jockeys and horses come back safe first and foremost.
Happy Grand National Punting!
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