Grand National 2017

With the dust just about settled on this years renewal, it’s the perfect time to get a new thread up and running for next years race.

The complexion of the race has changed a bit in the last 12 months, first with Many Clouds carrying his big weight round last year, followed by the bottom weight getting in off of 145 this year. It very much looks as if connections will have to be very careful in their preps for the race, and the days of horses been given quiet campaigns over hurdles may now be behind us. That might not be a bad thing.

Opinions will be divided, but I’d bet good money that “win and you’re in” races will be introduced.

Anyway, that’s for discussion at a later date, time to look at a few contenders, and I’ll concentrate this opening post on horses who didn’t run in this years race.

The first one that springs to mind for me is The Young Master. A little surprised that he didn’t go this year, but maybe a blessing, considering the record of 7 year olds. He’ll surely be going here this time around, and he’ll have the assistance of Aintree “specialist” Sam Waley-Cohen. I thought he’d have won a fair prize this season, but after his early exit in The Hennessy, it never really materialised. He should have more to offer.

Two horses who caught the eye at this years meeting were Maggio, and Henri Parry Morgan. Maggio was very unlucky to miss out this time around, and he won on Saturday in fair style. A careful campaign should see him get there, and despite the fact he’d go there as a 12yo, I wouldn’t be writing him off, especially as he’ll act on any ground that he faces. Henri Parri Morgan was runner up to the very impressive Native River, who himself could be a contender, though there’s just the suspicion that the Tizzard inmate has a future outwith handicaps. There’s also the concern, that despite a few ideal candidates the last few years, the owners haven’t had many runners over the fences. Henri’s really caught the eye though, his last few runs, and from a yard that thrives at Aintree, I already have him down as a live contender, and I’ve had a few quid on at the 100’s, a massive price for him, even at this early stage.

The Scottish National, next weekend at Ayr, could throw up a few contenders for Aintree. They might not be the most obvious contenders for Aintree, but I’m a big fan of the Pipe pair, Amigo, and Top Wood. I think a typically good ground Aintree, would see them at their best, and big runs this weekend, should they take their chance of course, would bring them into the picture. I’ll also be keeping a close eye on their stablemate Doctor Harper next season, and will be interesting to see how they campaign him.

They’d have to work on his jumping a bit, but the Philip Hobbs trained Three Faces West, could come into the picture after Ayr. Owned by The Rooneys, who went so close with The Last Samuri, I’d imagine he’d be Aintree bound should he make the grade. The Rooneys clearly want to land The National, and they look the type of owners who’ll have no problem with multiple runners. The Rooneys also have Operating with Gordon Elliot, but he needs to step up quickly, after a long term injury, to even be considered. I’d love for Gordon Elliot to bring him back to his best, as he looked ideal National material a couple of years back.

Gordon Elliot also has Our Father, who’s not had his troubles to seek either, and if he could get him over his latest mishap, then something like The Galway Plate, would be an ideal stepping stone for a campaign geared towards Aintree. Cause of Causes, another Elliot horse, is also booked for Ayr, and he was the most high profile horse to miss out this year, and he’ll surely not face the same dilemma next season. He’s clearly earmarked for Aintree by connections, and a good run, should he take his chance at Ayr next week, will see that 40’s disappear. A serious contender.

As well as Cause of Causes, JP has a few other who could line up. His forgotten horse, Minella Foru is very decent, and god knows what they have in mind for him, but he’s one to keep in mind, as is recent Cheltenham winner, Minella Rocco, who, touch wood, looks to have put much of his jumping issues to bed.

No doubt a few other JP runners, particularly those based in Ireland, will emerge, but there’s a few in other ownership, who’ll want to keep the prize across The Irish Sea. Noble Endeavour looks perfect for this, as do Empire of Dirt, and recent Irish National winner, Rogue Angel, who both run in The Gigginstown colours.

With the Trainers title having an added dimension this year, then Willie Mullins will surely be looking give this race more attention. Gigginstown wouldn’t complain at getting another, and Mullins has a few of theirs he could send. I’d love to see him consider Measureofmydreams, and the current second favourite, Don Poli. Don Poli got an entry for both The National and The Becher this season, and no surprise to see him near the top of firms lists for 2017. I think WPM has an interesting contender in Pleasant Company, and I’ve got him in mind for Sandown at the end of the month. I think a few of the Wylie owned horses, like Black Hercules & Shaneshill might also get considered, despite having a plethora of other targets to consider.

Mullins rival for this years Trainers title, Paul Nicholls, doesn’t seem to have as many obvious contenders, though if in the mood, Benvolio could come to punters attention, as could Sam Winner, if he’s over whatever’s ailing him, and he also has Salubrious, who has a fair bit of potential.

That’ll do for now I think, and though it seems a long way off, no harm in taking a look.

I’ve had an early go then on Henri Parry Morgan at 100’s, and he’d be my main fancy, along with The Young Master (not quoted) and Cause of Causes at 40’s. Both Henri & Cause of Causes have also made my long term Ante-Post perms, which I always do after Aintree each year.

Happy enough with those 3 just now then, and that’ll surely do until The Autumn……………famous last words.