2019 Grand National

Hi gang,
Would like to know peoples opinion,
Got to say this is the most disappointing field I’ve seen for a grand national
In a long time…….

Don’t really care about quality. Its all about the occasion 40 runners and solving the puzzle.

Yeah it isn’t the strongest of entries (The Storyteller being so close to top weight is the giveaway) but it’s by no means the worst field in recent years. It’s still wide open and contains little in the way of unheard-of filler. Just about every likely runner has notoriety and have played roles in significant trials throughout the season. In years past we’d get French imports having their first runs in the Country or runners who haven’t been seen since running in a hurdle race in the Autumn. I don’t have the time to watch every race every day, so most of my knowledge comes from weekend racing with a smattering of midweek stuff. This is the first year I can say I’ve heard of all the intended runners bar one or two before their entries in the race.

So confirmed absentees are Bristol De Mai, Alpha Des Obeaux, Blaklion, Drakondlike and Abolitionist.

Hinted absentees in Mala Beach and Shattered Love.

Probable/potential absentees in Valtor, Warriors Tale and Ultragold.

That has us looking at the 49 mark, which would put Bless The Wings, Captain Redbeard and Polidam in the reserve positions.

My second bet in this is Regal Encore. Bug in the yard first half of the season but the trainer is happy with the horses now and he’s a nice EW bet at 66-1.

I am with the Hemmings Runners here. I have Vintage Star at 33-1, but I bet him too early, I don’t know why I didn’t bet him each way. I did bet Lake View Lad each way though + I took the 5 places for him.

I have also bet Abolitionist but as he is out + the other horse I like Valtor doesn’t look like running, I will look for 2 others.

I am thinking Rock The Kasbah or Walk In The Mill

Seeing as my theory that Don Poli was a plot horse (you don’t put a plot horse up for sale a week before the race), I’ve backed another Giggs horse as well. Valseur Lido at 100/1 appeals greatly in a race where nothing stands out. Last year off 11’7, he travelled sweetly until stamina gave out from two out. That was on heavy ground, so there are reasons to be optimistic he can get home this time. The better ground will definitely help in that regard, as will the huge turnaround in weight. From the foot of the handicap this time as opposed to the head of the handicap, can easily see him improving on his 8th place last year. 17lb better off with the 4/1 favourite, previous experience of the race, stable going well, and a jockey on the crest of a wave, 100/1 seems a great value e/w bet. Can Rachel Blackmore become the first female jockey to win the national? Wouldn’t surprise me the season she’s had.

Hi gang,
Got to agree,
THEWEXFORDMAN………biggest lay of the race,
Very interested in YALA ENKI,excellent prep in WGN

I agree SHL, Ramses De Teillee looks massively over-priced to me @ around 39/1.

One of very few winners when Pipe was in particularly poor form last season and always on the cards would improve once the yard was free of a virus this time around (especially after wind surgery).
Won the Welsh National Trial before pushing Elegant Escape very close in the real thing. That race on that ground is often a stiffer test of stamina than Aintree. Went even closer to winning a big race in the Haydock Grand National Trial last time out, despite being off a 5 lb higher mark than Chepstow and different ground. Might have won there with a better ride. Progressive and appears to jump and stay well. Seven year olds don’t have a good record in the GN, but not many of his age have as much experience in big field handicaps – including staying handicaps.