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Can’t remember a National where I had so many running, that I would usually cover in some shape or form
Beauport
Coko Beach
Conflated
Hewick
Iroko
Meetingofthewaters
Royal PagailleEven Celebre D’Allen is an old notebook horse
Going to be a frustrating watch
My four against the field
Stumptown
Minella Cocooner
Beaufort
Minella IndoBlueSky @pghenn.bsky.social
So don't run, just like the others always do
Like you Bobby I’ve ended up with far more than I intended
Main bets are:
Hewick – I honestly think if he is still standing after the canal turn first time he’ll win.
Vanillier – He needs a bit more help from his rider (should have won in 2023) but he’s in rare form.
Bravemansgame – The closer we get the more I feel this is a Nichols masterclass. I really think he has a shout.
My each way fun is:
Royal Pagaille – Not got his ground and is handicapped to lose, but he’s an old friend and I’ve waited years for this.
Twig – If you can forgive those at the top of the market for poor runs, then you can fogive Twig too. Clearly been the plan.
Hitman – I’m a glutton for punishment and I “missed the price”, but he’s nutty enough to just click here.
A rare saver for me in this:
Iroko – Not my typical National type, but he was my first bet after his Cheltenham run. He could be anything.
I wanted four and ended up with seven… and despite all this you just know Meetingofthewaters is going to win.
I reck you’ll need a horse with 4 tyres and just enough brake power to steady its self, at times, when required. Plus, of course, a cruising speed that can go into overdrive at the right time
Good ground … Good horses , just can’t see the handicappers coping with them , Intense Raffles is still the main bet , I’ll take a risk on the ground as I think he’s a graded horse in hiding , can’t have Iroko , he’ll make a hash of 1 or 2 fences , going to have a study tonight for a couple more
Pick 3 on Saturday champion 2025/2026
They will Mike but it’s still going to be firmer than what most horses will be use to
Pick 3 on Saturday champion 2025/2026
Totally sunny day forecast, v mild to warm (although not as warm as today) and a stiff, drying breeze.
By 4 oclock it’ll be Good going, without a doubt.
My list (all win only)
Minella Cocooner 25/1
Iroko 14/1
Perceval Legallois 14/1
Now also done:
Grangeclare West 49/1
Broadway Boy 139/1
Savers on:
Vanillier 19/1
Hyland 23/1(also Inothewayurthinkin 33/1 and Galvin 40/1 who do not run)
Value Is EverythingIntense Raffles 12/1
Meetingofthewaters 20/1
Apprecitate It 33/1
Chantry House 100/1Good luckk all!
Broadway Boy is proven on good ground and has an action that should imo be suited by it. Forgotten about due to his last two runs, where his jumping has absolutely fallen apart. Before that this 7 year old looked steadily progressive, with a good second in the “Hennessey”. Made ground at most of his fences when leading or disputing it all the way, only one mistake 4 out. In the 3m2f contest was outpaced after the last by Kandoo Kid before gradually staying on the better after the elbow (although KK might have been idling). Now 5 lbs better off with the winner for the 1 3/4 lengths he was beaten.
This horse seems to have two ways of jumping. Had generally jumped well when either leading or disputing it in no less than 9 straight races prior to New Year’s Day. Only a 5 runner field and made odds-on fav, but had another front runner Bowtogreatness in the field who went off fast. BB couldn’t lead or dispute which was fine at first until other horses came alongside. Didn’t jump with his usual fluency and as a result Sam Twister found himself in a pocket. His jumping really fell apart from that point onwards.
One run since, but instead of an easy race Twister being Twister ran him in the Ultima. After 5 attempts there was a “standing start”. Broadway Flyer did not get away well. Never travelling or jumping once he had horses on all sides and pulled up 5 out. Should not have had a hard race.
In many ways it does not bode well for a 34 runner field. Especially with I counted 9 horses that want a clear view of their fences to produce their best. This is likely to be a strongly run National, unlike several recently. But Aintree is a wide racecourse until the 6th fence. So if Bellamy can get away towards the front with a clear view of his fences in that first straight… Which is admittedly a big IF. To lead or have a clear view by first Beechers… He could jump better than his recent form suggests.
Obviously Broadway Boy should not be amongst the favourites. But @ 140 surely deserves chancing.I’ll also be putting an in running LAY bet up at a much smaller price… Or possibly LAY him back at a similar price even before the first fence if not getting a good start.
Value Is Everything“Broadway Boy is proven on good ground and has an action that should imo be suited by it.”
Got dodgy knees though. Carpal bones do not like the concussive effect of quick ground.Three for me:
Grangeclare West
Senior Chief
MeetingofthewatersGrangeclare West is the second leg of various doubles for me and would be my biggest winner ever. The form of his Irish Gold Cup run is white hot, he’s a good jumper, Brian Hayes is good at getting horses jumping well too, trainer thinks he should like the ground and previously said he stays all day. I’m ignoring his last run, where he was tenderly handled to qualify for this. Only worry is Townend seems not to have considered him as a potential ride.
Two more I’ll back ew tomorrow
Senior Chief- been targeted at this all year, goes on the ground, not fully exposed, I think he’ll stay, decent jumper, great trainer and good jockey.
Meetingofthewaters- lovely run last year, just taking on trust that he didn’t quite get home last year due to being primarily targeted at Cheltenham last year and running on testing ground in the Ultima a few weeks beforehand plus being a little less mature; rather than an inherent lack of stamina. Jockey picking him over Minella Cocooner also a good sign as MC has a decent chance.Think this is my first post here. Hello everyone.
On good ground I’m banking that class will prevail.
I Am Maximus could easily scoot around again (can’t remember many horses winning every handicap they’ve run in) but too short at the prices.My two against the field:
Conflated (100/1) – spring good for him, last two years placed in Gold Cup, Ryanair and here in Melling last year (split Jonbon and Protektorat). Ran well under amateur and top weight at Cheltenham. Doubt he’ll have enough gas to see them all off from the elbow but hoping he’ll outrun his odds.Nick Rockett (25/1) – feels like he’s has the perfect 12+ months prep for this. Never love Patrick over fences (Gaelic warrior notwithstanding) but he’ll do for me here at the price.
Good luck all.
I haven’t had a bet and won’t be either but doesn’t mean I don’t have an interest in the race and it looks the hardest National to call in recent memory and I couldn’t give a strong argument as to why 7 or 8 of these can’t win the race. Hopefully its a good spectacle as a result and we get several contenders fighting it out at the finish.
I mentioned Iroko as the right profile horse before the season started so I’d be hoping he goes well. I’ve had a strange feeling for a long time that this might just suit Bravemansgame. We’ve seen formerly classy horses go well dropped in the weights and I know people will say hes bust or wont stay, probably true but hes the right sort of price to have a go. The ground should help any stamina doubts. I’ve gone for him and Hewick in the competition on here as Hewicks my idea of the most likely winner on these terms and conditions.
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