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I think the word I would use to describe this year’s lineup is “intriguing”. Moreso than in previous years, there seems to be a lot more “experimental” runners, which gives this years renewal a fairly different feel.
Banbridge, Firefox, Champ Kiely, Oscars Brother, Jagwar, Jordans and Panic Attack are not what you might call “typical” National runners, even by modern standards and while I don’t believe all of them should be anywhere near a Grand National field; they certainly give the race a different complexion this year.
While I do believe the data from the last two years has been overblown (the idea that you need to be Grade 1 standard to have a chance), I don’t think you can overstate the significance of Noble Yeats’ win. That result has had a profound effect on the race and the type of horse being aimed at the National.
I find i can get lost in trends so just go with gut in this sone. Served me well,not backed winner since comply or die (used the eider as his trial,those were the days!).
Backed marble sands.
Planning on backing grangeclere west and panic attack, problem is i’m in florida and cant get a bet on.
So Patrick deserts Nick Rockett for Grangeclare West and Tom Bellamy is snapped up for Nick Rockett.
I find it hard to see the upside in either of the arrangements.
Nick Rockett not pleasing at home it seems.
I’ve backed Bellamy’s rides a few times and it’s been a very unhappy tale. Eclair Surf sadly lost, Broadway Boy somehow living to tell the tale and two other falls on his most recent forays. FFFF takes a bit of doing over the ‘brush hurdles’.
I have one interesting stat from the RP
It is hugely significant that 24 of the last 30 National winners were making their debuts in the race.
Might not surprise you at all, but I can also see the confidence behind the Skelton mare.
Wilts, I’m also on Champ Kiely at 66/1 EW because I’m quite sure he’ll be much shorter on the day.
I must’ve grabbed the last of the 66s this afters, as now down to 40s, 33s, even some 25s
I got 33s wilts nice one on getting 66/1 👍
I’ve also added Captain Cody
Think I mention d previously can’t remember added Final Orders after Cheltenham winVF x
Yeah, i like Captain Cody – wished i’d bet him a few weeks back. Will prob wait now ’til Saturday. Prices always shorten Fri eve/early Sat morn, before lengthening again….i think
Wow, thanks for that Tom Bellamy stat pilgaric. That’s even worse that Jonjo (Snr) used to have back in the day! It’s helping put me off Nick Rockett, though I do have the sniff of him being like Al Boum Photo in terms of how he has been campaigned for this. Surely if they are that worried about his prep then they’d not run him??
Other interesting minor details from the decs include:
Jagwar (who I cannot have) – first-time cheekpieces.
I Am Maximus – second-time cheekpieces, first time since December 2022 in a beginners’ chase.
Beauport – first-time tongue-tie!What do we make of that Jagwar headgear switch?
Thanks to peter.h for engaging on his Real Whacker reasoning earlier int he week. Much appreciated and (I hope) the type of respectful and fascinating debate we can get more of in this forum.
I’m another on Marble Sands, backed at 100-1 but Bet365 now have him at 125-1.
Also Final Orders 25-1 and Favori de Champdou 33-1.Love Grangeclare West but not happy with jockey booking so not backed him.
I’m glad I grabbed some early NRNB on Captain Cody. It was never likely that Cobden would renew their Ayr partnership, but I’m happy with Johnny Burke on board.
The other one that interests me is Johnnywho. McLernon got a really nice tune out of him at Cheltenham, and just 10-4 on his back is an eye-catching weight.
As others have said up-thread, the race has changed so much that most of the trusty old trends don’t work any more. Interesting to see the new ones emerging over the years…
Brian Hayes came 2nd in the Irish Gold Cup on Grangeclare West last year, 3rd in the National and got place money on him in the Whitbread/b365. And came 4th in the Lexus/Savills on him this season. But has been pushed off by golden boy.
He’s is on Spanish Harlem instead, who has a weight that Patrick could have done. I was considering backing him anyway- presumed had this as his aim his whole career since he was bought for the sponsor- but I’ll definitely have a go on him now- Hayes is a very good jockey over fences.I’ve been very keen on Stellar Story for a year but it was like taking a sledgehammer to the face when I saw Robbie Dunne jocked up. Mustn’t be fancied at all by the yard.
Added Lecky Watson last week with the ground looking lively. Not put off by Sean O’Keefe getting the ride so he’s probably the main hope now.
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