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You’re probably right, especially as he would probably try and front-run and will probably overjump one anyway. I just like the horse and he does go well there.
Do you think Knight will scratch Calgary Bay? She’s not exactly in love with the race – she’s from the same school as Alan King on that score!
I seriously hope not, as I think he’s the ideal type for the race, provided he takes to the fences.
Pretty big news on the RP site. Paul Nichols is apparently looking at the National for What A Friend instead of the originally suspected Totesport Bowl. Certainly would make for a very very classy National if we could get he and Tidal Bay in there. Shame we couldn’t get Midnight Chase in there too giving us 3 of the first 6 home in the Gold Cup! Can’t remember the last time we had that…
Pretty big news on the RP site. Paul Nichols is apparently looking at the National for What A Friend instead of the originally suspected Totesport Bowl. Certainly would make for a very very classy National if we could get he and Tidal Bay in there. Shame we couldn’t get Midnight Chase in there too giving us 3 of the first 6 home in the Gold Cup! Can’t remember the last time we had that…
Judged on his Timeform Gold cup rating he’ll be running with 12lbs in hand or 15lbs on Racing Post Ratings. Couldn’t help but have a small interest at 25-1
. Sir Alex Ferguson with a National runner – the marketing dept at rfc must be rubbing their hands with glee.
I do hope What A Friend does run as he is one, I feel, I can safely discount. Anything gratefully received when whittling!
KC; what are your views on Northern Alliance if he runs? Naheez/ Bustino. Got a bit of class about him perhaps?
Given his Gold Cup performance and owner; i find it hard to see What A Friend not starting favourite. Mix that in with his trainer and his jockey (provided Ruby chooses him over Midnight Club) he seems almost certain to be the tabloid story going into Aintree.
Shame we couldn’t get Midnight Chase in there too giving us 3 of the first 6 home in the Gold Cup! Can’t remember the last time we had that…
Let me don my anorak…
It’s happened at least once in recent times. I’m thinking of 1995. The first three in the Gold Cup, Master Oats, Dubacilla and Miinnehoma all went to Aintree, as did 5th placed Young Hustler.
Shame we couldn’t get Midnight Chase in there too giving us 3 of the first 6 home in the Gold Cup! Can’t remember the last time we had that…
Let me don my anorak…
It’s happened at least once in recent times. I’m thinking of 1995. The first three in the Gold Cup, Master Oats, Dubacilla and Miinnehoma all went to Aintree, as did 5th placed Young Hustler.
Terrific. Terrific.
Went back into the 2010 National thread to check out the deduction methods and apply them to this years race at the current standing. This was put forth by Ginger and we ended up with the eventual winner, however i went and ruined it by adding extra criteria and in the end we actually ended up with the 5th horse; Hello Bud. So here’s what Ginge would give us…
Chuck everything rated 138 or less, because they’re not likely to get into the race.
Chuck everything that hasn’t won a chase of at least 25f. (15 out of last 17 winners.)
Chuck everything that hasn’t had at least 3 runs this season. (Apparently the last 15 winners had all run 3 or more times by the time of the Blue Square Gold Cup. Haven’t investigated this myself yet though, to know the precise details.)
Take out horses under 8 years old…
I’ve decided to add…
Every winner since 1993 (cutting off here because i don’t know whether to count Esha Ness) have placed in the first 3 at least once at some point during the season leaving us with…
Midnight Chase
Deep Purple
Synchronised
What A FriendBig Fella Thanks
Ballabrigs
The Tother OneBackstage*
Chief Dan George
Silver By NatureNotre Pere*
Calgary Bay
Killyglen
Oscar Time
Northern Alliance
Grand Slam HeroGullible Gordan*
King Fontaine
West End RockerCharacter Building*
That’s Rhythm
One Cool Cookie*
Arbour Supreme*
Golden Kite
Skippers BrigMy additional criteria last year was take out horses with 11-00 or more and horses without Aintree fence experience. I do think Aintree experience is a good quality to have however and so have bolded those who have been over those big fences before, but i can guarantee you… the winner… is in that big list! Taadaa!
(* next to those under 11-00 with Aintree exp… just for fun)
And this is for you believers who think the likes of Merigo etc will make the list…
Belon Gale
Le Beau Bai
Giles CrossOnly ones with a weight of 10-00 – 10-03 with Ginger’s criteria…
1996 also rough quest runner up in gold cup, went on to win the national a few weeks after
vf
To prove my loyalty to my list; i have checked out my initial shortlist and taken out all who have not reached the criteria and i’m left with…
Notre Pere
Deep Purple
Giles Cross
One Cool CookieI’m very happy with that list. Naturally on the day i’ll add another 1 or 2 to my selections because i just won’t be able to resist.
Can’t see Giles Cross getting in off 136, but rather fancy him for next year. Certainly one to follow in long distance races.
Midday today was the second forfeit stage? Not sure if they’ll officially report on the comings and goings (well,goings mainly) today or tomorrow. Anyone have any news?
NATIONAL BIG GUNS STAND GROUND
Last year’s winner Don’t Push It heads 74 remaining entries for the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree on April 9.
Jonjo O’Neill’s 11-year-old gave multiple champion jockey Tony McCoy an emotional first success in the world’s most famous steeplechase last year, but will be forced to concede weight all round to his rivals this time.
The ante-post favourite is the Willie Mullins-trained The Midnight Club, while Oscar Time will bid to give Robert and Sam Waley-Cohen a huge double following last week’s Gold Cup success of Long Run.
Backstage, Ballabriggs, the Sir Alex Ferguson-owned What A Friend and Big Fella Thanks are other major players.
The Evan Williams-trained Deep Purple is one of eight to have been taken out, along with Tatenen, Tricky Trickster, Dream Alliance, Snowy Morning, Gullible Gordon, Meanus Dandy and The Sliotar.
Really disappointed Deep Purple is out.
Surprised Midnight Chase, despite his trainer insisting on the Bowl hasn’t withdrawn him… do i sense second thoughts? I hope so… well… i wish so
Right now the cut off point is 10-4 with Character Building hitting number 40. So right now the balloting would be between…
Bluesea Cracker
Can’t Buy Time
Character Building
Ornais
Piraya
Surface To Air
That’s RhythmI’d be very surprised if all of them don’t get in with only 4 needing to go, so i guess the cut offs are going to be around…
One Cool Cookie
Royal Rosa
Our Monty
Frankie Figg
Arbour SupremeAnything below them are going to be very, very lucky to make it, i reckon. Which is a shame because i’d really like to see Always Waining get in.
Do you think Always Waining has any chance of getting in?
He was my main hope on my shortlist of outsiders along withRoll Along
Surface To Air
Frankie Figg
Bluesea CrackerVery disappointed if he doesn’t run
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