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I:m going first with BACKSTAGE
NO DUPLICATES
No. Form Colour Grand National Horses Odds Bet Age Weight Trainers Jockey Rate
11 133-21 The Midnight Club 8/1 10 10-13 W P Mullins Ruby Walsh 149
Not guaranteed to stay but long considered an ideal National candidate and landed the Bobbyjo Chase at Clonmel with other National principles Oscar Time and Arbor Supreme behind last time. A must for any short-list and considered the ride of Ruby Walsh.
1 1-P070 Don't Push It 12/1 11 11-10 Jonjo OŽNeill A P McCoy 160
Looking to become the first horse since Red Rum in the early 70s to win the race in successive years. Must carry 5lbs more than last year but would that have stopped him in 2010?
3 11-524 What A Friend 12/1 8 11-6 Paul Nicholls Daryl Jacob 156
Owned in partnership by Sir Alex Ferguson and ran a cracker to finish 4th in the Gold Cup. Handicapper would have given him considerably more weight if he could and everything in place for a big run.
14 57011 Backstage 12/1 9 10-12 Gordon Elliott Paul Carberry 148
Represents the yard of Gordon Elliot who had a cracking Cheltenham and landed the National with Silver Birch in 2007. Backstage has had a similar preparation to that winner easily landing a couple of points in Ireland; many believe he was going every bit as well as Don’t Push It when hampered by loose horse in race last year.
18 52-263 Oscar Time 12/1 10 10-9 M M Lynch Sam Waley-Cohen 145
Jockey Sam Waley-Cohen looking to be the first amateur to win the race since Marcus Armytage on Mr Frisk in 1990 and the first jockey to do the Gold Cup/National double since Jim Culloty back in 2002. Lost nothing in defeat behind The Midnight Club last time and finished runner up in the Irish National last year; major player.
10 11-112 Ballabriggs 14/1 10 11-0 Donald McCain Jason Maguire 150
Has been preserving his handicap mark all winter as connections believe him to be an ideal National type. Bidding to give McCain family their 5th win in race and owner Trevor Hemmings his second after Hedgehunter in 2005.
13 21-071 Silver By Nature 14/1 9 10-13 Lucinda Russell Peter Buchanan 148
Bidding to become the first grey in 50 years to win the race and would have every chance if the ground was no better than good to soft. Does look ground dependent but excellent win in the Haydock Park Trial last time; supporters will be praying for rain.
8 4-2F44 Big Fella Thanks 14/1 9 11-1 Ferdy Murphy Graham Lee 151
Has finished 6th and 4th in the last two renewals on both occasions travelling very well and perhaps just failing to get home. Reported to be the last runner to race in the colours of fearless punter Harry Findlay. Has changed stables since last year.
12 9P-F58 Niche Market 16/1 10 10-13 Paul Nicholls Harry Skelton 149
Long considered the first string from the Nicholls’ yard but I’m not convinced. Won the Irish National for Bob Buckler back in 2009 but didn’t look a natural over these fences when pulled up in last year’s renewal.
19 0-1131 Quinz 16/1 7 10-8 Philip Hobbs Richard Johnson 144
Racing Post Chase winner but nagging doubt that he is a better horse going right-handed. The last 7-y-o to win the race was Bogskar back in 1940 and connections appear to have had their hand forced as the horse will never have 10-8 in a handicap again.
37 2U-9P2 Arbor Supreme 20/1 9 10-3 W P Mullins D J Casey 139
Faller at the Chair last year and put up a career best when runner up to stablemate The Midnight Club (8lb worse off) in the Bobbyjo last time. Not yet guaranteed a run but one to consider if he gets into the race off his feather weight.
5 2/1-31 Majestic Concorde 25/1 8 11-5 D K Weld Mr RP McNamara 155
Winner of a valuable handicap at Leopardstown over Xmas but doesn’t look to have been done too many favours by the handicapper; down the field in last year’s Cesarewitch and could return to the North West for another crack at Chester Cup!
20 212-42 Becauseicouldntsee 25/1 8 10-8 N F Glynn D N Russell 144
Finished runner up in last year’s NH Chase over 4m at Cheltenham and improved again to finish 2nd in valuable Leopardstown handicap behind Majestic Concorde over Xmas; connections still deliberating whether the race will come a year too soon.
24 1-11P5 State of Play 25/1 11 10-6 Evan Williams Paul Maloney 142
Has finished placed (4th & 3rd) in the last two renewals of the race having made mistakes at vital times on both occasions. Goes well fresh so absence from the track no concern and has 10lb pull with Don’t Push It on last year’s running.
30 21-046 Bluesea Cracker 20/1 9 10-4 J Motherway Andrew J McNamara 140
Winner of last season’s Irish National and bidding to become the first mare to win the race since Nickel Coin in 1951; below par so far this term but this looks to have been the objective all year and if she takes to the fences the 60 year wait could be over.
35 30563 Character Building 33/1 11 10-4 John Quinn Miss Nina Carberry 140
Has long been considered an ideal sort for the National but was beaten nearly 40 lengths in race last year when he took time to warm to his task. Previous Festival winner and although there others with more obvious claims not one to dismiss out of hand.
16 56242 Calgary Bay 33/1 8 10-10 Henrietta Knight Hadden Frost 146
Has promised more than he has delivered throughout his career but ran one of his better races at Cheltenham last time; stamina a concern and connections have not yet confirmed the race is his Aintree target.
27 75P-1P Hello Bud 25/1 13 10-5 Nigel Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies 141
Former Scottish National and Becher Chase winner but almost old enough to vote and difficult to see him reversing the form with Don’t Push It as a teenager. No 13-y-old has won the race since 1923 and unlikely to buck that trend.
28 07-11P West End Rocker 33/1 9 10-5 Alan King Robert Thornton 141
Thorough stayer who ran below par on desperate ground last time but had looked most progressive until that setback. Has winning form on good ground and must enter calculations if he adapts to these unique obstacles.
39 13-011 Skippers Brig 33/1 10 10-2 Nicky Richards Dominic Elsworth 138
Beat leading contender Ballabriggs (giving 4lbs) fair and square last time and would meet that rival on better terms if sneaking into the race. Needs rain and a number of withdrawals if he is to make the line up.
2 4-3226 Tidal Bay 40/1 10 11-9 Howard Johnson Brian Hughes 159
Enigmatic chaser who was running on in sixth in the Gold Cup last time. Has a bit to find with What A Friend on that effort but if he takes to the fences has the ability to go very close. Just as likely to pull himself up however!
15 1-753F Chief Dan George 40/1 11 10-12 James Moffatt Paddy Aspell 148
Early casualty at Cheltenham last time in race he had won previous year: winner of a grade 1 at Aintree over hurdles back in 2007 but doesn’t look the force of old.
4 U-7744 Vic Venturi 50/1 11 11-6 D T Hughes A E Lynch 156
Winner of the Becher Chase over these demanding fences and never had the rub of the green last year being hampered on more than one occasion before unseating. Soft ground would help.
6 42F14 Or Noir De Somoza 50/1 9 11-5 David Pipe Tom Scudamore 155
Makes British debut for David Pipe and gave a stone and a beating to Quolibet at Auteuil back in November. Limitations, seemingly, exposed in a better class last time and hardly looks well handicapped at face value.
21 00-06P Comply or Die 40/1 12 10-8 David Pipe Timmy Murphy 144
brilliant winner of the race in 2008 and finished runner up in 2009. Finished down the field last year and although handicapper has given him a chance hard to imagine there is another National in him at the age of 12.
40 1d10019 Golden Kite 50/1 9 10-2 Adrian Maguire S J Hassett 138
Won Munster National in October for Adrian “Mutley” Maguire and loves good or faster ground. Made no show in recent prep race but that is easily forgiven on ground far too soft.
9 F24-41 The Tother One 40/1 10 11-0 Paul Nicholls Mr R Mahon 150
Below par last time but ran well to be placed in Charlie Hall Chase and Hennessy Gold Cup (where he stayed on very well) in first half of the season. One of the legions of runners bidding to give Paul Nicholls’ his first win in race and should not be underestimated.
17 P-2536 Killyglen 50/1 9 10-10 S R B Crawford R M Power 146
Winner at this meeting when trained by Howard Johnson a couple of years ago but now trained in Northern Ireland. Went too fast from the front at Doncaster last time and could give his supporters a run for their money from the front.
25 44/P3- King Fontaine 66/1 8 10-6 Malcolm Jefferson Denis O'Regan 142
Previously most progressive chaser although jumped poorly at Cheltenham upped in class last time. Back on a flat track he could return to form but much more needed
26 3431U In Compliance 50/1 11 10-5 D T Hughes Leighton Aspell 141
Usually a sound jumper but made a most uncharacteristic error last time; finished 6th in the Topham last year and will give his supporters a good run for their money although he is likely to be swamped inside the final half mile.
32 2111/0 Surface to Air 66/1 10 10-4 Chris Bealby Tom Messenger 140
Winner of the Summer National back in 2008 but was off the track for the best part of three years until finishing tailed off over hurdles earlier in the month. Hard to know how much ability he retains.
34 F-8P5P Can't Buy Time 66/1 9 10-4 Jonjo OŽNeill Richie McLernon 140
Has fell in the last couple of renewals of the race and made no show at the Festival last time. Does have a touch of class but unlikely that it will be third time lucky.
7 F24-41 Dooneys Gate 100/1 10 11-4 W P Mullins Mr P W Mullins 154
Yet to race beyond 3m and hardly looks first-string from the Willie Mullins yard. Winner at Clonmel last time and could be diverted to the Topham on the Friday where he would have a more realistic chance
23 1FP18P Grand Slam Hero 66/1 10 10-7 Nigel Twiston-Davies Aidan Coleman 143
Needs good or faster ground and granted his optimum conditions could go well at a very big price. The Twiston-Davies team were out of luck at Cheltenham but the National has been kind to the stable winning the race in both 2002 and 1998
36 51P/52 Ornais 100/1 9 10-4 Paul Nicholls Nick Scholfield 140
Even money and couldn’t win a modest Hunter Chase at Newbury last time but Paul Nicholls is reported to be very sweet on his chances (yes I know he is with all of his horses!) given the horse has only just returned from a two-year lay off
.
38 5U-42P Royal Rosa 100/1 12 10-3 Howard Johnson Paul Gallagher 139
Finished 2nd & 3rd in the last couple of renewals of the Becher Chase but has never fulfilled early promise; hard to make a case for.
22 FF25P Quolibet 150/1 7 10-8 Jonjo OŽNeill M P Walsh 144
Very disappointing on his British debut in the X-Country race at the Festival and another 7-y-o looking to buck a 70 year trend. No surprise to see him swerve race and let him acclimatise with next year’s renewal in mind
29 207710 Santa's Son 150/1 11 10-5 Howard Johnson Jamie Moore 141
Won a hurdle at Musselburgh back in February but no show at Cheltenham over 2m last time. The step up in trip by another two-and-a-half-miles will have to bring about significant improvement if he is to take a hand.
31 391059 That's Rhythm 100/1 11 10-4 Martin Todhunter 140
The weight of the McCann money was enough to get him on the floor in the Scottish National of 2009 when he was travelling like a winner. Impressive winner at Bangor back in August and loves good ground but never struck me as the type for Aintree.
33 234PP Piraya 150/1 8 10-4 David Pipe Johnny Farrelly 140
Disappointing grey who has yet to win beyond 2m 5f and well below par of late: makes no appeal.
NO DUPLICATES
No. Form Colour Grand National Horses Odds Bet Age Weight Trainers Jockey Rate
11 133-21 The Midnight Club 8/1 10 10-13 W P Mullins Ruby Walsh 149
Not guaranteed to stay but long considered an ideal National candidate and landed the Bobbyjo Chase at Clonmel with other National principles Oscar Time and Arbor Supreme behind last time. A must for any short-list and considered the ride of Ruby Walsh.
1 1-P070 Don't Push It 12/1 11 11-10 Jonjo OŽNeill A P McCoy 160
Looking to become the first horse since Red Rum in the early 70s to win the race in successive years. Must carry 5lbs more than last year but would that have stopped him in 2010?
3 11-524 What A Friend 12/1 8 11-6 Paul Nicholls Daryl Jacob 156
Owned in partnership by Sir Alex Ferguson and ran a cracker to finish 4th in the Gold Cup. Handicapper would have given him considerably more weight if he could and everything in place for a big run.
14 57011 Backstage 12/1 9 10-12 Gordon Elliott Paul Carberry 148
Represents the yard of Gordon Elliot who had a cracking Cheltenham and landed the National with Silver Birch in 2007. Backstage has had a similar preparation to that winner easily landing a couple of points in Ireland; many believe he was going every bit as well as Don’t Push It when hampered by loose horse in race last year.
18 52-263 Oscar Time 12/1 10 10-9 M M Lynch Sam Waley-Cohen 145
Jockey Sam Waley-Cohen looking to be the first amateur to win the race since Marcus Armytage on Mr Frisk in 1990 and the first jockey to do the Gold Cup/National double since Jim Culloty back in 2002. Lost nothing in defeat behind The Midnight Club last time and finished runner up in the Irish National last year; major player.
10 11-112 Ballabriggs 14/1 10 11-0 Donald McCain Jason Maguire 150
Has been preserving his handicap mark all winter as connections believe him to be an ideal National type. Bidding to give McCain family their 5th win in race and owner Trevor Hemmings his second after Hedgehunter in 2005.
13 21-071 Silver By Nature 14/1 9 10-13 Lucinda Russell Peter Buchanan 148
Bidding to become the first grey in 50 years to win the race and would have every chance if the ground was no better than good to soft. Does look ground dependent but excellent win in the Haydock Park Trial last time; supporters will be praying for rain.
8 4-2F44 Big Fella Thanks 14/1 9 11-1 Ferdy Murphy Graham Lee 151
Has finished 6th and 4th in the last two renewals on both occasions travelling very well and perhaps just failing to get home. Reported to be the last runner to race in the colours of fearless punter Harry Findlay. Has changed stables since last year.
12 9P-F58 Niche Market 16/1 10 10-13 Paul Nicholls Harry Skelton 149
Long considered the first string from the Nicholls’ yard but I’m not convinced. Won the Irish National for Bob Buckler back in 2009 but didn’t look a natural over these fences when pulled up in last year’s renewal.
19 0-1131 Quinz 16/1 7 10-8 Philip Hobbs Richard Johnson 144
Racing Post Chase winner but nagging doubt that he is a better horse going right-handed. The last 7-y-o to win the race was Bogskar back in 1940 and connections appear to have had their hand forced as the horse will never have 10-8 in a handicap again.
37 2U-9P2 Arbor Supreme 20/1 9 10-3 W P Mullins D J Casey 139
Faller at the Chair last year and put up a career best when runner up to stablemate The Midnight Club (8lb worse off) in the Bobbyjo last time. Not yet guaranteed a run but one to consider if he gets into the race off his feather weight.
5 2/1-31 Majestic Concorde 25/1 8 11-5 D K Weld Mr RP McNamara 155
Winner of a valuable handicap at Leopardstown over Xmas but doesn’t look to have been done too many favours by the handicapper; down the field in last year’s Cesarewitch and could return to the North West for another crack at Chester Cup!
20 212-42 Becauseicouldntsee 25/1 8 10-8 N F Glynn D N Russell 144
Finished runner up in last year’s NH Chase over 4m at Cheltenham and improved again to finish 2nd in valuable Leopardstown handicap behind Majestic Concorde over Xmas; connections still deliberating whether the race will come a year too soon.
24 1-11P5 State of Play 25/1 11 10-6 Evan Williams Paul Maloney 142
Has finished placed (4th & 3rd) in the last two renewals of the race having made mistakes at vital times on both occasions. Goes well fresh so absence from the track no concern and has 10lb pull with Don’t Push It on last year’s running.
30 21-046 Bluesea Cracker 20/1 9 10-4 J Motherway Andrew J McNamara 140
Winner of last season’s Irish National and bidding to become the first mare to win the race since Nickel Coin in 1951; below par so far this term but this looks to have been the objective all year and if she takes to the fences the 60 year wait could be over.
35 30563 Character Building 33/1 11 10-4 John Quinn Miss Nina Carberry 140
Has long been considered an ideal sort for the National but was beaten nearly 40 lengths in race last year when he took time to warm to his task. Previous Festival winner and although there others with more obvious claims not one to dismiss out of hand.
16 56242 Calgary Bay 33/1 8 10-10 Henrietta Knight Hadden Frost 146
Has promised more than he has delivered throughout his career but ran one of his better races at Cheltenham last time; stamina a concern and connections have not yet confirmed the race is his Aintree target.
27 75P-1P Hello Bud 25/1 13 10-5 Nigel Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies 141
Former Scottish National and Becher Chase winner but almost old enough to vote and difficult to see him reversing the form with Don’t Push It as a teenager. No 13-y-old has won the race since 1923 and unlikely to buck that trend.
28 07-11P West End Rocker 33/1 9 10-5 Alan King Robert Thornton 141
Thorough stayer who ran below par on desperate ground last time but had looked most progressive until that setback. Has winning form on good ground and must enter calculations if he adapts to these unique obstacles.
39 13-011 Skippers Brig 33/1 10 10-2 Nicky Richards Dominic Elsworth 138
Beat leading contender Ballabriggs (giving 4lbs) fair and square last time and would meet that rival on better terms if sneaking into the race. Needs rain and a number of withdrawals if he is to make the line up.
2 4-3226 Tidal Bay 40/1 10 11-9 Howard Johnson Brian Hughes 159
Enigmatic chaser who was running on in sixth in the Gold Cup last time. Has a bit to find with What A Friend on that effort but if he takes to the fences has the ability to go very close. Just as likely to pull himself up however!
15 1-753F Chief Dan George 40/1 11 10-12 James Moffatt Paddy Aspell 148
Early casualty at Cheltenham last time in race he had won previous year: winner of a grade 1 at Aintree over hurdles back in 2007 but doesn’t look the force of old.
4 U-7744 Vic Venturi 50/1 11 11-6 D T Hughes A E Lynch 156
Winner of the Becher Chase over these demanding fences and never had the rub of the green last year being hampered on more than one occasion before unseating. Soft ground would help.
6 42F14 Or Noir De Somoza 50/1 9 11-5 David Pipe Tom Scudamore 155
Makes British debut for David Pipe and gave a stone and a beating to Quolibet at Auteuil back in November. Limitations, seemingly, exposed in a better class last time and hardly looks well handicapped at face value.
21 00-06P Comply or Die 40/1 12 10-8 David Pipe Timmy Murphy 144
brilliant winner of the race in 2008 and finished runner up in 2009. Finished down the field last year and although handicapper has given him a chance hard to imagine there is another National in him at the age of 12.
40 1d10019 Golden Kite 50/1 9 10-2 Adrian Maguire S J Hassett 138
Won Munster National in October for Adrian “Mutley” Maguire and loves good or faster ground. Made no show in recent prep race but that is easily forgiven on ground far too soft.
9 F24-41 The Tother One 40/1 10 11-0 Paul Nicholls Mr R Mahon 150
Below par last time but ran well to be placed in Charlie Hall Chase and Hennessy Gold Cup (where he stayed on very well) in first half of the season. One of the legions of runners bidding to give Paul Nicholls’ his first win in race and should not be underestimated.
17 P-2536 Killyglen 50/1 9 10-10 S R B Crawford R M Power 146
Winner at this meeting when trained by Howard Johnson a couple of years ago but now trained in Northern Ireland. Went too fast from the front at Doncaster last time and could give his supporters a run for their money from the front.
25 44/P3- King Fontaine 66/1 8 10-6 Malcolm Jefferson Denis O'Regan 142
Previously most progressive chaser although jumped poorly at Cheltenham upped in class last time. Back on a flat track he could return to form but much more needed
26 3431U In Compliance 50/1 11 10-5 D T Hughes Leighton Aspell 141
Usually a sound jumper but made a most uncharacteristic error last time; finished 6th in the Topham last year and will give his supporters a good run for their money although he is likely to be swamped inside the final half mile.
32 2111/0 Surface to Air 66/1 10 10-4 Chris Bealby Tom Messenger 140
Winner of the Summer National back in 2008 but was off the track for the best part of three years until finishing tailed off over hurdles earlier in the month. Hard to know how much ability he retains.
34 F-8P5P Can't Buy Time 66/1 9 10-4 Jonjo OŽNeill Richie McLernon 140
Has fell in the last couple of renewals of the race and made no show at the Festival last time. Does have a touch of class but unlikely that it will be third time lucky.
7 F24-41 Dooneys Gate 100/1 10 11-4 W P Mullins Mr P W Mullins 154
Yet to race beyond 3m and hardly looks first-string from the Willie Mullins yard. Winner at Clonmel last time and could be diverted to the Topham on the Friday where he would have a more realistic chance
23 1FP18P Grand Slam Hero 66/1 10 10-7 Nigel Twiston-Davies Aidan Coleman 143
Needs good or faster ground and granted his optimum conditions could go well at a very big price. The Twiston-Davies team were out of luck at Cheltenham but the National has been kind to the stable winning the race in both 2002 and 1998
36 51P/52 Ornais 100/1 9 10-4 Paul Nicholls Nick Scholfield 140
Even money and couldn’t win a modest Hunter Chase at Newbury last time but Paul Nicholls is reported to be very sweet on his chances (yes I know he is with all of his horses!) given the horse has only just returned from a two-year lay off
.
38 5U-42P Royal Rosa 100/1 12 10-3 Howard Johnson Paul Gallagher 139
Finished 2nd & 3rd in the last couple of renewals of the Becher Chase but has never fulfilled early promise; hard to make a case for.
22 FF25P Quolibet 150/1 7 10-8 Jonjo OŽNeill M P Walsh 144
Very disappointing on his British debut in the X-Country race at the Festival and another 7-y-o looking to buck a 70 year trend. No surprise to see him swerve race and let him acclimatise with next year’s renewal in mind
29 207710 Santa's Son 150/1 11 10-5 Howard Johnson Jamie Moore 141
Won a hurdle at Musselburgh back in February but no show at Cheltenham over 2m last time. The step up in trip by another two-and-a-half-miles will have to bring about significant improvement if he is to take a hand.
31 391059 That's Rhythm 100/1 11 10-4 Martin Todhunter 140
The weight of the McCann money was enough to get him on the floor in the Scottish National of 2009 when he was travelling like a winner. Impressive winner at Bangor back in August and loves good ground but never struck me as the type for Aintree.
33 234PP Piraya 150/1 8 10-4 David Pipe Johnny Farrelly 140
Disappointing grey who has yet to win beyond 2m 5f and well below par of late: makes no appeal.
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