We asked the Head Trader at internet bookmaker Blue Square to give his tips for the 2010 Grand National
Blue Square are offering all readers who register using the code MAXIMUMBONUS a massive £66 free on the 2010 Grand National. You might also be interested in William Hill's £25 free bet and Ladbrokes £30 free bet (valid Friday only)
Black Apalachi is my main pick.
Proven over these fences and trained with this race in mind, this Irish stayer isn’t a one-dimensional mudlark. Yes, he acts well on heavy ground, but as he showed 12 months ago, he is also capable of a bold showing on decent going. Sure to be prominent throughout, he can make amends for his bad luck last year.
The main dangers – in no particular order – are Character Building, Niche Market and Eric’s Charm.
Character Building has been laid out for this all season and was recently bought by the Thompsons, who pulled off a similar coup in 1992 with Party Politics. Capable and classy at his best (won at 2009 Cheltenham Festival), he has been well backed in recent weeks for this race.
Niche Market won the Irish National last year – a race that has proved a great guide in recent seasons – and showed excellent form at Newbury in the Aon in February. His jockey – Harry Skelton – has improved enormously in the last 18 months and his mount here can give the jockey pilot a great ride.
Eric’s Charm is my idea of the best of the outsiders. He seems to be enjoying a new lease of life this season and showed a likeable combination of class and courage to win the Blue Square Veterans race at Newbury last month.
Why not get a free £66 bet now on the 2010 GrandNational with BlueSquare - remember to use their secret promotion code MAXIMUMBONUS on sign-up to get your free £66 bet!
Comments on all the Runners in the 2010 Grand National
Horse (Weight), Trainer, Jockey, Form summary
Madison Du Berlais 11-10 David Pipe Tom Scudamore
Classy chaser at his best and 2nd in the King George in December showed him to be in good form, but this looks to be a massive task under top weight. Fell in 2008
Notre Pere 11-10 Jim Dreaper Andrew Lynch
Won the Welsh National last season and goes best when conditions are testing, but form this term has been generally poor and leap of faith required to see him win this.
Mon Mome 11-7 Venetia Williams Aidan Coleman
100/1 winner last year and great third in Gold Cup last month – looks set to make a bold defence of his crown, but his big weight maybe too big a burden.
Black Apalachi 11-6 Dessie Hughes Roger Loughran
Wide margin winner over these fences in the 2008 Becher Chase. Running well ‘til fell at Becher’s last year. Loves soft ground, but may have too much weight.
Vic Venturi 11-6 Dessie Hughes Paddy Flood
Becher Chase winner this season and won well from Black Apalachi at Fairyhouse last time. Not well handicapped now, but still looks a contender
Joe Lively 11-6 Colin Tizzard Joe Tizzard
Without a win since January 2009 , this 11 year old likes to race with the pace. Not sure to be suited by this extreme test and others are preferred.
Comply Or Die 11-5 David Pipe Timmy Murphy
Great Aintree record, winning in ‘08 and runner-up in ‘09. Recent form uninspiring, but sure to have had this race as his target and could again reach a place.
Don’t Push It 11-5 Jonjo O’Neill Alan Berry
Won on National day last year – on the Mildmay course, but has been passed over by AP McCoy and doesn’t look the best handicapped runner in the race.
Niche Market 11-4 Bob Buckler Harry Skelton
Irish National winner last season and ran a great 3rd to Denman in the Hennessy in November. But for a poor run at Cheltenham would have a major form shout
Tricky Trickster 11-4 Paul Nicholls Barry Geraghty
Favourite after winning at Newbury in February, but showed nothing in the Gold Cup last month and leap of faith required to see him bouncing back here
Made In Taipan 11-4 Tom Mullins Davy Russell
Will be a bigger shock than Mon Mome last year – has no form over extreme distances and looks sure to struggle to complete the course
Dream Alliance 11-4 Philip Hobbs Tom O’Brien
Came back from a major injury to win the Welsh National. Very poor run at Haydock last time, but could be a serious contender if in the mood at Aintree.
Cloudy Lane 11-3 Donald McCain Jason Maguire
Finished a distant 6th in ‘08 and didn’t make it to the 2nd circuit in ‘09. May not truly stay this extended distance and despite family connections, easy to pass over
Nozic 11-3 Paul Nicholls Liam Treadwell
Will carry the hopes and expectations of The Sun and 2009 winning jockey Liam Treadwell takes the ride. Capable at his best, but not very consistent.
My Will 11-2 Paul Nicholls Nick Schofield
Ran a great race to finish 3rd in this race in 2009, but beaten over 50 lengths in the Gold Cup last month and may not have the pace to challenge this year.
Pablo Du Charmil 11-2 David Pipe Tom Scudamore
Fell on only start since May 2009 and all previous form suggests that this trip is way behind his best. Major surprise if he manages to get round.
Backstage 11-0 Gordon Elliott Davy Condon
Has had this race as his target and is part-owned by the stable lads, so would make a great story. Only concern is that he fell over these fences in 09
Ballyholland 11-0 Colin McBratney Robbie Power
Galway Plate winner in the summer and has been well backed in recent weeks, but no evidence he needs a long trip and best form on better ground.
Preists Leap 11-0 Tom O’Leary Phil Enright
Beaten 75 lengths in this race last year and would only have a serious chance if the race was re-routed to Gowran Park!
Beat The Boys 11-0 N. Twiston-Davies David England
Quirky grey gelding who can dominate by making all in smaller fields, but unlikely that such tactics will work in the National – rank outsider.
Can’t Buy Time 10-13 Jonjo O’Neill AP McCoy
Bids to give the champion jockey his first win in 15 attempts. Fell at the 18th in 2009, but won well at Cheltenham in January and chance respected.
Snowy Morning 10-13 Willie Mullins David Casey
Third in 2008 and 9th in 2009, this classy sort has been in decent form in Ireland this season and he looks the sort to definitely get round and could get a place.
Big Fella Thanks 10-12 Paul Nicholls Ruby Walsh
Champion trainer has yet to win this, but this looks his best chance. Ran creditable 6th when a novice last year and has Ruby Walsh on top.
Air Force One 10-12 Charlie Mann Noel Fehily
Winner of a Grade One at Punchestown in 2008, but winless since and failures to get around on last two starts dent confidence in this 8 year old
Deutschland 10-12 Willie Mullins Emmet Mullins
Good class on the flat, over hurdles and fences, but has never won over a trip beyond two miles so this looks mission impossible for the Irish raider
State Of Play 10-11 Evan Williams Paul Maloney
Excellent 4th in this race last year and now lower in the handicap, but pulled up on only start since (2009 Hennessy), so hard to be confident about.
Character Building 10-11 John Quinn Dougie Costello
Fancied for the race 12 months ago, but missed Aintree through injury. Has struggled on two outings this season, but capable at best and respect his chances
Chelsea Harbour 10-11 Tom Mullins Andrew Lynch
Third go at the National and should have conditions to suit, but recent form a worry and his fall last year tempers any confidence in his chance.
Dooneys Gate 10-11 Willie Mullins Katie Walsh
Another that looks to have stamina issues, but has a decent win to run ratio is a short career, so could give his rider a fun ride for a circuit.
Ellerslie George 10-10 Nick Mitchell Robbie Henderson
Punished by the handicapper for winning the Badger Ales at Wincanton in November, but could give his young pilot a fun ride without being involved at the finish
King Johns Castle 10-9 Arthur Moore Paul Carberry
Grand old grey who ran a great race to be 2nd to Comply Or Die in 2008, but has struggled since. Would have clear place chance if in top form, but leap of faith required to back him
Ballyfitz 10-9 N.Twiston-Davies David England
Winner at 2008 Cheltenham Festival (over hurdles) and was a decent novice chaser last year, but jumping has been an issue and that could find him out over these unique fences
Erics Charm 10-9 Oliver Sherwood Leighton Aspell
Grand old servant who will be trying this test for this first time as a 12 year old. Showed great spirit at Newbury last time, but surely would have a better chance at Sandown on the 24th
Equus Maximus 10-9 Willie Mullins Davy Condon
Showed fair form last season, but his three runs this time around have been poor. Would need a Foinavon type race to have even a chance of reaching a place in this race
Conna Castle 10-9 Jimmy Mangan Andrew McNamara
Beat current Champion Chaser Big Zeb in a Grade One back in 2008, but this test and trip will surely be too much and too far for a chaser who has been out of form this season
Ollie Magern 10-9 N.Twiston-Davies Tom Molloy
Veteran front runner who got no further than the 2nd fence last year and hard to see him being involved in the finish this time around.
Arbor Surpeme 10-8 Willie Mullins Paul Townend
Tough, consistent stayer who won’t mind soft ground. Has been well-backed in recent days and just the sort to be competitive in this race, especially off this weight – definite chance
Maljimar 10-8 Nick Williams Daryl Jacob
Top class handicap form at his best, but stamina has looked to be an issue over an extended three miles, so trip a concern here, but class could keep him in contention for a long way
Lennon 10-8 Howard Johnson Wilson Renwick
Has shown top class form over much shorter distances in his time, but this trip will surely prove two miles too far – no chance
The Package 10-7 David Pipe Timmy Murphy
Horses this age (7) have a poor record in the race, but comes here on the back of a great run at Cheltenham and if Murphy rides, the hint could be worth taking
Irish Raptor 10-7 N.Twiston-Davies Paddy Brennan
This runner loves the Aintree fences and won the Topham in 2009, but there must be question marks over the trip. Major player if stamina holds out and trainer very bullish
Razor Royale 10-7 N.Twiston-Davies S.Twiston-Davies
Game winner of the Racing Post Chase in February, beating the classy Nacarat, but had a hard race that day and pulled up at Cheltenham last month.
Piraya 10-7 David Pipe Jon Farrelly
Ex-French chaser who has shown bits and pieces of good form in this country, but stamina is a serious issue as best form has been up to two and half miles
Mr Pointment 10-7 Paul Murphy Ken Whelan
Won the Becher Chase over these fences in 2007, but has been plagued with injuries in recent seasons. Could be a good bet to get round, but winning chance is remote
Hello Bud 10-6 N.Twiston-Davies Warren Marston
Won the Scottish National last year, but has been harshly handicapped as a result. Finished 5th in the Becher in November, so fair bet to get round, but not quick enough to win
Palypso De Creek 10-6 Charlie Longsdon Tom Siddall
Live outsider for a small stable. Top class form in France and great run over this course to finish 4th in the Becher. Ran good trial at Haydock this year. Interesting each-way option
Abbeybraney 10-5 Howard Johnson Rob McNamara
Only win in this country came in four runner race at Hexham, and was pulled up at Cheltenham last month. Looks sure to be priced in three figures and that represents his chance
Cerium 10-5 Paul Murphy Keith Mercer
Ran the race of his life to finish 5th to Mon Mome last year, but fractured his skull in the process. No show on come-back run last month, so repeat prospects look remote
Flintoff 10-5 Venetia Williams Will Biddick
Loves the mud and stays very well when on form – placed in Welsh and Midlands versions of the National, but hasn’t won for three years, so would be a shock to see him win this
Silver Birch 10-5 Gordon Elliott Robbie Power
Winner of this great race in 2007, but now getting on to pensionable age (13) and although he might get round, it will be in his own time as his best days are now behind him
Royal Rosa 10-5 Howard Johnson Denis O’Regan
Without a win to his name since 2006, despite costing connections over £300,000. Recent form is not inspiring and would appear to have little to no chance in this race
Whinstone Boy 10-4 Jimmy Mangan Sean Flanagan
Winner of the prestigious Thyestes Chase in Ireland and a highly progressive sort in his native country. Trainer won with Monty’s Pass and this could give him a second success
Knowhere 10-4 N.Twiston-Davies David England
Top notch runner when on song – won at Cheltenham in 2008, but has failed to complete in three goes at this race, so best bet is that he will make that four out of four
Oodachee 10-4 Charlie Swan Denis Hogan
Runner-up to Irish Raptor in the 2009 Topham over these fences, but recent form has been dismal. Liking for the fences is a plus, but hard to see him being in contention.
* information correct as at the time of writing
Latest prices from Blue Square on the Grand National available now
