Grand National 2023

I have no wish to upset backers of Vanillier but he was the one horse I just did not want to win yesterday.

After the Albert Bartlett, I backed him for both the RSA and Gold Cup. That's how highly I rated him. But he looked totally unnatural over fences and I gave up on him, hoping at some point he'd go back to hurdling and go for the Stayers'.

Apparently he didn't jump that well yesterday in the early stages but warmed to the task and was arguably staying on the strongest. That might be the making of him as a chaser.

Still, the one I'm taking out of the race with next year in mind is Gaillard Du Mesnil. I'd love to know how much extra ground he covered on that second circuit, especially at the far end of the track.

On a related note, it wasn't a bad race for 7yos. He, A Wave Of The Sea and Mr Incredible (until he unseated) all ran hugely creditable races.
 
Recite A Prayer reported to have fractured an eye socket when running loose and he made contact with a running rail but expected to make a full recovery.

Cape Gentleman struck into his tendon was taken to Liverpool Vet hospital where he’s been repaired and will retire once better to his owner in America.

Unconfirmed that Hill Sixteen suffered a heart attack which caused the fall but that’s from Facebook so not sure source is accurate.
 
Desert Orchid said:
I have no wish to upset backers of Vanillier but he was the one horse I just did not want to win yesterday.

After the Albert Bartlett, I backed him for both the RSA and Gold Cup. That's how highly I rated him. But he looked totally unnatural over fences and I gave up on him, hoping at some point he'd go back to hurdling and go for the Stayers'.

Apparently he didn't jump that well yesterday in the early stages but warmed to the task and was arguably staying on the strongest. That might be the making of him as a chaser.

Still, the one I'm taking out of the race with next year in mind is Gaillard Du Mesnil. I'd love to know how much extra ground he covered on that second circuit, especially at the far end of the track.

On a related note, it wasn't a bad race for 7yos. He, A Wave Of The Sea and Mr Incredible (until he unseated) all ran hugely creditable races.
Click to expand...

Vanillier suffered from kissing spines and had had an operation and jumped better last time.
 
Cheers for the info, Outsider. I wasn't aware.

With my post of yesterday/Friday in mind, when I mentioned not dismissing bad jumpers, I kept thinking I really should back Vanillier and I honestly would have if he'd been 50/1 but I decided to bite the bullet and let him go at the price.
 
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