Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (Haydock Park)

Ian_Davies

Ian_Davies

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Staged over 3m4f110yds next Saturday and a race I always look forward to.

Course specialist Royal Pagaille disappointed in the Peter Marsh and I'm currently looking at a Pointing angle on the contest.

I saw Mr Vango outstay today's Newbury winner Santos Blue to win his Maiden Point at Horseheath three years ago and he's hardly looked back since.

A creditable third in the NH Chase and the beneficiary of Royal Pagaille's lapse in the Peter Marsh.

All he does is stay and he must go well if sent for this despite his revised mark.

But the one who intrigued me is Festival Hunters' Chase winner Sine Nomine.

Stamina is her forte, she loves a left-handed track and though OR 133 is as good as she is on her career form so far, a step up in trip might just bring improvement in her, especially if there is significant cut in the ground.

I don't yet know if she goes here - reverting to Hunters' Chasing remains an option - but if she does Sine Nomine might be of interest, even from out of the weights.
 
It would be good if RP stands his ground as it would make it even more interesting.

There will be no penalty for the National itself (because the weights come out this week) so the better horses can show their hand.
 
Amazing how many people don't know there are no penalties in the Grand National or that Conditionals and Amateurs can't claim in the race.

It all cranks up a gear in the showing your hand department once the National weights are out, as you rightly say.
 
Hard facts are since 2000, 83 runners have gone from the Haydock Grand National 'Trial' to the following Aintree Grand National, 2 have won and 7 have placed. 10 winners of the Haydock race have headed to the Grand National and 0 have won.
The last runner to win the Grand National was 2012 and the last one to place was in 2017.
 
About the best pointer/trial race for the Haydock Grand National Trial re the stats is probs the Uttoxeter Midlands Grand National Chase Handicap 4m 2f 8y Grade3.
Since 2000, 22 have gone from the Uttoxeter race to the following Haydock race, and 9 have won or placed.
 
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Ian_Davies said:
Amazing how many people don't know there are no penalties in the Grand National or that Conditionals and Amateurs can't claim in the race.
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I think they tightened up the rules re conditionals and amateurs too, in that they now have to have a minimum specific amount of experience. I'll see if google tells me anythng.
 

Amateur riders are able to participate in plenty of jump races but must have won at least 15 chases or hurdle races to guarantee a place in the Aintree Grand National and the other races over the Grand National fences except the Fox Hunters’ in which an amateur category B licence is sufficient.​

However, if early dispensation is sought from the British Horseracing Authority, riders of 10 such winners can be allowed to take part in the Grand National and the Topham Chase.
 
Back in the day this was the Greenall Whitley Breweries, was over 3m and was a little later, the first Saturday in March.

My earliest recollection of it was in 1978, Red Rum's final race, IIRC, when he made a howler at the first.

Again if memory serves, Rambling Jack fell when leading at the last, leaving Rambling Artist to overhaul Lucius on the run in.

It was a second runner up berth in a big handicap chase for Lucius, who I'd seen chase home Autumn Rain in the Great Yorkshire, but compensation awaited in the Grand National, my first ever bet on the race at morning odds of 20/1.

Walsworth might well tell you the reason I remember this so vividly is because I haven't backed a winner since, but never trust a man with a Hertfordshire user handle.

Haddock's fences aren't what they once were, but then neither are Aintree's on the GN course.

Anyway, valid Aintree Trial or not, the Haydock contest is still a cracking event in its own right.
 
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Where it all began is very interesting but have no idea if this is the plan. Forecast is pretty dry as well, but if he were to turn up here with cut in the ground then he will be less than half the current 25s on offer.
 
Git Maker is a horse of serious interest.

He did nothing but improve over fences last season, culminating with a excellent second against Inothewayyourthinkin in the Kim Muir and then a third in the Scottish National.

Clearly, a line needs putting through his last pipe opener over hurdles. As far as profile's go, his is extremely interesting, and the rating of 133 can be improved upon.

He's also entered in the Eider Chase a week later. There's also quotes of 150/1 from a couple of bookmakers for the Grand National, which needless to say I don't understand and would look insane if he made the cut on the day, which he may well do if he can win this beforehand.

The aforementioned Inothewayyourthinkin is obviously one of the favourites for Aintree, but I'd hazard a guess this fella will be better off at the weights aswell.

I really liked My Vango the last day, don't get me wrong. If he can back that up he has to have his chance.

As someone who likes a good profile though, I can't get over how well handicapped Git Maker looks.

If Jamie Snowden is reading in, can you give an update on where this horse will run please, Haydock or Newcastle, thanks.
 
You'd need to make sure you got NRNB because off 133 he has less chance than me of making the cut and even if he did he'd be miles out of the handicap.
 
I think if he wins at Haydock or Newcastle he may scrape off 140 or thereabouts?

Definately needs to win something before Aintree.
 
Desert Orchid said:
You'd need to make sure you got NRNB because off 133 he has less chance than me of making the cut and even if he did he'd be miles out of the handicap.
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Yeah, but you've not been off a yard the last 40 years to get your mark down while waiting for them to modify the fences sufficiently for you to be able to jump round.

I'm expecting conspicuous improvement - most probably coinciding with the application of cash - any year now.
 
Desert Orchid said:
The weights are out on Tuesday. Anything after that doesn't matter.
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That clears things up nicely then!

I think I'll hold back and back him for the Kim Muir if he goes there.

I don't see the value in backing him for Haydock now, and the enemy hasn't missed a trick pricing him up at 6s favourite ante post two weeks before the Eider.

Ill save up and go all in for the Kim Muir.
 
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Marb said:
That clears things up nicely then!

I think I'll hold back and back him for the Kim Muir if he goes there.

I don't see the value in backing him for Haydock now, and the enemy hasn't missed a trick pricing him up at 6s favourite ante post two weeks before the Eider.

Ill save up and go all in for the Kim Muir.
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Keep an open mind, Marb. Saturday might be the target. You'll get more of an inkling nearer the time.
 
14 confirmed entries, no Mr Vango, Sine Nomine among them, but the continued presence of Royal Pagaille leaves the mare on 9st9lb and a fair few others out of the handicap proper too.

Why, it's just like the old days!
 
If Royal Pagaille is declared to run on Thursday he won't half compress the weights.

In addition to boosting his own chances, I think this might favour Gala Des Liteaux if she goes here.
 
Ian_Davies said:
If Royal Pagaille is declared to run on Thursday he won't half compress the weights.

In addition to boosting his own chances, I think this might favour Gala Des Liteaux if she goes here.
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I see Charlie Deutsch is jocked up at Ascot for L'Homme Presse so that adds to the intrigue of the possibility of Royal Pagaille being kept in to help Fontaine Collonges (10-11).

RPRs have GDL top rated so deserves every respect. It will be Thursday once the final decs are out before I get a chance to look at the race.
 
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Apple Away and Sine Nomine look interesting and are currently decent prices around 16/1 though are likely to shorten if taking their chance.
I know Apple Away has attracted Interest on here for a few people.
Looks an interesting race.
 
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