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Grand National

Basil Pinenuts said:
135 in last year's NH Chase looks pretty sweet with hindsight. I remember his sire almost winning The Derby as a maiden at 66/1. Still not sure how Sir Percy got up.
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Most likely because "The Dazzler " rode the runner up !
Added the Philip Robinson ridden Hala Bek thought he was a Carousel horse for a few strides near the post.
(Off topic but couldn't resist)
 
Ian_Davies said:
"Does no one ever think of the children?"

What are you on about, Ian?

"The children who shall inherit the Earth - and TH, of which we are but mere custodians."

They will read the archives, keen to learn from those who went before, and what will they find?"

"Lazily-labelled threads - 'Grand National?' Which year are they discussing?"

"Postings submitted without first being proof read - 'what are these overdoses they speak of'?"

I repeat, will no one think of the children??!!
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The meek shall inherit the earth , or at least were meant to before "blonde ambition " took over .
 
Irish Racing Post reported that Nick Rockett has had some niggles which have kept him from running, Mullins says Cheltenham Gold Cup looking unlikely at present. NR will need at least 1 run this season to be eligible for GN so I've cashed out for now.
 
Despite the sacrilegious failure to clearly label this thread with a "2026" - #thinkaboutthechildren - I'm endeavouring to make the occasional contribution.

A lot is made about how the Grand National is a different race - much easier fences, higher quality of runner, shorter trip yet arguably greater test of stamina - nowadays.

But less is made about changes to the approach landscape it fits into.

Both of today's big handicap chases at Ascot and Haydock Park used to be staged before the National weights were published.

Aldaniti won the Ascot contest (a midweek race in those days) in 1981 and Grittar ran a blinder in it carrying overweight in 1982.

And in 1978 Lucius was runner up at Haydock.

All three ran off unchanged marks at Aintree.

Maybe the Aintee weights are published a bit later nowadays, but what is certain is that one or two of these "Road To Aintree" races are being run earlier.
 
Well, that's the Myretown GN bubble well and truly popped. Won't even get into the race now even if they wanted it to.

It looked not to stay so maybe it will save itself a very exhausting day.

I wouldn't be surprised if they gave up on the National some time ago and decided just to go for the Ultima again.

Really disappointing there though. The phrase 'went out like a light' could have been coined for him.

Gutted, I have to say.
 
Impaire et Passe - well two out in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park, you wouldn't have said he was the winner and Sa Fureur looked like he had his measure but he came with a fair old turn of foot and PT I don't think even picked his stick up. A good run.

(only stuck him in this thread as I put his name in search and this came up)
 
I've taken 100/1 Intense Raffles ahead of the weights coming out tomorrow (or is it Wednesday?)

I don't think it is a coincidence that it is engaged in the Eider on Saturday and on its best form would have a really strong chance. I've backed it to win the race and if it does you'll be lucky to get 16/1 for Aintree. It looked like it didn't take to the test last year and has been very disappointing this season but it was only a 7yo then and that Bobbyjo form with Nick Rockett just after last year's weights came out is the best on offer in this Eider field and it's just possible its season has been about getting it into the National this time off a few pounds less, which appears to have worked if that is the case.
 
Desert Orchid said:
I've taken 100/1 Intense Raffles ahead of the weights coming out tomorrow (or is it Wednesday?)

I don't think it is a coincidence that it is engaged in the Eider on Saturday and on its best form would have a really strong chance. I've backed it to win the race and if it does you'll be lucky to get 16/1 for Aintree. It looked like it didn't take to the test last year and has been very disappointing this season but it was only a 7yo then and that Bobbyjo form with Nick Rockett just after last year's weights came out is the best on offer in this Eider field and it's just possible its season has been about getting it into the National this time off a few pounds less, which appears to have worked if that is the case.
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It's tomorrow Tuesday I believe. IR will not qualify with me, but 100/1 is tempting 🤔 👍
 
I thought it had a good chance last time and was very disappointing so even at 100/1 I'm not tempted.looked gone at the game to me.
 
Where the GN is concerned, I'm prepared to overlook a string of "disappointing" runs before the weights come out.

My gut says if the jockey genuinely felt it didn't take to the test last year he'd have said so to the owners who must have plenty of ammo for it when you consider the size of their operation.

Won the IGN, then ran over hurdles until after the weights came out and failed by less than a length to give weight to Nick R who was already rated 10lbs higher. NR, of course, wins the GN.

This season they've kept it to fences. Have they felt it an urgent matter of getting its weight down? 157 in the Hennessy, 155 at Chepstow - two "disappointing" runs in the UK in full view of the UK handicapper - and now it looks like it might get into the National off 148. They probably weren't expecting that.

Even if it doesn't win the Eider, it might only need to show that it is "coming back to form", "is a 'spring horse'" or "we discovered some minor issues with him and tweaked a few things"...

Edit to PS - I've just seen that Nick R was made 9/1f for the GN last year after winning the Bobbyjo but his SP for the race was 33/1. It's a funny ol' game, Saintie...
 
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Desert Orchid said:
Where the GN is concerned, I'm prepared to overlook a string of "disappointing" runs before the weights come out.

My gut says if the jockey genuinely felt it didn't take to the test last year he'd have said so to the owners who must have plenty of ammo for it when you consider the size of their operation.

Won the IGN, then ran over hurdles until after the weights came out and failed by less than a length to give weight to Nick R who was already rated 10lbs higher. NR, of course, wins the GN.

This season they've kept it to fences. Have they felt it an urgent matter of getting its weight down? 157 in the Hennessy, 155 at Chepstow - two "disappointing" runs in the UK in full view of the UK handicapper - and now it looks like it might get into the National off 148. They probably weren't expecting that.

Even if it doesn't win the Eider, it might only need to show that it is "coming back to form", "is a 'spring horse'" or "we discovered some minor issues with him and tweaked a few things"...

Edit to PS - I've just seen that Nick R was made 9/1f for the GN last year after winning the Bobbyjo but his SP for the race was 33/1. It's a funny ol' game, Saintie...
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Nick R, Yes I sadly remember that too, the drift put me off backing him. I presumed it was because he would not like the good ground 😞. Good luck with IR there are always going to be negatives with a 100/1 shot. I am trying to hold fire until 5 places are available generally and NRNB. I believe last year 365 were the first to offer this on March 7th.
 
Went for the first time last year. Definitely see more on the telly, but the two horses I remember struggling coming past the stands for the first time were Intense Raffles and Royal Pagaille. Feels like ground must have been a factor there.

Not sure I've seen a horse so suited to the modern Grand National as I Am Maximus, and that includes Tiger Roll. Boring selection but I'll be getting stuck in again this year. Same mark as last year is my best guess.
 
Basil Pinenuts said:
Not sure I've seen a horse so suited to the modern Grand National as I Am Maximus, and that includes Tiger Roll.
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Two of my best Grand National winners in recent years - you need a horse with quality who stays and it doesn't actually need to be the best of jumpers.

While the coffin dodgers moan about it not being the race it was, smart punters ADAPT.
 
Desert Orchid said:
Won the IGN, then ran over hurdles until after the weights came out and failed by less than a length to give weight to Nick R who was already rated 10lbs higher. NR, of course, wins the GN.

This season they've kept it to fences. Have they felt it an urgent matter of getting its weight down? 157 in the Hennessy, 155 at Chepstow - two "disappointing" runs in the UK in full view of the UK handicapper - and now it looks like it might get into the National off 148. They probably weren't expecting that.

Even if it doesn't win the Eider, it might only need to show that it is "coming back to form", "is a 'spring horse'" or "we discovered some minor issues with him and tweaked a few things"...
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I wonder if he's not targeted at IGN again.
 
The cynic/conspiracy theorist in me is wondering what depths some bookies will plumb for the sake of a few quid.

With word all over the racing media that Appreciate It has been retired, a few have made it blue at oddschecker and cut its odds. Are they trying to sucker unaware punters into following money that doesn't exist?
 
Desert Orchid said:
The cynic/conspiracy theorist in me is wondering what depths some bookies will plumb for the sake of a few quid.

With word all over the racing media that Appreciate It has been retired, a few have made it blue at oddschecker and cut its odds. Are they trying to sucker unaware punters into following money that doesn't exist?
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Noticed last night that Pricedup still have Kalif du Berlais in its 2026 King George antepost list. The horse passed away a month ago.
 
I think it might be just incompetence.

We've had discussions on here recently where former odds compilers have documented the 'copy and paste' approach that takes place from many bookmakers.

I've said it before, but there are more bookies than political parties these days, and it shows.

The more they own, the more profit they make, the lazier they get, when it comes to good practice anyway.
 
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