Re: Aintree Grand National Meeting 2010 : Fri Apr 09, 2010 6:23 pm  

Ballyholland in the sweep at work (Prizes are £100 for winner, £50 for 2nd and £25 for 3rd) might put on a couple of small bets as well.

My dad has put 50p e/w on Hello Bud as that's what he says to his dad.

Re: Aintree Grand National Meeting 2010 : Fri Apr 09, 2010 9:09 pm  

Carneys Pint wrote:

poop - he gave her absolutely no chance Dave. That and when he did make his move he rammed her up the back end of 3 other mares.

Stupid jockey and I never thought I'd say I'd want to see Dean back on her but Russell was woeful

Russell is my favourite jockey for some reason and I find it hard to criticize him but even that was bad. I have seen a few excuses, i.e. the horse is a stayer and the ground was too fast, but not sure whether to buy them or not. Russell strikes me as the Spencer of the jumps world - hold em up and cross your fingers

Re: Aintree Grand National Meeting 2010 : Fri Apr 09, 2010 9:58 pm  

AINTREE Saturday 10th April 2010 16:15 4m 4f Class 1 John Smith s Grand National Chase (Grade 3 Handicap) (6yo plus) 1 MADISON DU BERLAIS (FR) 11st - 10lbs | Form: 81-3244 | Trainer: D Pipe | Jockey: T Scudamore Not at his best this season despite finishing second to Kauto Star in the King George. Made it as far as the 8th in the 2008 National and the Aintree fences will need to bring out better in him if he’s to get involved in this. 2 MON MOME (FR) 11st - 7lbs | Form: 1-P3463 | Trainer: Miss V Williams | Jockey: A Coleman Impressive winner of last year’s National despite his odds of 100/1, he’s looked better than ever this season, particularly on his latest start when third in the Gold Cup. Highly respected and comes into this in peak form. 3 VIC VENTURI (IRE) 11st - 6lbs | Form: 211501 | Trainer: D T Hughes | Jockey: P W Flood Easy winner of the Becher Chase over these fences here in November. He looked better than ever when beating Black Apalachi at Fairyhouse on his latest start and if he can brush up on his jumping can get involved here. 4 BLACK APALACHI (IRE) 11st - 6lbs | Form: 151U-02 | Trainer: D T Hughes | Jockey: Denis O'Regan Looked unlucky when unseating Denis O’Regan at Becher’s on the second circuit last year; until that point he had taken to the fences really well and only just pecked on landing. However, he comes here with 7lb more to carry this time. 5 JOE LIVELY (IRE) 11st - 6lbs | Form: 5-50030 | Trainer: C L Tizzard | Jockey: J Tizzard A likeable stayer who was not far off top class on his day. Did show a glimmer of his old ability when third to Taranis back at Cheltenham two starts ago, but was beaten almost 50 lengths when 14th in the William Hill Trophy at the Festival. 6 DON'T PUSH IT (IRE) 11st - 5lbs | Form: 71-423P | Trainer: Jonjo O'Neill | Jockey: A P McCoy A smart horse as a youngster, spent a couple of years in the wilderness before bouncing back to form at this meeting last year. Should stay the trip and could have place claims provided he takes to the fences (has made errors in the past). 7 COMPLY OR DIE (IRE) 11st - 5lbs | Form: P072-00 | Trainer: D Pipe | Jockey: T J Murphy Winner of this race in 2008 and a brave runner-up to Mon Mome 12 months ago, don’t read too much into the fact that he’s been twice unplaced so far this season as he will have been trained specifically to peak in the National. 8 TRICKY TRICKSTER (IRE) 11st - 4lbs | Form: 121-219 | Trainer: P F Nicholls | Jockey: B J Geraghty Won over four miles last year so no stamina doubts here. He ran poorly in the Gold Cup – albeit against top-class opposition – and that run leaves him with questions to answer given that Mon Mome ran on for third. 9 NICHE MARKET (IRE) 11st - 4lbs | Form: 1-83529 | Trainer: R H Buckler | Jockey: Harry Skelton A bold-jumping chaser who came right at this time of year last season when landing the Irish National. A good run would be no surprise even though he has been on-the-go for a long time this season and has kept on creeping up the handicap. 10 MADE IN TAIPAN (IRE) 11st - 4lbs | Form: 2474P2 | Trainer: T Mullins | Jockey: N P Madden A useful horse on his day but is totally unproven at the trip and his chances of staying it are slim. Tailed off in the William Hill Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival, he makes little appeal here. 11 DREAM ALLIANCE 11st - 3lbs | Form: UPP/21P | Trainer: P J Hobbs | Jockey: T J O'brien Will really need to improve his jumping here, but has only had six outings in handicap company over fences – he chased home Denman in the Hennessy back in 2007 – and might be open to more improvement over this extreme trip. 12 CLOUDY LANE 11st - 3lbs | Form: FU-3644 | Trainer: D McCain Jnr | Jockey: J M Maguire Sent off joint favourite for the 2008 National when he finished sixth. Cloudy Lane has been running well so far this season and with the stable flying at Cheltenham a good run is not beyond the realms of possibility. 13 NOZIC (FR) 11st - 3lbs | Form: 1P00-69 | Trainer: P F Nicholls | Jockey: L Treadwell Has last year’s winning rider Liam Treadwell in the saddle and his rider will need to work a similar miracle to that of last year’s 100/1 shock if he is to get Nozic home in front. 14 MY WILL (FR) 11st - 2lbs | Form: 53-2757 | Trainer: P F Nicholls | Jockey: Nick Scholfield Started 8/1 joint second favourite for this last year and ran a blinder under 11st 4lb to be third. Was never really mentioned as an alternative to Big Fella Thanks or Tricky Trickster for Ruby Walsh and his best chance in this might have gone. 15 PABLO DU CHARMIL (FR) 11st - 2lbs | Form: 3606-4F | Trainer: D Pipe | Jockey: Danny Cook Made mistakes at the first and second fences before falling at the fifth on his belated reappearance over at Cheltenham in January, which is hardly an ideal prep for this ultimate examination of jumping. Also a doubtful stayer. 16 BALLYHOLLAND (IRE) 11st - 0lbs | Form: 6-51117 | Trainer: C A McBratney | Jockey: A J Mcnamara Ballyholland has progressed really well in handicaps over the last two seasons, the highlight being his impressive win in the Galway Plate last summer. A sound jumper who travels really well – he’s a major player in this. 17 BACKSTAGE (FR) 11st - 0lbs | Form: 123138 | Trainer: G Elliott | Jockey: D J Condon Not to be underestimated from the yard which sent out Silver Birch to win the race in 2007, there’s just a slight doubt that he didn’t jump brilliantly when 8th in the Fox Hunters Chase over the National fences last year. Stays well though. 18 BEAT THE BOYS (IRE) 11st - 0lbs | Form: P-1P1PP | Trainer: N A Twiston-Davies | Jockey: B Hughes Would not be out of this if able to produce his best form. Likes to dominate from the front, which he’s unlikely to do here, but he’s the sort who might be lit up by the Aintree fences and is from a yard in great form. 19 PREISTS LEAP (IRE) 11st - 0lbs | Form: 0-780F0 | Trainer: T G O'Leary | Jockey: P T Enright Started at 100/1 for this race last year and trailed home in 14th position having been in trouble from half-way. Has dropped a few pounds in the handicap since then, but has beaten a minimum of 26 lengths on every start completed this season. 20 SNOWY MORNING (IRE) 10st - 13lbs | Form: 183223 | Trainer: W P Mullins | Jockey: D J Casey Third to Comply Or Die and then 9th to Mon Mome in past Grand Nationals, the chances of him putting in a clear round these days in top company are slim, which will always reduce his prospect of landing a deserved big-race victory. 21 CAN'T BUY TIME (IRE) 10st - 13lbs | Form: 14F-016 | Trainer: Jonjo O'Neill | Jockey: R P Mclernon In good form of late, winning a valuable race at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day despite several jumping errors, but was again let down by his jumping behind Big Fella Thanks at Newbury on his latest start and will need to jump better here. 22 BIG FELLA THANKS 10st - 12lbs | Form: 136-2U1 | Trainer: P F Nicholls | Jockey: R Walsh Asked to take on the big Aintree fences as a novice last season and did well to finish sixth. Comes into the race in great form having won a valuable handicap last time and if he’s polished up his jumping should be right in the mix. 23 STATE OF PLAY 10st - 11lbs | Form: 60/144-P | Trainer: Evan Williams | Jockey: Paul Moloney Fourth to Mon Mome last year, when he did really well to get back into the race after losing his position when hampered. Goes well fresh and has been more than likely trained for this race. 24 CHARACTER BUILDING (IRE) 10st - 11lbs | Form: 3391-00 | Trainer: J J Quinn | Jockey: Miss N Carberry Had been expected to run much better than he did at the Cheltenham Festival when only 12th in the William Hill Trophy; never really jumping with any fluency and looking a beaten horse from half-way. Hard to fancy on that form. 25 ELLERSLIE GEORGE (IRE) 10st - 10lbs | Form: 0-12187 | Trainer: Nick Mitchell | Jockey: Christian Williams Stays well, but didn’t really take to these fences when tailed off in both the Topham Chase and the Becher Chase last season and that is the main concern here. 26 ERIC'S CHARM (FR) 10st - 9lbs | Form: 2P5-011 | Trainer: O Sherwood | Jockey: W Hutchinson Fell at Becher’s in the Topham Chase a couple of years ago, providing that run hasn’t left any scars he can be expected to put up his usual brave effort and shouldn’t be written off on age grounds; of the last 20 winners 8 were aged 11 or 12. 27 KING JOHNS CASTLE (IRE) 10st - 9lbs | Form: 2/7-7980 | Trainer: A L T Moore | Jockey: P Carberry Second to Comply Or Die in the 2008 National and in off just a 2lb higher mark here. The big question is has he lost his form or been campaigned in the traditional Irish manner for a crack at the National? No surprise if he runs well again. 28 CONNA CASTLE (IRE) 10st - 9lbs | Form: 43545U | Trainer: J J Mangan | Jockey: S W Flanagan He’s not far off top class on his day, but has never given the impression that he has the stamina for a race such as this and his jumping went badly awry on his latest start. Firmly among the outsiders here. 29 BALLYFITZ 10st - 9lbs | Form: 4P1540 | Trainer: N A Twiston-Davies | Jockey: David England His jumping has fallen to pieces this season and bad error cost him dearly in three separate races this season. Over these fences he’s not one for the faint-hearted despite his undisputed ability. 30 OLLIE MAGERN 10st - 9lbs | Form: 395467 | Trainer: N A Twiston-Davies | Jockey: T Molloy A veteran chaser who is not the force that he once used to be, his last win coming in November 2007. It’s hard to see him winning this especially as he got no further than the second fence when taking on these fences for the first time last year. 31 ARBOR SUPREME (IRE) 10st - 8lbs | Form: 30-37U2 | Trainer: W P Mullins | Jockey: Paul Townend Has developed into a really useful long-distance handicapper; beating Black Apalachi in a valuable race at the Punchestown Festival in 2008. Trainer mentioned Aintree back in Autumn 2008 so will have been brought to peak here. 32 MALJIMAR (IRE) 10st - 8lbs | Form: 72P-253 | Trainer: Nick Williams | Jockey: D Jacob Deserves a big-race victory and has run with promise on his three starts this season. Does have a tendency to throw in the odd mistake, however, and with doubts also over his stamina doesn’t quite make it onto the final shortlist. 33 THE PACKAGE 10st - 7lbs | Form: 3-92312 | Trainer: D Pipe | Jockey: G Lee Went very close to winning the William Hill Trophy at the Festival on his last start and was running on strongly all the way to the line. Stays very well and will relish the extra trip, but has he been trained for this? Usual rider opts for Comply Or Die. 34 PIRAYA (FR) 10st - 7lbs | Form: 0-33019 | Trainer: D Pipe | Jockey: J W Farrelly Remains something of an enigma as there is still the suspicion that he has a big race in him, but it’s unlikely to be the National on the evidence we’ve seen so far. 35 IRISH RAPTOR (IRE) 10st - 7lbs | Form: U01-4U5 | Trainer: N A Twiston-Davies | Jockey: P J Brennan Won the Topham Trophy at this meeting last year and also finished second in the race in 2008. Can be expected to put up a bold show but there must be doubts over how long that will be for. Stable is in top form though. 36 CERIUM (FR) 10st - 5lbs | Form: 9PP/05-8 | Trainer: Paul Murphy | Jockey: D N Russell 100/1 but came close to springing an upset when fifth to Mon Mome. Others have more potential to improve and that good run did come among a sea of dismal efforts, but it will be no surprise if he shows up well again. 37 PALYPSO DE CREEK (FR) 10st - 6lbs | Form: P6-1420 | Trainer: C E Longsdon | Jockey: T Siddall A French import who only arrived here last summer having shown decent form in his homeland. Took well to the Aintree fences when just over 10 lengths fourth to Vic Venturi in the Becher Chase, but lacks the experience needed for this. 38 HELLO BUD (IRE) 10st - 6lbs | Form: 735B87 | Trainer: N A Twiston-Davies | Jockey: Mr S Twiston-davies Won the Scottish National last year. He is on the old side for this, but brings to the party stamina, jumping ability, experience around the course and a style of racing which is suited to the National. Makes plenty of each-way appeal. 39 FLINTOFF (USA) 10st - 5lbs | Form: P63/52-P | Trainer: Miss V Williams | Jockey: A Tinkler A dour stayer who has long been thought of as a potential Grand National horse and will have been trained specifically for this race by his astute handler. Well handicapped on his best form but would not want the ground to dry out much more. 40 ROYAL ROSA (FR) 10st - 5lbs | Form: 56/33P5 | Trainer: J Howard Johnson | Jockey: K Renwick Cost a cool 340,000 guineas early in his career but has paid back little of that price tag and has not won since December 2006. Has shown glimmers of ability of late but still has a mountain to climb here. My Prediction 1st The Package 2nd Snowy Morning 3rd Ballyholland 4th Mon Mome The very latest ante-post betting on this year's Grand National at Aintree : CLICK HERE Courtesy of http://www.oddschecker.com

AINTREE Saturday 10th April 2010 16:15 4m 4f Class 1 John Smith s Grand National Chase (Grade 3 Handicap) (6yo plus) 1 MADISON DU BERLAIS (FR) 11st - 10lbs | Form: 81-3244 | Trainer: D Pipe | Jockey: T Scudamore Not at his best this season despite finishing second to Kauto Star in the King George. Made it as far as the 8th in the 2008 National and the Aintree fences will need to bring out better in him if he’s to get involved in this. 2 MON MOME (FR) 11st - 7lbs | Form: 1-P3463 | Trainer: Miss V Williams | Jockey: A Coleman Impressive winner of last year’s National despite his odds of 100/1, he’s looked better than ever this season, particularly on his latest start when third in the Gold Cup. Highly respected and comes into this in peak form. 3 VIC VENTURI (IRE) 11st - 6lbs | Form: 211501 | Trainer: D T Hughes | Jockey: P W Flood Easy winner of the Becher Chase over these fences here in November. He looked better than ever when beating Black Apalachi at Fairyhouse on his latest start and if he can brush up on his jumping can get involved here. 4 BLACK APALACHI (IRE) 11st - 6lbs | Form: 151U-02 | Trainer: D T Hughes | Jockey: Denis O'Regan Looked unlucky when unseating Denis O’Regan at Becher’s on the second circuit last year; until that point he had taken to the fences really well and only just pecked on landing. However, he comes here with 7lb more to carry this time. 5 JOE LIVELY (IRE) 11st - 6lbs | Form: 5-50030 | Trainer: C L Tizzard | Jockey: J Tizzard A likeable stayer who was not far off top class on his day. Did show a glimmer of his old ability when third to Taranis back at Cheltenham two starts ago, but was beaten almost 50 lengths when 14th in the William Hill Trophy at the Festival. 6 DON'T PUSH IT (IRE) 11st - 5lbs | Form: 71-423P | Trainer: Jonjo O'Neill | Jockey: A P McCoy A smart horse as a youngster, spent a couple of years in the wilderness before bouncing back to form at this meeting last year. Should stay the trip and could have place claims provided he takes to the fences (has made errors in the past). 7 COMPLY OR DIE (IRE) 11st - 5lbs | Form: P072-00 | Trainer: D Pipe | Jockey: T J Murphy Winner of this race in 2008 and a brave runner-up to Mon Mome 12 months ago, don’t read too much into the fact that he’s been twice unplaced so far this season as he will have been trained specifically to peak in the National. 8 TRICKY TRICKSTER (IRE) 11st - 4lbs | Form: 121-219 | Trainer: P F Nicholls | Jockey: B J Geraghty Won over four miles last year so no stamina doubts here. He ran poorly in the Gold Cup – albeit against top-class opposition – and that run leaves him with questions to answer given that Mon Mome ran on for third. 9 NICHE MARKET (IRE) 11st - 4lbs | Form: 1-83529 | Trainer: R H Buckler | Jockey: Harry Skelton A bold-jumping chaser who came right at this time of year last season when landing the Irish National. A good run would be no surprise even though he has been on-the-go for a long time this season and has kept on creeping up the handicap. 10 MADE IN TAIPAN (IRE) 11st - 4lbs | Form: 2474P2 | Trainer: T Mullins | Jockey: N P Madden A useful horse on his day but is totally unproven at the trip and his chances of staying it are slim. Tailed off in the William Hill Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival, he makes little appeal here. 11 DREAM ALLIANCE 11st - 3lbs | Form: UPP/21P | Trainer: P J Hobbs | Jockey: T J O'brien Will really need to improve his jumping here, but has only had six outings in handicap company over fences – he chased home Denman in the Hennessy back in 2007 – and might be open to more improvement over this extreme trip. 12 CLOUDY LANE 11st - 3lbs | Form: FU-3644 | Trainer: D McCain Jnr | Jockey: J M Maguire Sent off joint favourite for the 2008 National when he finished sixth. Cloudy Lane has been running well so far this season and with the stable flying at Cheltenham a good run is not beyond the realms of possibility. 13 NOZIC (FR) 11st - 3lbs | Form: 1P00-69 | Trainer: P F Nicholls | Jockey: L Treadwell Has last year’s winning rider Liam Treadwell in the saddle and his rider will need to work a similar miracle to that of last year’s 100/1 shock if he is to get Nozic home in front. 14 MY WILL (FR) 11st - 2lbs | Form: 53-2757 | Trainer: P F Nicholls | Jockey: Nick Scholfield Started 8/1 joint second favourite for this last year and ran a blinder under 11st 4lb to be third. Was never really mentioned as an alternative to Big Fella Thanks or Tricky Trickster for Ruby Walsh and his best chance in this might have gone. 15 PABLO DU CHARMIL (FR) 11st - 2lbs | Form: 3606-4F | Trainer: D Pipe | Jockey: Danny Cook Made mistakes at the first and second fences before falling at the fifth on his belated reappearance over at Cheltenham in January, which is hardly an ideal prep for this ultimate examination of jumping. Also a doubtful stayer. 16 BALLYHOLLAND (IRE) 11st - 0lbs | Form: 6-51117 | Trainer: C A McBratney | Jockey: A J Mcnamara Ballyholland has progressed really well in handicaps over the last two seasons, the highlight being his impressive win in the Galway Plate last summer. A sound jumper who travels really well – he’s a major player in this. 17 BACKSTAGE (FR) 11st - 0lbs | Form: 123138 | Trainer: G Elliott | Jockey: D J Condon Not to be underestimated from the yard which sent out Silver Birch to win the race in 2007, there’s just a slight doubt that he didn’t jump brilliantly when 8th in the Fox Hunters Chase over the National fences last year. Stays well though. 18 BEAT THE BOYS (IRE) 11st - 0lbs | Form: P-1P1PP | Trainer: N A Twiston-Davies | Jockey: B Hughes Would not be out of this if able to produce his best form. Likes to dominate from the front, which he’s unlikely to do here, but he’s the sort who might be lit up by the Aintree fences and is from a yard in great form. 19 PREISTS LEAP (IRE) 11st - 0lbs | Form: 0-780F0 | Trainer: T G O'Leary | Jockey: P T Enright Started at 100/1 for this race last year and trailed home in 14th position having been in trouble from half-way. Has dropped a few pounds in the handicap since then, but has beaten a minimum of 26 lengths on every start completed this season. 20 SNOWY MORNING (IRE) 10st - 13lbs | Form: 183223 | Trainer: W P Mullins | Jockey: D J Casey Third to Comply Or Die and then 9th to Mon Mome in past Grand Nationals, the chances of him putting in a clear round these days in top company are slim, which will always reduce his prospect of landing a deserved big-race victory. 21 CAN'T BUY TIME (IRE) 10st - 13lbs | Form: 14F-016 | Trainer: Jonjo O'Neill | Jockey: R P Mclernon In good form of late, winning a valuable race at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day despite several jumping errors, but was again let down by his jumping behind Big Fella Thanks at Newbury on his latest start and will need to jump better here. 22 BIG FELLA THANKS 10st - 12lbs | Form: 136-2U1 | Trainer: P F Nicholls | Jockey: R Walsh Asked to take on the big Aintree fences as a novice last season and did well to finish sixth. Comes into the race in great form having won a valuable handicap last time and if he’s polished up his jumping should be right in the mix. 23 STATE OF PLAY 10st - 11lbs | Form: 60/144-P | Trainer: Evan Williams | Jockey: Paul Moloney Fourth to Mon Mome last year, when he did really well to get back into the race after losing his position when hampered. Goes well fresh and has been more than likely trained for this race. 24 CHARACTER BUILDING (IRE) 10st - 11lbs | Form: 3391-00 | Trainer: J J Quinn | Jockey: Miss N Carberry Had been expected to run much better than he did at the Cheltenham Festival when only 12th in the William Hill Trophy; never really jumping with any fluency and looking a beaten horse from half-way. Hard to fancy on that form. 25 ELLERSLIE GEORGE (IRE) 10st - 10lbs | Form: 0-12187 | Trainer: Nick Mitchell | Jockey: Christian Williams Stays well, but didn’t really take to these fences when tailed off in both the Topham Chase and the Becher Chase last season and that is the main concern here. 26 ERIC'S CHARM (FR) 10st - 9lbs | Form: 2P5-011 | Trainer: O Sherwood | Jockey: W Hutchinson Fell at Becher’s in the Topham Chase a couple of years ago, providing that run hasn’t left any scars he can be expected to put up his usual brave effort and shouldn’t be written off on age grounds; of the last 20 winners 8 were aged 11 or 12. 27 KING JOHNS CASTLE (IRE) 10st - 9lbs | Form: 2/7-7980 | Trainer: A L T Moore | Jockey: P Carberry Second to Comply Or Die in the 2008 National and in off just a 2lb higher mark here. The big question is has he lost his form or been campaigned in the traditional Irish manner for a crack at the National? No surprise if he runs well again. 28 CONNA CASTLE (IRE) 10st - 9lbs | Form: 43545U | Trainer: J J Mangan | Jockey: S W Flanagan He’s not far off top class on his day, but has never given the impression that he has the stamina for a race such as this and his jumping went badly awry on his latest start. Firmly among the outsiders here. 29 BALLYFITZ 10st - 9lbs | Form: 4P1540 | Trainer: N A Twiston-Davies | Jockey: David England His jumping has fallen to pieces this season and bad error cost him dearly in three separate races this season. Over these fences he’s not one for the faint-hearted despite his undisputed ability. 30 OLLIE MAGERN 10st - 9lbs | Form: 395467 | Trainer: N A Twiston-Davies | Jockey: T Molloy A veteran chaser who is not the force that he once used to be, his last win coming in November 2007. It’s hard to see him winning this especially as he got no further than the second fence when taking on these fences for the first time last year. 31 ARBOR SUPREME (IRE) 10st - 8lbs | Form: 30-37U2 | Trainer: W P Mullins | Jockey: Paul Townend Has developed into a really useful long-distance handicapper; beating Black Apalachi in a valuable race at the Punchestown Festival in 2008. Trainer mentioned Aintree back in Autumn 2008 so will have been brought to peak here. 32 MALJIMAR (IRE) 10st - 8lbs | Form: 72P-253 | Trainer: Nick Williams | Jockey: D Jacob Deserves a big-race victory and has run with promise on his three starts this season. Does have a tendency to throw in the odd mistake, however, and with doubts also over his stamina doesn’t quite make it onto the final shortlist. 33 THE PACKAGE 10st - 7lbs | Form: 3-92312 | Trainer: D Pipe | Jockey: G Lee Went very close to winning the William Hill Trophy at the Festival on his last start and was running on strongly all the way to the line. Stays very well and will relish the extra trip, but has he been trained for this? Usual rider opts for Comply Or Die. 34 PIRAYA (FR) 10st - 7lbs | Form: 0-33019 | Trainer: D Pipe | Jockey: J W Farrelly Remains something of an enigma as there is still the suspicion that he has a big race in him, but it’s unlikely to be the National on the evidence we’ve seen so far. 35 IRISH RAPTOR (IRE) 10st - 7lbs | Form: U01-4U5 | Trainer: N A Twiston-Davies | Jockey: P J Brennan Won the Topham Trophy at this meeting last year and also finished second in the race in 2008. Can be expected to put up a bold show but there must be doubts over how long that will be for. Stable is in top form though. 36 CERIUM (FR) 10st - 5lbs | Form: 9PP/05-8 | Trainer: Paul Murphy | Jockey: D N Russell 100/1 but came close to springing an upset when fifth to Mon Mome. Others have more potential to improve and that good run did come among a sea of dismal efforts, but it will be no surprise if he shows up well again. 37 PALYPSO DE CREEK (FR) 10st - 6lbs | Form: P6-1420 | Trainer: C E Longsdon | Jockey: T Siddall A French import who only arrived here last summer having shown decent form in his homeland. Took well to the Aintree fences when just over 10 lengths fourth to Vic Venturi in the Becher Chase, but lacks the experience needed for this. 38 HELLO BUD (IRE) 10st - 6lbs | Form: 735B87 | Trainer: N A Twiston-Davies | Jockey: Mr S Twiston-davies Won the Scottish National last year. He is on the old side for this, but brings to the party stamina, jumping ability, experience around the course and a style of racing which is suited to the National. Makes plenty of each-way appeal. 39 FLINTOFF (USA) 10st - 5lbs | Form: P63/52-P | Trainer: Miss V Williams | Jockey: A Tinkler A dour stayer who has long been thought of as a potential Grand National horse and will have been trained specifically for this race by his astute handler. Well handicapped on his best form but would not want the ground to dry out much more. 40 ROYAL ROSA (FR) 10st - 5lbs | Form: 56/33P5 | Trainer: J Howard Johnson | Jockey: K Renwick Cost a cool 340,000 guineas early in his career but has paid back little of that price tag and has not won since December 2006. Has shown glimmers of ability of late but still has a mountain to climb here. My Prediction 1st The Package 2nd Snowy Morning 3rd Ballyholland 4th Mon Mome The very latest ante-post betting on this year's Grand National at Aintree : CLICK HERE Courtesy of http://www.oddschecker.com

Re: Aintree Grand National Meeting 2010 : Fri Apr 09, 2010 10:30 pm  

I didn't enjoy the racing today, and I don't enjoy Aintree. I don't know the stats, but the fences at this course seem to be a joke. I watch races on the National fences worrying all the time horses are going to fall fatally, a feeling I don't get at any other course. Why is Aintree allowed to have these ridiculous fences? I am a passionate racing fan and I understand all of the risks but I do not understand why Aintree gets such special dispensation, just because it holds one single lottery of a race that is a farce anyway. I won't be having a bet tomorrow, just crossing my fingers all the horses get round in one piece. You all enjoy your laughs in your sweepstakes, I hope its worth it.

Re: Aintree Grand National Meeting 2010 : Fri Apr 09, 2010 11:02 pm  

Much better day for me today, had 2 nice winners with Burton Port (9/2) and Always Waining (22/1). Must be this place that brings me bad luck as I didn't quite have time to post selection earlier.

Picked my National 4 out now though after studying for quite a while and they are 3 I fancy to win at realistic prices and one real big odds shot that could give a real good run if it settles nicely in front and gets into a good rythym...

Black Apalachi (16/1)
Tricky Trickster (20/1)
State Of Play (16/1)
Joe Lively (100/1)

Good luck everyone having a punt and hope all horses and jockeys come home safe and sound...

Re: Aintree Grand National Meeting 2010 : Sat Apr 10, 2010 6:51 am  

Dave Lister wrote:

I didn't enjoy the racing today, and I don't enjoy Aintree. I don't know the stats, but the fences at this course seem to be a joke. I watch races on the National fences worrying all the time horses are going to fall fatally, a feeling I don't get at any other course. Why is Aintree allowed to have these ridiculous fences? I am a passionate racing fan and I understand all of the risks but I do not understand why Aintree gets such special dispensation, just because it holds one single lottery of a race that is a farce anyway. I won't be having a bet tomorrow, just crossing my fingers all the horses get round in one piece. You all enjoy your laughs in your sweepstakes, I hope its worth it.

It's not the fences fault at all it's the trainers who don't school properly or the jockeys who go too fast/fail to pull up.

If you don't like the National fences then you shouldn't be watching the park fence races either - it's a sad part of the sport and something that is being looked into all the time by both the RSPCA and the HRA. They'll look at the falls yesterday of both Plaisir D'Estruval and Prudent Honour who both took tired falls at Valentines (one of the smallest fences on the course) - it doesn't surprise me that Paul Carberry was on one of the horses in question. His lack of thought for equine welfare at times is shocking and his three siblings (and cousin from what I've been told) are leagues ahead of him in this regard.

Re: Aintree Grand National Meeting 2010 : Sat Apr 10, 2010 8:04 am  

Carneys Pint wrote:

It's not the fences fault at all it's the trainers who don't school properly or the jockeys who go too fast/fail to pull up.

If you don't like the National fences then you shouldn't be watching the park fence races either - it's a sad part of the sport and something that is being looked into all the time by both the RSPCA and the HRA. They'll look at the falls yesterday of both Plaisir D'Estruval and Prudent Honour who both took tired falls at Valentines (one of the smallest fences on the course) - it doesn't surprise me that Paul Carberry was on one of the horses in question. His lack of thought for equine welfare at times is shocking and his three siblings (and cousin from what I've been told) are leagues ahead of him in this regard.

I don't dispute anything you say. It just doesn't sit well with me, the consequences of a fall seem so more far severe

Those 2 falls at Valentines were horrendous

Re: Aintree Grand National Meeting 2010 : Sat Apr 10, 2010 8:21 am  

The two at Valentines were relatively soft falls that looking at it (and I can't say for certain) looked like broken shoulders - primarily caused by falling hard on firmish ground.

Nobody likes seeing horses die hence they're making racing as safe as possible year on year - there's less of a drop at Bechers, more run-off areas as a result of the 2001 race - where despite a large pile-up at the Canal Turn caused by the loose Paddy's Return no horse or rider was seriously injured (think one jockey broke his thumb).

Maybe it's from watching racing and equine sports for 20+ years and it's not something you get used to seeing whether it's on the racecourse, gallops, in a 3 day event, show jumping, hacking etc. but these things happen and as a friend of mine said "he could break a leg getting a kick in the field".

[Wanderer]

Re: Aintree Grand National Meeting 2010 : Sat Apr 10, 2010 9:15 am  

I echo the sentiments that they all come back safe and sound.

Re: Aintree Grand National Meeting 2010 : Sat Apr 10, 2010 9:52 am  

My horses

Piraya 100/1
Cant buy time 33/1
Hello Bud 40/1

My mums
Ballyholland 25/1
My Will 40/1