Friday 5 April 2013 17:31, UK
After two days of fantastic racing the Aintree weekend culminates in the Grand National on Saturday. It's the race that gets everyone talking - but here are my picks for the big event. Hopefully I can point you in the direction of a winner!
Balthazar King has attracted each way support this week. He has been running in cross country races so clearly doesn't mind a different obstacle, but he is yet to run over these fences. Dessie Hughes' Rare Bob was brought down at the same fence as Chicago Grey last year and could be a decent each way selection. He ran well behind Rich Revival last time out and although that horse pulled up in Monday's Irish National the ground had gone against him and that looks like decent form. Nicky Henderson has trained Roberto Goldback with this race as his ultimate target and the champion trainer elect is yet to win this race so he will hope for a bold show. Big Fella Thanks is a horse I have plenty of respect for but he has always seemed to struggle to see out this trip. The fact the race is run over 90 yards shorter than normal will help, but if it's enough remains to be seen. Jonjo O'Neill is always a man you want on your side in staying chases and at a big price (50/1) his Lost Glory could run ok. He has won 5 of his 9 starts over fences and although his stamina isn't guaranteed he comes here in form. The drying ground will definitely be in his favour as like many NZ bred horses he prefers better ground, even though he is by Montjeu. So, time to make a selection! I would love to see Katie Walsh win this and think Seabass will give his supporters a great run for their money. On His Own (7/1 fav) has obvious claims and has a favourites chance. Rare Bob (20/1) is a horse I'm loath to leave out of my 1-2-3-4 too as he has been chipping away quietly and has a nice weight. Chicago Grey (12/1) is another who can't be ignored. There will be a shake up in the market when AP decides what he is going to ride (I suspect Colbert Station). I'm sticking with Seabass as I've fancied him for some time, but they are my four protagonists for Saturday's marathon. Selection: Seabass @ 9/1 with Sky Bet Away from the National and one of my favourite horses, Overturn, is set to run in the Maghull Novices' Chase over 2 miles and I expect we will see a much improved performance on this decent ground. He got stuck in the holding ground in the Arkle when 4th behind Simonsig and he can leave that run behind him here. One of the bright sparks for Paul Nicholls at the festival was the run of 40/1 shot Celestial Halo in the World Hurdle and he is entered in the Liverpool Hurdle on Saturday in a bid to go one better. It doesn't look the strongest of contests and as I mentioned before and African Gold would have a good chance if lining up in it. If not this horse should be on your shortlist as the step up in trip seems to have been just the ticket and he will enjoy the ground.
