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THE MARTELL GRAND NATIONAL A-Z GUIDE
(CLASS A) (Showcase Handicap) (Grade 3) Total prize fund £500,000. Distributed in accordance with Order 194 (ii) (d) (Includes a sixth prize) £290,000 to the winning horse, the second to receive £110,000, the third £55,000, the fourth £25,000, the fifth £12,500, the sixth £7,500 3.45pm, Saturday, April 7, 2001, for six-year-olds and upwards which are allotted a rating of 110 or more by the Senior BHB NH Handicapper. 57 in the H’cap remain
Addington Boy 13 10-11 Ferdy Murphy
One of the oldest horses in the race, yet he still manages to retain plenty of enthusiasm, as he showed last year when finishing a creditable fifth. He ran a nice race at Huntingdon last time out on ground softer that he likes, and must have at least an eachway chance
Amberleigh House 9 10-5 'Ginger' McCain
Formally was a useful 2miler in Ireland, however I don’t think he has shown enough over here to be seriously entertain him as a winner, but should get round
Art Prince 11 9-8 Martin C Pipe
Useful handicapper on his day, Art Prince is capable of sustaining a decent clip over 3-3½ miles. He does give the impression that he is best when being allowed to dominate. That is unlikely in this race, and like last year he may at least give you hope for a circuit or so
Beau 8 11-10 Nigel A Twiston-Davies
Beau hasn’t been the most consistent of horses this term, and appears to have paid heavily for his facile win in last year’s Whitbread Gold Cup. That said the form of his run in the King George VI Chase at Christmas stands out in this race, and if he is capable of running to that level he must have decent claims... I’d ring him amongst my possibles
Blowing Wind (FR) 8 10-9 Martin C Pipe
Formally useful hurdler who never quite reached the heights expected on him in that sphere. The same can be said of him over fences, and frankly for most of this season he looked to have completely lost interest in the game. That was until a vintage ride from AP McCoy got him home under top weight in a handicap chase at Doncaster in January. He followed that up by poaching the prize from Get Real at Sandown on his latest start. That effort was though over 2miles, and whilst he gets 3miles there has to be some doubt about his ability to get the trip… might be interesting if he does
Brave Highlander 13 9-9 Josh T Gifford
Brave Highlander is a classic Aintree specialist, the sort who can effectively be dismissed on any other track these days. For the third year running he raised his game for the big occasion, and would have finished closer last year, if he had been more fluent at the second-last. This normally safe jumper, must be long odds on to get round. He hasn’t won for a while though, and the most that should be expected is another placing
Careysville 10 8-10 Miss Venetia Williams
One time capable handicapper, who hasn’t won since March 1999, and has shown enough to be seriously entertained
Chopwell Curtains 11 8-10 J Howard Johnson
Number 56 of 57 in the H’cap, and is unlikely to get a run here… just as well he hasn’t won since April 1997, and has little chance in my view
Dark Stranger (FR) 10 10-3 Martin C Pipe
Last year’s favourite on the back of an impressive victory at the 2000 Cheltenham Festival, but got no further than the third. He has run well this term, however his last two efforts; pulled up over 3m2f behind Heidi III at Doncaster, and more relevantly his third placing in the Racing Post Chase over Kempton’s tight 3mile circuit, where he noticeably weakened in the final quarter don’t suggest to that he will stay this trip. Because of this nagging doubt he doesn’t appeal to me
Delgany Royal 9 9-1 Dessie T Hughes
Honest Irish trained handicapper, who has been in good heart this winter, winning three of his last six starts. Number 50 of 57 in the H’cap, and is unlikely to get a run here, but would run creditably if he got into the race.
Djeddah (FR) 10 10-11 F Doumen in France
Laid out for this race by his trainer. Djeddah hasn’t shown much form of late, however he was a creditable ninth to Papillion last year, and a good effort at Sandown on heavy ground gives cause for optimism. He should jump round, and on a fast surface may improve on last term’s placing
Earthmover 10 11-2 Paul F Nicholls
Earthmover has had quite a profitable campaign this term mixing steeplechasing with hurdling. Nothing wrong with efforts over fences, and a good third at Haydock last time over drop fences would give hope to those interested in him, who remember his fall of last season in this event. I’m a firm believer that a horse must get into a rhythm to be competitive, and if he does, I can see him running a good race, as he is a resolute galloper, who could get some of his rivals into trouble
Edmond (FR) 9 10-1 Henry D Daly
Last year’s Welsh Grand National winner who has been struggling this term despite a creditable third in this season’s renewal of the Welsh event. He will think he’s loose with 10-1, and the fact that his trainer has suddenly hit form with a vengeance is another draw. If he ‘gets into a rhythm’ he must have a decent claim, and should go down on the list of possibles
Esprit De Cotte (FR) 9 9-11 Nicky J Henderson
Esprit de Cotte was in the process of running a big race last year when coming down at Bechers second time round. He hasn’t really shown much this term, but he appeals to me as the sort that develops into a classic Aintree specialist… bear him in mind for a place again this year
Exit Swinger (FR) 6 10-5 Martin C Pipe
This could be a very interesting runner, who just might be one of those 2½mile specialist that run well in the National... His formlines are solid; He ran a great race, beating all bar Lady Cricket easily in the Thomas Pink Gold Cup, his second race over fences since winning easily at Sandown in April 2000. After a disappointing effort, he finished a creditable third to Function Dream over an inadequate 2miles at Ascot. Having won at Auteuil in France, he has the technique of getting round, and if he is declared he'd be one of the 2½milers that would go onto my list of possibles
Feathered Leader 9 9-13 A L T Moore in ireland
I like Feathered Leader who is well trained by Arthur Moore, and can operate over a range of trips between 2-4 miles. He normally is held up and creeps into his races, ideal tactics for this race. He hasn’t always shown his true potential on his previous efforts in England, however he deserves close scrutiny despite this
(Unlikely to run because of Ireland's Foot & mouth restrictions on the movement of horses)
Feels Like Gold 13 9-10 N G Richards
Another 13 year old, who seems to be on the decline, and bar a win in the 1999 Becher Chase over the National fences has little to recommend him. He was 14th last year, and another finish is the most to expect
General Wolfe 12 11-0 Miss Venetia Williams
Formally useful staying handicap chaser, who ran with great promise on his first start since April 1999, when coming a good second to Storm Damage at Sandown in February. However he disapointed badly next time out finishing two fences behind Marlborough at Wincanton. He probably ‘bounced’ that day, the problem is what version will you get on Saturday… and will that be good enough in any case?
Hanakham 12 10-11 'Ginger' McCain
I have a soft spot for this horse who I regularly used to watch between the flags in his younger days. I am not a sentimental punter, but if I were I’d have a few quid on him more in hope than anything else, he seems to have decline since leaving Martin Pipe, and will need all of his trainer’s skill to get him home in front on current form
Him of Praise 11 9-5 R M Stronge
A real monkey who amuses himself by completely dropping his bridle, and taking little interest before staying on from miles behind. He’s almost certain to do that on Saturday, if he gave himself a chance he could nick a place … but it’s a big ‘if’
Hollybank Buck 11 9-13 A J Martin in ireland
Owes his likely proximity in the market to previous form, and his trainer’s excellent record in this country. He was 10th last year, and a similar placing is about what I’d expect
Inis Cara 9 10-3 M Hourigan in ireland
An interesting contender as he hasn’t won since April 1999, yet runs well consistently in some of Ireland's better handicap chases, as well as respectable placing behind the like of Dorans Pride and Looks Like Trouble. Interestingly weighted here, and could go well at a nice price
Inn At The Top 9 11-2 J R Turner
Not sure what Inn At The Top has done to only be in receipt of 8lbs from Beau, because despite has put in 3 solid placing this term, (last time out only just giving best to Heidi III at Doncaster) seems to have far too much weight on his back here.
Kaki Crazy (FR) 6 9-11 Martin C Pipe
One of the babies of the field, and possibly an interesting challenger... if he gives himself a chance. He came from France with solid credentials behind him, and after an encouraging ‘debut’ lost his way over fences, running badly in the Welsh National. He has given the impression that he isn’t entirely genuine needing to scrubbed along throughout his last two outings. That said, it is amazing how close in each instance he eventually got, having lost touch with a mile to go on both occasions. He’s jumped adequately around Auteuil so he should handle this, and could go well if he’s in the mood
Kendal Cavalier 11 9-4 G B Balding
Formally a useful chaser, but a light of former years. Number 49 of 57 in the H’cap, and is unlikely to get a run here, but would get round if he got into the race.
Lance Armstrong 11 9-11 Robert H Alner
He’s run well this term winning at Chepstow and Kempton this term; however there appears to be a stamina deficiency if judged on his third in the Agfa Chase at Sandown this February. He ran respectably over the fences last term so may well get round here, but I’m not a fan
Listen Timmy (NZ) 12 10-3 Alan King
Pulled up in this event last year, and hasn’t shown any worthwhile form since May 1999. He is capable of a bold bid if he can muster one last try … others are preferred though
Mely Moss (FR) 10 10-5 Charlie R Egerton
Amazingly fragile but talented chaser who has run six times since arriving from France in 1995. He was my selection in last year’s race and for a lot of the race travelled like the winner, however he couldn’t quicken past Papillon after the last. My initial impression was that he didn’t get home, however I now concede that Papillon had plenty in the kitty, but idled on the run-in. Hasn't run since, but goes well fresh. Is better in at the weights with Papillon here, so should be on your shortlist
Merry People 13 9-8 J Queally in Ireland
Merry People ran an astonishing race in 1999 from 21lb out of the handicap. He made up a huge amount of ground after a melee at Becher's second time around to have every chance when he fell two out. He failed to complete again last year, but is one of though big priced runners that tend to go well each year, the fact he also won his last race is also room for further optimism
Mister One 10 9-8 Colin Tizzard
Out and out stayer who is a half brother to See More Business. He has been campaigned in the military races this term; winning the Grand Military Gold Cup in February (though deserved was partly due to the weakness of the finish of the second’s rider). He was then outstayed by Kings Minstral over the same course and distance in March. Both of those were on soft ground, but he is definitely better on faster ground. Not one for me, but could go well on a faster surface
Montroe 9 9-5 Richard Rowe
Montroe hasn’t shown much since the turn of last year, where he won twice, and is struggling to recapture that sort of form … others are preferred. (Number 47 of 57 in the H’cap, and is unlikely to get a run here)
Moondigua 9 9-12 Martin C Pipe
Hasn’t shown much this term, however Moondigua has previously shown over the previous two seasons plenty to warrant respect. At his best he’d have an outside chance, but backing him seems a leap of faith
Moral Support 9 10-9 Charlie J Mann
Half brother to Dorans Pride, who was in great heart at the beginning of the season, winning four on the bounce, before running a brave race in the Welsh National only just going down to Jocks Cross. If you ignore his last effort when tailed off behind Frantic Tan at Haydock in February he must go well here, however is his rise in the weights his undoing here?
No Retreat (NZ) 8 10-1 Steve A Brookshaw
Decent prospect a few seasons ago, but seems difficult to train, and doesn’t look to have retained his ability, having little to recommend him on his efforts so far this term
Noble Lord 8 10-5 Richard T Phillips
Its funny how some horses capture your imagination and some don’t … The formbook indicates that Noble Lord; an honourable 2nd in the Scottish National last year, plus a winner on his seasonal bow (when he benefited from Hescondido completely folding up on the flat after looking to have the race sewn up) is entitled to close inspection here… He just doesn’t grab me as a winner, though obviously if you like him don’t be put of by my own opinion
Nordic Prince 10 8-11 J G M O'Shea
Nordic Prince has shown good form this term in his grade, but is biting off a bit more than he can chew here (Number 53 of 57 in the H’cap, and is unlikely to get a run here).
Northern Starlight 10 10-7 Martin C Pipe
Northern Starlight, is another interesting 2½miler in the line-up He has solid credentials, being the winner of the John Hughes Trophy over the National Fences on his last start. This diminutive star clearly jumps the obstacles, but is unproven over trips in excess of 2m6f. That doesn’t necessary mean that he won't stay the trip, and in my view has a 'definite chance'.
Nosam 11 8-11 Norman B Mason
Nosam is an honest handicapper who is at least running well, and might go well if he gets in, without being good enough to win. (Number 54 of 57 in the H’cap, and is unlikely to get a run here).
Paddy's Return 9 9-9 Ferdy Murphy
An interesting challenger, who formally was a top class staying hurdler in his youth. He's not an easy ride, being a bit of a thinker but is a careful jumper with a touch of class, (though he doesn’t always show it). He’s run well over the National fences, and should have no problems with the trip. if he has a cut at this, I can see him going well ... an eachway possible.
Papillon 10 11-5 Ted M Walsh in Ireland
Last year’s winner who fortunately is now able to compete. He can operate over a range of trips between 2-4½ miles, and must have a great chance only having being raised 9lbs for winning last year's race. Encouragingly, he is in much better heart than he was at this time last year, and must go onto the list of possibles
Parahandy 11 9-0 J W Mullins
Parahandy is a good, handicapper in his grade, though i'm not sure how genuine he is; him having finished second on 4 of his last 5 starts. He'd probably get round if given the opportunity, but that's as much as I'd expect. (Number 52 of 57 in the H’cap, therefore is unlikely to get a run here.)
Radiation 8 9-1 J J O'Neill
Out of form handicapper who is Number 51 of 57 in the H’cap, therefore is unlikely to get a run here. The one hope if he runs if his good record of races run in April (winner 3 times so clearly is a spring horse)
Rathbawn Prince 9 11-1 D T Hughes in ireland
An interesting challenger if he comes over, as he suggests that there is a decnet prize in him one day if he puts it all together … the problem is that he unproven over trips in excess of 2½miles although has enough stamina to run creditably on the flat over 2miles... no forlorn hope
(Unlikely to run because of Ireland's Foot & mouth restrictions on the movement of horses)
Red Ark 8 10-3 Norman B Mason
Red Ark may be Norman Mason’s best hope of success here, and this talented handicap hurdler/chaser could go well if he puts it all together … the problem is that he unproven over trips in excess of 3miles although he stays 2m6f really well... not a forlorn hope
Red Marauder 11 10-11 Norman B Mason
Injury-prone handicapper, whose better days are probably behind him. He didn’t jump well before falling last year, however is too classy to ignore… might go well if he has more of a cut at his fences this time around
Samuel Wilderspin 9 9-5 Richard Lee
Samuel Wilderspin is Number 48 of 57 in the H’cap, therefore is unlikely to get a run here... a pity, as he is a talented horse whose career has been blighted by breaking blood vessels, but for that he might have developed into a decent handicapper.
Scotton Green 10 8-9 Tim D Easterby
Poor Scotton Green is Number 57 of 57 in the H’cap, therefore is unlikely to get a run here. He’s an out and out stayer, who may have run well if given the chance, despite being well out of the handicap
Senor El Betrutti 12 9-10 Mrs Susan Nock
Cannot entertain him at all, he is a light of former years, and has disapointed between the flags this winter. Whilst this race with probably rekindle some enthusiasm, it certainly wont be anywhere near enough to fancy him
Smarty 8 10-0 Mark Pitman
Immediately went into the notebook as a National horse when sluicing up on his reappearance at Leicester, after a long absence due to injury. The lightly weighted Lordberniebouffant was able to outstay him next time out in the Sussex National, and he didn’t run too badly behind Legal Right at Ascot. The key to him may be the ground, as I don’t think he’d last home on really soft ground. However on decent jumping ground he is one for the shortlist off of only 10-0
Spanish Main 7 9-11 Nigel A Twiston-Davies
Spanish Main has been in good heart this term over 3miles, and is a relentless galloper, who may well figure if he manages to get round. My concern would be that he is still in his novice year, and is being asked a big question at such an early stage on his development. He could easily takes a look at few of these and then “bottles it”
Strong Tel 11 10-11 Martin C Pipe
Another Martin Pipe runner with a chance if he is near his best. Despite his advancing years they aren’t many miles on his clock, and a respectable 8th on his return after injury intimated that he might still retain most of his previous ability. He should get this trip, and will try to creep into the race on the second circuit… A possible
Supreme Charm 9 9-8 Kim C Bailey
He has shown good form this term winning the Sporting Index Chase in November, and it is worth noting how well he was going when he fell at Becher’s in last year’s John Hughes Trophy Chase… an eachway possible (Number 45 of 57 in the H’cap, so is not certain to get a run here).
The Last Fling 11 10-12 Mrs Sue J Smith
The Last Fling would have claims on his best form on last year, but whilst the obstacles aren't a problem, he is probably most effective when allowed to dominate. He couldn't last year, and its conceivable that he might 'throw the dummy out' if he cant again here. This looks weaker on paper than last year race, however his decline makes his task all the more harder though it wouldn’t exactly be a surprise if he managed a placing
Tresor De Mai (FR) 7 11-2 Martin C Pipe
Tresor de Mai appears to have been around for years, though of course that is only because he begun his chasing career so early when trained in France. Normally hits one on the way round but is capable of decent form despite this. He has a touch of class, so whilst he isn’t an obvious winner, he might go well, especially on decent ground
Unsinkable Boxer 12 10-10 Robert H Alner
Such a terrific prospect when winning at the Cheltenham Festival in 1998, who many a good judge thought would develop into a top class chaser. He hasn’t lived up to that form since, and was having his first runs since the 1999 Gold Cup when failing to get qualified for Cheltenham’s Foxhunter Chase in a rushed campaign between the flags. There is stable confidence behind him here, and he may go well if he takes to this... interesting outsider
Village King 8 9-12 Phillip J Hobbs
Despite having not won since December 1999, Village King has performed creditably in four runs this term. He can drop the bridle in his races, but stays on well, and should stay the trip. He was travelling particularly well when falling at the fence before Bechers last year, and if he remains competitive, must at least have a decent eachway claim
You're Agoodun 9 10-1 Martin C Pipe
Currently is in the betting at around 50/1 however would be cut dramatically if A P McCoy chooses to ride him... I can see why this may occur; despite being a novice, You're Agoodun made Behrajan pull out all the stop at Huntingdon recently, and before that was in the process of running a good race when unseating his rider six out in the De Vere Gold Cup won by Frantic Tan at Haydock… He seems to appreciate extreme distances, and jumped Haydock (bar that one mistake) well enough to suggest that he jump round this course... may be worth having a little bit on in anticipation of the jockey booking .... a possible
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