Grand National 2010

[Fat Tom Daley]

The Runners

 

(Number, form, horse's name, age, weight, jockey, trainer)

Odds are approximate and for information purposes only

 

 

1

 

01-3244 MADISON DU BERLAIS 9 11-10

Tom Scudamore David Pipe

Has the scalp of star steeplechaser Denman on a noteworthy CV, which also includes a second place to Kauto Star in the King George VI Chase. No top-weight has won the race since Red Rum in 1977 and he has fallen in the race previously.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1

 

 

 

2

 

1-P3463 MON MOME 10 11-07

Aidan Coleman Venetia Williams

Convincing winner of the 2009 Grand National despite odds of 100-1. Will be at about a 10th of the price this time and justifiably so after a late rally to finish third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Carries seven pounds more than last year.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 12-1

 

 

 

3

 

211501 VIC VENTURI 10-11-06

Paddy Flood Dessie Hughes IRE

Beat closely-matched stablemate Black Apalachi under a weight concession last time. Claimed the Becher Chase over the National fences in November. Jockey won the 2008 Irish Grand National on Hear The Echo.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1

 

 

 

4

 

151U-02 BLACK APALACHI 11-11-06

Denis O'Regan Dessie Hughes IRE

Twice a faller in the Grand National, including when leading last year and coming down at Becher's Brook second time around, although won the 2008 Becher Chase over the famous fences. Trainer rates him and fellow National contender Vic Venturi very highly.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 12-1

 

 

 

5

 

5-50030 JOE LIVELY 11-11-06

Joe Tizzard Colin Tizzard

Sure to be popular with all the Joes, Jo's, Joannes and Josephs out there. A sound jumper although has a big weight to carry and may need more jo in his mojo to be considered a potential winner.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 50-1

 

 

 

6

 

01-423P DON'T PUSH IT 10-11-05

Tony McCoy Jonjo O'Neill

Can the 14-time champion jockey, the popular trainer and millionaire owner JP McManus finally break their Grand National duck? Weight is a worry, but ticks a few other boxes.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 25-1

 

 

 

7

 

P002-00 COMPLY OR DIE 11-11-05

Timmy Murphy David Pipe

A victory and second place in the big race makes him a highly respected candidate, albeit with a bigger burden than his previous Aintree runs. Has caught the eye despite finishing out of the frame in races this season. Jockey rejected stablemate The Package to stay loyal.

Rating: 8/10 Odds: 20-1

 

 

 

8

 

1-03520 NICHE MARKET 9-11-04

Harry Skelton Bob Buckler

Would be the selection but for the weight. Third to Denman in the Hennessy and just beaten by lighter-weighted Tricky Trickster next time. Skelton is understood to have told owner Graham Regan he would win the Aintree National, after claiming the Irish version.

Rating: 8/10 Odds: 18-1

 

 

 

9

 

121-210 TRICKY TRICKSTER 7-11-04

Barry Geraghty Paul Nicholls

Was vying for favouritism after beating Niche Market in the Aon Chase when Denman crashed out. Miserable run when ninth last time in Cheltenham Gold Cup. Chance if back to best, although stable jockey Ruby Walsh prefers Big Fella Thanks.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1

 

 

 

10

 

2404P2 MADE IN TAIPAN 8-11-04

Niall Madden Tom Mullins IRE

A mud lover who would have entered each-way equations if the weather wetter. Has the 2006 Numbersixvalverde winning jockey Niall 'Slippers' Madden on board. His younger brother is Socks and following the riding footsteps of Madden Senior, Boots.

Rating: 4/10 Odds: 100-1

 

 

 

11

 

UPP/-21PDREAM ALLIANCE 9-11-03

Tom O'Brien Philip Hobbs

Will it be a dream win for the romantics? The horse bred on a Welsh slag heap allotment by a woman who used to race pigeons, Dream Alliance survived a career-threatening injury at Aintree and bounced back to win the Welsh National after treatment. Poor last time though.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 33-1

 

 

 

12

 

FU-3644 CLOUDY LANE 10-11-03

Jason Maguire Donald McCain Jnr

Sixth when well fancied for the 2008 Grand National, won by Comply Or Die. Unseated his rider in the race last year. Trainer is the son of Ginger McCain, who trained triple winner Red Rum and the 2004 champion Amberleigh House.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 40-1

 

 

 

13

 

1P00-60 NOZIC 9-11-03

Liam Treadwell Paul Nicholls

Bought for the race by Coral bookmakers who have loaned him out to 10 competition-winning Sun newspaper readers. Sure to have supporters with last year's winning rider and the champion trainer. Not his first string, however, and others appeal a great deal more.

Rating: 4/10 Odds: 50-1

 

 

 

14

 

53-2057 MY WILL 10-11-02

Nick Scholfield Paul Nicholls

Ran a blinder when third in the 2009 National behind Mon Mome. Owner Andy Stewart believes he is overpriced and is set to run a big race.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 40-1

 

 

 

15

 

3606-4F PABLO DU CHARMIL 9-11-02

Danny Cook David Pipe

French-breds traditionally have a poor winning record, although Mon Mome defied that trend in 2009. Trainer had better-fancied candidates in Comply Or Die and The Package.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 100-1

 

 

 

16

 

6-51110 BALLYHOLLAND 9-11-00

Andrew McNamara Colin McBratney IRE

Bidding to become the first Grand National winner trained in Northern Ireland. Trainer, based in County Down, has been sounding very positive about the Galway Plate winner. Three wins this season. Stamina the big question mark.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 28-1

 

 

 

17

 

123130 BACKSTAGE 8-11-00

Davy Condon Gordon Elliott IRE

Well thought of by shrewd Irish yard that trained 2007 winner Silver Birch. Stable lads and lasses have a big share in the horse, and will have a bumper payday if he wins. Paul Carberry was offered ride, but is on King John's Castle instead.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1

 

 

 

18

 

P-1P1PP BEAT THE BOYS 9-11-00

Brian Hughes Nigel Twiston-Davies

Pulled up four times in his last six races. One of five runners for trainer who won the 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup with Imperial Commander and has claimed the National twice with Earth Summit (1998) and Bindaree (2002). Not a no-hoper but others preferred.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 66-1

 

 

 

19

 

0-000U0 PREISTS LEAP 10-11-00

Philip Enright Tom O'Leary IRE

Unusual spelling of Preists, not priests, supporters may need to say their prayers for a clear round. Would have been an interesting long shot if the ground had been much softer.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1

 

 

 

20

 

103223 SNOWY MORNING 10-10-13

David Casey Willie Mullins IRE

Ran well to finish third in 2008 race behind Comply Or Die. Trainer won the 2005 race with Hedgehunter, although the jockey on those occasions - Ruby Walsh - has picked Big Fella Thanks for Paul Nicholls this time.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 16-1

 

 

 

21

 

14F-016 CAN'T BUY TIME 8-10-13

Richie McLernon Jonjo O'Neill

Has some decent form in the book. Having said that, a major concern that champion jockey Tony McCoy has opted to ride stablemate Don't Push It. He rarely makes wrong decisions.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 25-1

 

 

 

22

 

136-2U1 BIG FELLA THANKS 8-10-12

Ruby Walsh Paul Nicholls

The pick of Irish champion jockey Ruby Walsh, who prefers him to Arbor Supreme and Tricky Trickster. Sixth in the National when aged only seven. A year older, a year wiser and seemingly on the upgrade. A worthy favourite.

Rating: 8/10 Odds: 7-1

 

 

 

23

 

60/144-P STATE OF PLAY 10-10-11

Paul Moloney Evan Williams

Won the Hennessy Gold Cup in 2006 and has always been held in high regard by trainer. Finished fourth in 2009 National despite some jumping errors, and is 5lb lower this time. Can disregard November's run at Newbury. Has been aimed at this for a long time.

Rating: 9/10 Odds: 16-1

 

 

 

24

 

3301-00 CHARACTER BUILDING 10-10-11

Nina Carberry John Quinn

Possibly the best chance so far for a woman to ride a Grand National winner for the first time. Respected Irish amateur jockey booked on Thursday for ride by new owners, who also had the 1992 winner Party Politics in General Election year.

Rating: 8/10 Odds: 16-1

 

 

 

25

 

0-12100 ELLERSLIE GEORGE 10-10-10

Christian Williams Nick Mitchell

Much improved this year with wins at Wincanton and Stratford for the second-season trainer. Has disappointed in his two previous runs over the National fences.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 100-1

 

 

 

26

 

2P5-011 ERIC'S CHARM 12-10-09

Wayne Hutchinson Oliver Sherwood

In fine fettle after two wins on the bounce but suspect he may be better with softer ground conditions on a different track. Fell in only previous run over the National fences.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 50-1

 

 

 

27

 

2/0-0000 KING JOHNS CASTLE 11-10-09

Paul Carberry Arthur Moore IRE

Has 2lb less weight than when a fine second to Comply Or Die in 2008. Off the boil a little since but has excellent trainer and jockey won the 1999 National on Bobbyjo. I met the rider in a lift on Thursday and he said the horse was "very well". His sister rides Character Building.

Rating: 8/10 Odds: 40-1

 

 

 

28

 

43545U CONNA CASTLE 11-10-09

Sean Flanagan Jimmy Mangan IRE

Trainer won race in 2003 with Monty's Pass. The second castle in the race and I'm drawing the bridge up on this one. You can take me to the castle and say 'off with his head' if he becomes the second 100-1 shot to win in two years.

Rating: 8/10 Odds: 40-1

 

 

 

29

 

4P1540 BALLYFITZ 10-10-09

David England Nigel Twiston-Davies

Essex roofer Fred Mills got involved in owning horses after his son Wayne slipped and damaged his spine and former champion jockey Peter Scudamore visited him. They are big West Ham fans and the horse runs in their claret and blue colours. Bubble could burst for the happy Hammers.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1

 

 

 

30

 

305467 OLLIE MAGERN 12-10-09

Tom Molloy Nigel Twiston-Davies

One of the more intriguing and unpredictable runners in the race, who boasts some good form but earlier in his career. Respected Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer has better options.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 100-1

 

 

 

31

 

30-30U2 ARBOR SUPREME 8-10-08

Paul Townend Willie Mullins IRE

Top Irish trainer won the race with Hedgehunter in 2005 and jockey is a rising star. The choice of some canny judges. However, am put off by the fact that Ruby Walsh could have chosen to ride him but has sided with Big Fella Thanks instead.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 14-1

 

 

 

32

 

02P-253 MALJIMAR 10-10-08

Daryl Jacob Nick Williams

Has been given the each-way nod by some pundits. Has good winning form around Cheltenham and is far from a forlorn hope, yet others tickle my fancy more.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 28-1

 

 

 

33

 

3-02312THE PACKAGE 7-10-07

Graham Lee David Pipe

Jockey won the race on Amberleigh House in 2004 and trainer did the business with Comply Or Die two years later. Nominated as a dark horse by owner David Johnson when weights were published in February. May be a year too young at seven.

Rating: 7/10Odds: 14-1

 

 

 

34

 

0-33010 PIRAYA 7-10-07

Johnny Farrelly David Pipe

Another contender for the Pipe yard. Trainer's father won the 1994 National with Minnehoma, owned by comic Freddie Starr. I'll eat my hamster if he wins. (Animal lovers...I don't have a hamster, it's a joke).

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 100-1

 

 

 

35

 

U01-4U5 IRISH RAPTOR 11-10-07

Paddy Brennan Nigel Twiston-Davies

Despite none making my top five, I have this nagging feeling that at least one of the trainer's five contenders will run a big race. Irish Raptor won last season's Topham Trophy over the National fences and appears to relish the course. This is the stable jockey's choice.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 33-1

 

 

 

36

 

50PP/05-0 CERIUM 9-10-05

Davy Russell Paul Murphy

A late replacement for stablemate Mr Pointment, and Cerium nearly missed his appointment with this year's race until Friday's withdrawal. Dismissed by many but finished fifth in 2009 despite having a fractured skull. In fine health.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1

 

 

 

37

 

P6-1420 PALYPSO DE CREEK 7-10-06

Tom Siddall Charlie Longsdon

French-bred who stayed on to be fourth behind Vic Venturi in the Becher Chase over the National fences. Jockey and trainer's first run in the Aintree marathon.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1

 

 

 

38

 

035U00 HELLO BUD 12-10-06

Sam Twiston-Davies Nigel Twiston-Davies

Won the 2009 Scottish National. Amateur jockey, aged 17, swaps his A-levels for the biggest ride of his life in front of millions of viewers for his trainer father. Close to making the shortlist.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 40-1

 

 

 

39

 

P63/52-P FLINTOFF 9-10-05

Andrew Tinkler Venetia Williams

Co-owned by England cricketer Andrew Flintoff who is set to fly in from Dubai for the big race. Withdrawn from Irish Grand National on Monday when guaranteed a run here. Third in a Scottish National and second in the Midlands version. Usually relishes softer going.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1

 

 

 

40

 

6/-33P5 ROYAL ROSA 11-10-05

Wilson Renwick Howard Johnson

Trainer withdrew his other contender Abbeybraney on Friday morning after he said he had not eaten his food, indicating all was not well. Previously indicated he wanted his better-fancied stablemate, formerly a smart hurdler but plagued by injuries, to get a run.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 100-1

[Eastside Urchin]

Speaking of racing,don't forget its race night tonight at the club also come along to wet my little angels head lol