The Grand National always looked a bit lop sided to me this year. I found it very hard to get away from the obvious two, Hedgehunter and Clan Royal and found myself scratching around for alternatives. I did fancy Nil Desperandum as an each way chance but allowed myself to be put off by lack of support for Frances Crowley’s runner from the “experts.” In fairness though I would never have picked the winner.
There were some interesting stats to come out of the race. Only one of the finishers carried more than 11 stone and that was Hedgehunter who was actually very well handicapped. None of the 7 year olds finished and neither did any horse aged older than 12.
Stamina played a crucial role. 4 of the 9 finishers had previously finished in the first 6 in a Grand National. The winner had won the Irish National and Joe’s Edge the Scottish equivalent. Puntal had won a Whitbread Gold Cup over 3 miles 5.5 furlongs while Inca Trail had plenty of stamina in his pedigree. Between them his brothers have won 3 Cheltenham Gold Cups and finished a close 2nd in a Scottish National. The only finisher not to fit the mould was Risk Accessor who had actually failed to finish in the last two Aintree Nationals. Still, there is always the exception to the rule, and as someone once comments, “horses are only human after all!”
Of the runners from our list to follow Clan Royal and Nil Desperandum ran with enormous credit.
We did have a couple of “list” winners on Saturday. Asian Maze ran her opponents ragged in the Aintree Hurdle. The form looks pretty good as she had Hardy Eustace toiling in her wake. Manners was our other winner.
On Sunday we had 3 wins from 5 runners, River Alder (20/1), Rosie Redman (7/1) and Rebel Rhythym (2/5).
Turning to Monday the action is all on the flat and I will concentrate on Windsor.
The opener is a 2 year old maiden where Rouen and Carlitos Spirit both have the benefit of previous experience. Both were beaten favourites in their respective races and should come on for the experience. Espartano is the most interesting of the newcomers. All 3 of the dam’s previous offspring have won as two year olds, the stable are in cracking form and Jamie Spencer takes the ride. I think that this could be between Carlitos Spirit and Espartano.
In the 4.30 Summers Eve is one to watch out for. This grey is a full sister to the Ascot Gold Cup winner Papineau and a half sister to Silver Patriarch who won the St Leger. This grey should not lack for stamina and it will be interesting to see how she progresses.
Lastly, the only runner from our list to follow is Zidane in the 5.00. This 4 year old is a half brother to Frizzante and Firenze, both of which have featured in these ramblings in the past. This latest member of the family looks fairly handicapped and I expect a win or two from him this season.
That is all for now. I hope you like the new look web site.
ahorse 