Of the horses at the head of the betting I like The Last Samurai, Cause of Causes, One for Arthur and Vieux Lion Rouge as they have all shown that they can jump the National fences and have generally decent form anyway! I am tempted to include Definitly Red in the fancied horses category but I am just not sure of his jumping. I will include Pleasant Company as he has Ruby Walsh on board and the Bobby Joe chase has been a good guide in the past.
Next we look at horses between 20/1 and 49/1 in the betting. Perfect Candidate has never fallen and could well get round. Ucello Conti jumped round last time and his Irish form is very solid. Highland Lodge likes the fences which is a plus. I am just not quite sure about Vicente’s jumping. Raz de Maree stays well and I like the way he has been prepared for this. Rogue Angel is a serious contender as is Thunder and Roses.
Of the real outsiders Houblon Des Obeaux and Just a Par look the pick.
So taking 2 from each category I am going for; The Last Samurai and Pleasant Company; Highland Lodge and Raz de Maree; Houblon Des Obeaux and Just a Par.
Good luck!
