Saturday 24 March 2018

Grand National 2018 - Ante-post Review


It's that time again. 

When talk of Red Rum, Mr Frisk and toothless jockeys tell their opinion that this year 'I'm going to win the greatest steeplechase in the world.' 

The Grand National 2018 sends punters into a frenzy with the hope they will pick the winner. Saturday 14th April is the fixture of the Grand National.

It's a race steeped in history. 

But which horses are likely to be a big player on the day? The ante-post market is still rather open but that doesn't stop bookmakers from offering prices or websites from having an opinion. 

So what does the ante-post market tell us? 

At the time of writing, if you have a horse you fancy to go well or even win, then I'd suggest you take the price because bookmakers are giving 25/1 if not much bigger odds on every horse. 

Major hopes:

Nigel Twiston-Davies hasn't won the National since Bindaree prevailed in 2002 at odds of 20-1. 

Blaklion, a son of Kayf Tara, has proven he likes the course when finishing fourth last year behind One For Arthur. He was favourite that day when beaten less than nine lengths. Connections are limbering up for this April and this bay gelding returned in December to Aintree winning well over a distance of 3 mile 2 furlongs on heavy going. Just 7-4 favourite that day, but a remarkably consistent nine-year-old who could well be peaking at the right time. He has the experience and talent to make his mark at the highest level with a highest official rating of 161.   

With career earnings of almost £400,000, a Grand National win will propel him to almost a millionaire. 

Other horses who feature high in the pecking order of the National betting include:

Colin Tizzard's Native River. This eight-year-old chestnut gelding is a class horse. A winner of 9 races in his National Hunt career and achieving prize money over £400,000. In 2016, he won at Aintree and regular at Cheltenham. At present, this horse is priced 25-1 with bookmakers. 

Other notable prospects worthy of an interest include Paul Nicholls' Vincente. Plenty of layers giving 33-1 on this noble charge. 

Jonjo O'Neil last won the race in 2010 with Don't Push It, ridden by Tony McCoy when 10-1JF. Perhaps Minella Rock is your idea of this year's hero. 

The market is so open at present you may fancy a few selections. 

Cause Of Causes - Gordon Elliot 33-1. 

Definitely Red - Brian Ellison - 33-1.

The Last Samuri - Kim Bailey 40-1.

Come the big day, will you be betting on the Grand National 2018 winner?