Grand National 2016 - Ante Post Racing Tips

It's getting to that time of year when we take a view on a few big meetings. The Grand National has 126 declarations at this time but it's a race we always take an interest and Karl ''The National Man'' Wales is a tipster who knows this race better than most. He has been looking for a few ante-post positions so I would advise readers to take note. (Pictured, Many Clouds, Grand National 2015 Winner)



9th April 2016 - Ante-post tips


The Druid's Nephew (Neil Mulholland) 25/1 
Goonyella          (J T R Dreaper)   33/1 Skybet
Soll               (David Pipe)      40/1 
Night In Milan     (Keith Reveley)   66/1 Paddy Power
Ballycassey        (W P Mullins)     100/1 Paddy Power 
Mon Parrain        (Paul Nicholls)   100/1 Paddy Power

Good luck to all 

Grand National 2015: The Making of a Grand National Winner

4:15 Aintree (Saturday, 11th April). Horse racing fans across the world anticipate the greatest National Hunt Steeplechase: The Crabbie's Grand National 2015. 

Run over 4 miles 3 1/2 furlongs, 30 jumps, two circuits, the ultimate test of equine and jockey. Last year Pineau De Re won for trainer Dr Richard Newland at odds of 25/1, ridden by Leighton Aspell. 

Gallant. Bold. Magnificent.The National is a story to be told...   

Karl ''The National Man'' Wales is our expert who annually plunders the bookmakers' satchels. He says: 

''Although I fully expect Balthazar King & Rocky Creek to run huge races this year, in my opinion, they don't feature value at odds of 10/1. However, I'm confident four horses will give you a run for your money.

Across The Bay will give a bold show for the first circuit. At odds of 50/1 he looks a good back to lay bet. Donald McCain's eleven year old ran a cracking race last year before being carried wide by a loose horse which ruined his chance. He will travel with zeal.

One horse stands out:

Night In Milan. This gelding has the making of a Grand National winner! Now a nine year old, this son of Milan out of an Irish mare [Chione] is trained by Keith Reveley, ridden by his son, James.

''At odds of 33/1 this horse is my NAP. Definitely worth an each-way bet.''

David Pipe's Soll has experience over course and distance - an improving horse. This ten year old gelding has won both starts this year and holds each-way claims at 20/1.

Third and fourth selections - both worthy of small each-way wagers - include Alvardo at 20/1 & Mon Parrain at 50/1.''

The Grand National is steeped in racing history but did you know...

William Lynn founded this race after setting out a course, building a grandstand, and Lord Sefton laid the foundation stone on 7th February 1829. The Grand National may have been raced for the first time in 1836 although this is a point of contention. Three races had been ignored in the belief they were held at Maghall and not Aintree. However, leading historians, including John Pinfold, have unearthed evidence that these races were actually held at Aintree. If true, the first winner of the Grand National was a horse called The Duke, who won the following year.

Previously the record books detailed that this race was inaugurated in 1839. It was promoted as unique race with much larger fences than conventional courses. This race was won by a horse aptly named Lottery, ridden by Jem Mason.

Biggest odds & fewest finishers:

Five horses have won at odds of 100/1 including Tipping Tim 1928 when 41 of the 42 field fell. Only two riders completed the course. This remains the record for the fewest number of finishers.

Most bizarre loser:

In 1955 Devon Loch, owned by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, jumped in the air and belly-flopped on the turf when looking certain to win.

Luckiest winner:

Foinavon has to be the luckiest winner. In 1967, Popham Down hampered the majority of the field at the 23rd fence [later named Foinavon]. This Irish horse was so far behind that was able to see the trouble ahead and jump the fence to win at odds of 100/1. His owner had so little faith he went to Worcester instead!

Most emotional winner:

In 1981 Bob Champion and Aldaniti touched the heart of a nation. Two years earlier Champion had been diagnosed with cancer and given months to live. His horse had suffered with chronic leg problems and doubtful to make the race. However, after a slow start the pair went on to win by four-and-a-half lengths from Spartan Missile. Their story was made into the film - Champions, starring John Hurt.

Fastest winner:

In 1990 Mr Frisk won in the fastest time - under nine minutes.


Oldest winner:

A horse was called Peter Simple. He was 15 when victorious in 1853. Five horse have won aged five - the last of those in 1909 named Lutteur III. For safety, horses must now be seven years or older to compete.


The greatest:

Red Rum – the only horse to win the Grand National three times, and runner-up on two other races.

Be safe.

Grand National 2015 Ante-post preview

The Grand National at Aintree in April remains the highlight of the steeplechasing year and one of the most anticipated events of the whole sporting calendar. Currently, bookmakers are offering 20-1 the field in their ante-post betting lists.

Shutthefrontdoor

The early favourite is last year’s Irish Grand National winner Shutthefrontdoor, owned by JP McManus and trained by Jonjo O’Neill. They enjoyed Aintree triumph with Don’t Push It in 2010 but suffered heartache in 2012 when the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner lost his life in a freak accident whilst attempting the big-race double.

Shutthefrontdoor had always promised to be a useful stayer and finished a close sixth in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham over four miles. He confirmed the promise of that run when winning at Fairyhouse and began his 2014-15 campaign with a comfortable victory at Carlisle.

O’Neill also has Merry King prominent in the ante-post lists after a fine run in the Hennessy Gold Cup in November. He is another dour stayer but proved disappointing last season after a similarly encouraging effort at Newbury.

Unioniste

Trainer Paul Nicholls ended his Grand National hoodoo with Neptune Collonges in 2012 and he looks to have an ideal candidate with Unioniste.

Like Neptune Collonges, he is a grey gelding racing in the colours of John Hales. He was trained with the Gold Cup in mind last year and although he fell short of that standard he remains a top quality handicapper, especially when the mud is flying.

Nicholls firmly believes that Rocky Creek has the class to win a Grand National and he will have benefitted from his run round in fifth place last season. Stable companion Sam Winner is also prominent in the early lists but may be handicapped out of it after some fine efforts at Grade 1 level.

Monbeg Dude

Last year’s race may be a useful guide in helping to find the 2015 Grand National winner. Pineau De Re is on course to attempt back-to-back victories in the race, a feat last achieved by Red Rum in 1973 and 1974. Runner-up Balthazar King is also being trained specifically for this race along with Alvarado and Monbeg Dude who both ran with credit in 2014.

Monbeg Dude won the Welsh National in 2013 and advertised his claims last year with a fine victory in a Grade 2 chase at Cheltenham. He survived a couple of mistakes to finish seventh in last year’s Grand National and connections will be hoping for softer ground this time.

He caught the eye when running on into fourth place in the Hennessy behind Many Clouds. He again ran well at Chepstow in December when finishing fourth behind Emperors Choice and is sure to be among the leading contenders in April.

Alvarado maintained an incredible sequence for owners Angela and William Rucker when finishing fourth last year. The Rucker family have now had a horse placed in each of the last six Grand Nationals dating back to State Of Play in 2009.

Spring Heeled

Cheltenham festival winner Spring Heeled could also be aimed at Aintree this year. Jim Culloty’s eight-year-old held off the challenge of Cause Of Causes to win the Kim Muir in March. He has since finished fifth in the Gold Cup at Sandown and fourth in the Galway Plate. Culloty may run Spring Heeled over hurdles until the weights are published for Aintree in an effort to protect his handicap mark. Good ground is the preferred surface for the son of Old Vic.

Mendip Express may just have booked his Aintree ticket when running on late to finish second to Oscar Time in the Becher Handicap Chase in December. Harry Fry’s nine-year-old has won four of his eight races under rules with his only disappointment coming when pulled up in the Scottish National last year.

The Grand National takes place at Aintree on Saturday 11th April 2015 with a TV audience expected to be in advance of 600 million people.

By Harvey Mayson

Early Indicators for the 2015 Grand National

Ok, yes, it is very early days. The National Hunt season has not even got into full swing yet, but this is the time of year to find the best value on the most valuable steeplechase in the world. Here we will look at some of the main contenders for the big race at Aintree next April to try and point readers in the right direction for an ante-post wager.

Early favourite

According to Betfair, the early favourite for the 4 miles 3 ½ furlongs contest, run over 30 fences is Shutthefrontdoor, trained by Jonjo O’Neill. The seven-year old (who will be eight on the day of the race) shot to the head of the ante-post market with a decisive win in the Irish Grand National back in April. Owned by JP McManus – who has already tasted victory in the race with Don’t Push It back in 2010, the son of Accordion could be a lively contender.

An indication to the merits of Shutthefrontdoor may well lie with Holywell – who beat its stable mate by 3 ¼ lengths at the Cheltenham festival last March, in receipt of 4lbs. Holywell has since climbed to the head of the Cheltenham Gold Cup betting after winning at the Aintree meeting, and the horse’s further improvement this season would only boost the form and hopes of Shutthefrontdoor.

Major concerns

Last years’ winner, Pineau De Re will look to buck the trend that goes back to the legendary Red Rum who was the last to record back-to-back Grand National wins in 1973-74. A five-length success over Balthazar King, the Dr Richard Newland trained 11-year old proved too good for the rest of the field and returned a 25/1 winner. The major concerns for Pineau De Re are the facts that no horse has retained the National for 31 years, and he will be 12 years old come April – Amberleigh House is the only 12 year-old to win since 1996 – which must be another negative.

He will also be in the firm grip of the handicapper also after such a convincing performance that is likely to make it a much tougher task. Records are there to be broken however, but the statistics are surely against Pineau De Re this time around.

Potential improvers

A couple of horses who ran with promise in the 2014 race that will hope for improvement are Double Seven, trained in Ireland by Martin Brassil and Paul Nicholls’ Rocky Creek. Double Seven ran a very creditable third place finish back in April under the champion jockey AP McCoy, finishing 6 ¼ lengths behind the winner. Providing that Shutthefrontdoor turns up at Aintree, McCoy will have a serious headache in deciding of which JP McManus horse to choose from, but Double Seven has the course form in the book, which is an obvious plus.

Rocky Creek was touted as a potential Gold Cup horse in the not too distant past, but those lofty aspirations have since faded with some mediocre performances at that level. A fifth-place finish back in April was a very decent effort on the 8-year olds’ first time over the National fences and a crack at the 2015 renewal could well be the gelding’s main target this term.

Lively outsider

One to keep an eye on at a fancy price is the Jim Dreaper trained Goonyella. The seven year-old son of Presenting narrowly missed the cut for the 2014 race, but will surely be aimed again in 2015. Some reasonable performances in last years’ Welsh National and the 2014 Irish National without causing too much noise could well be a benefit this time around especially if the ground turns out softer than good.

Summary

It is obviously a very difficult task to pick the winner of the 2015 Grand National with over seven months to the race, but hopefully some of these horses could well be picking up a piece of the prize money come April. There is value to be had at this time of the year in placing a small stakes wager on the event, good luck in finding it!

National winners setting sights on Aintree 2015

A glance at the ante-post market for the 2015 Crabbies Grand National at Aintree, a race worth total prize money of £1 million, shows that last year’s hero Pineau de Re and Shutthefrontdoor, impressive winner of the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse, are amongst a number of horses vying for favouritism at around 26.0 with most firms in the Grand National betting, writes Elliot Slater.

There’s a long way to go before the 40 runners will face the starter for “the world’s greatest steeplechase” at Aintree racecourse in the spring, but already connections of the two respective Grand National heroes of last year are laying out their plans for the campaign ahead.

Pineau de Re, trained by Dr Richard Newland, proved a revelation last term and far exceeded even the wildest expectations of his new owner, Mr Provan, who purchased the veteran privately from his previous patrons who had raced the horse over a number of seasons in Ireland under the guidance of trainer Philip Fenton. The French-bred gelding had placed in graded hurdles in his youth but had seemingly plateaued some time ago over fences, yet the change of scene and the new surroundings of Newland’s Warwickshire stables brought about a remarkable transformation in the 11-year-old.

After winning a veterans handicap chase at Exeter in January he switched to hurdles and very nearly pulled off an amazing win in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle Final at the Cheltenham Festival before taking his chance over the still awesome Aintree fences, being sent off at Grand National betting odds of 25/1. The rest is history, as Leighton Aspell’s mount galloped to a superb five-length victory over Balthazar King, catapulting his handler into the international sporting spotlight.

Dr Newland is hopeful that despite the certainty of having to carry more weight in the big race this year Pineau de Re (26.0) has a sporting chance of getting involved at the business end of the contest and is likely to campaign him over hurdles for most of the season, keeping the old horse fresh for another assault on the £1 million Crabbies-sponsored showcase event

On the other side of the Irish Sea another smart staying handicap chaser made a big name for himself last term and could be one to definitely keep on the right side in the season ahead with his ambitious owner JP McManus, trainer Jonjo O’Neill, and jockey Tony McCoy eyeing a crack at the Aintree marathon on the spring.

Shutthefrontdoor achieved a tremendous amount in his first season over fences having previously shown ability over hurdles. There’s no doubt that the gelded son of Accordion exceeded expectations with the rapid progress he made over fences, culminating in a famous victory in the Irish Grand National when getting the better of a tremendous tussle with Golden Wonder to score by three-quarters-of-a-length under a great ride from Barry Geraghty.

Tony McCoy had ridden Shutthefrontdoor on most of his outings over fences - with the exception of his previous outing at Cheltenham in the Terry Biddlecombe National Hunt Chase (for amateur riders) - but he was unable to travel to Ireland for the big race and Geraghty proved a more than able substitute at Fairyhouse.

At just seven years old the Irish National winner is likely still improving and hopes are understandably high that a horse with his stamina and attitude could well have something to offer at Aintree in the spring when he could well be amongst the market principals, especially if McCoy, very much a housewives favourite these days, is back on board.

4:15 Aintree (5th April) CRABBIE´S GRAND NATIONAL CHASE (Handicap) (Grade 3) (CLASS 1) (7yo+)

It doesn't get any better than this! The Crabbie's Grand National Chase. On the 5th April, Aintree, Liverpool's greatest steeplechase brings this most famous of all National Hunt races. This Class 1 handicap run over 4m 3f 110y is open to horses aged seven years and older with a rating of 120 or more by the British Horseracing Authority, placed in a recognised chase over 3 miles or more. It is the most valuable jumps race in Europe with a win prize fund of £1,000,000. 

Each year we leave our analysis to Karl The National Man (pictured). It's fair to say the last couple of years haven't reaped the rewards we hoped but his record in this race has been second to none. Here is his short list for the big race. Remember to check William Hill bookmakers for the best odds. If betting wait for the final declaration stage to ensure your selection is a runner. Take note of bookmaker free bets and special odds enhancements. Also, if placing a bet ''TAKE THE PRICE'' as bookmakers always shorten the odds before the start of this race.    

Balthazar King - tipped last year but went out far too quickly and early. Philip Hobbs' ten-year-old has been in superb form with four straight wins. Richard Johnson is a familiar pilot and sure to make the most of this opportunity. At odds of (25/1) he looks a decent bet as long as this son of King's Theatre has recovered from his Cross Country win at Cheltenham. 

Across The Bay when off too fast when making the early running last year. He's had a good rest since unseating at Haydock and should be primed for the day. At odds of (50/1) there is plenty of meat on the bone for Donald McCain's charge.   

Rocky Creek (20/1) has each way claims. 

Karl's Top Three:

Top Ranked:

Rocky Creek 20/1 ew 5th
Balthazar King 25/1 ew 2nd
Across The Bay 50/1 ew 14th (badly hampered)

Good luck to all.

Bet On Grand National - Aintree, 5th April, 2014

The National Hunt calendar waved goodbye to the Cheltenham Festival but anticipates the most famous of all horse races -Crabbie's Grand National Chase. On the 5th April, Aintree, Liverpool pays homage to the greatest steeplechase of them all. This Class 1 handicap raced over 4m 3f 110y is open to horses aged seven years and older with a rating of 120 or more by the British Horseracing Authority and placed in a recognised chase over 3 miles or more.  It is the most valuable jumps race in Europe with a win prize fund of almost one million pounds. 

William Lynn founded this race after setting out a course, building a grandstand, and Lord Sefton laid the foundation stone on  7th February 1829.  The Grand National may have been raced for the first time in 1836 although this is a point of contention. Three races had been ignored in the belief they were held at Maghall and not Aintree. However, leading historians, including John Pinfold, have unearthed evidence that these races were actually held at Aintree. If true, the first winner of the Grand National was a horse called The Duke, who won the following year.   

Previously the record books detailed that this race was inaugurated in 1839. It was promoted as unique race with much larger fences than conventional courses. This race was won by a horse aptly named Lottery, ridden by Jem Mason. 

Today the Grand National is a global phenomenon broadcast on terrestrial television to an estimated audience of 600 million viewers over 140 countries. 

The 2013 Grand National was won by Auroras Encore, ridden by Ryan Mania, trained by Sue Smith.

This race has a rich history and fascinating facts. Did you know? 

In the three years during the First World War (1916-1918) the Grand National was run at Gatwick Racecourse, which is now owned by Gatwick airport. The later two races were named the War National Steeplechase.

In 1928 Tipping Tim won at odds of 100/1 when 41 of the 42 field fell. Only two riders completed the course. This remains the record for the fewest number of finishers. 

The most bizarre incident happened in 1955 when Devon Loch, owned by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, jumped in the air and belly-flopped on the turf when going to win.

Foinavon was one of the luckiest winners in 1967 when a loose horse called Popham Down hampered the majority of the field at the 23rd fence. This Irish racehorse was so far behind the field that he was able to jump the fence on the outside and win at 100/1. His owner had so little faith he went to Worcester instead. 

In the 1970s one horse marked himself as a true champion and still recognised as the horse synonymous with the Grand National - Red Rum. Originally bought as a yearling for just 400 guineas he went on to win the race in 1973, 1974 and 1977. He finished second in the intervening years.  Ginger McCain trained Red Rum (which backwards spells Murder) by trotting him on Southport beach as the sea water was considered therapeutic for his lameness. McCain had witnessed this remedy with many carthorses. Red Rum is the only horse to have won the Grand National three times. Amazingly he never fell in 100 races. He died at the age of 30 and is buried at the finishing post of Aintree racecourse. The epitaph reads "Respect this place / this hallowed ground / a legend here / his rest has found / his feet would fly / our spirits soar / he earned our love for evermore"    

One of the most emotional winners came in 1981 - Bob Champion and Aldaniti. Two years earlier Champion had been diagnosed with cancer and given months to live. His horse had suffered with chronic leg problems. After a slow start the pair went on to win by four-and-a-half lengths from Spartan Missile. Within two years their story was made into the film Champions, starring John Hurt. 

Other notable performances include Mr Frisk winning in the fastest time in 1990 in under nine minutes.  The oldest winning horse was called Peter Simple. He was 15 when victorious in 1853. Five horse have won aged five - the last of those in 1909 named Lutteur III. 

Five horses have won at odds of 100/1.     

Your Guide to the Grand National 2013 Meeting

The Grand National three-day meeting at Aintree, from Thursday April 4th - Saturday 6th features the most famous steeplechase in the world: The John Smith's Grand National. What a fantastic meeting we have in store. 

Take a look at the schedule:

Thursday: April 4th -Grand Opening Day - racing highlights include the Bowl Chase, the Aintree Hurdle & the Fox Hunters' Chase, run over the Grand National fences.


Friday: Ladies Day:April 5th - all the girls get dressed to the nines to enjoy highlights such as the Melling Chase, the Sefton Novices hurdle & the Topham Chase which sees horses jumping the National fences. This day is not only about top class racing but a superb social occasion. 

Saturday: April 6th - the big day arrives - the John Smith's Grand National. Are you ready for the most famous steeplechase in the world? Don't forget this is just part of a great day's entertainment with the Liverpool Hurdle, Maghull Novices' Chase and Mersey Novices' Hurdle.

Exceptional race action. 


Love the Grand National?

Grand National Trivia

This historic handicap steeplechase is run over 4 mile 4 furlong at Aintree and sponsored by John Smith's. It was first run in 1839. The Grand National is televised in 140 countries and viewed by an audience of 600 million. Horses jump 30 fences including Bechers' Brook, Foinavon, the Canal Turn & The Chair over two grueling circuits. 

It is considered the ultimate test of horse & jockey. 

Did you know...

The Grand National is the most valuable National Hunt race in Britain. In 2012 the prize fund was £975,000.

Noted races include...

Tipperary Tim who won in 1928. Amazingly 41 of the 42 runners fell. William Dutton landed the odds at 100/1. This race still holds the record as the fewest number of finishers.

Foinavon proved that you sometimes you need a little bit of luck when winning in 1967. This 100/1 was lagging 100 yards behind the pack when a loose horse named Popham Down caused mayhem at the 23rd fence hampering or unseating most of the field. Foinavon had time to steer round the havoc and none of the opposition had time to catch him.

Red Rum is a true legend of this race winning three times in the 1970s. Trained by the late Ginger McCain, he won the Grand National in 1973, 1974 & 1977. He finished second in 1975 & 1976. 

Few people will ever forget Bob Champion's win in 1981 aboard Aldantini. Two years before this race, Champion had been given only months to live after being diagnosed with cancer. Aldaniti had recovered from chronic leg problems but the pair went on to beat SpartanMissile by four and half lengths in an emotional victory. Their story was made into a film, Champions, starring John Hurt.

Grand National Records:

Fastest winning time: Mr Frisk (1990) 8 minute 48 seconds
Oldest winning horse: Peter Simple (1853) 15 years 
Youngest winning jockey: Bruce Hobbs (1938) 17 years old
Longest winning odds: 5 horses have won at 100/1
Largest field: (1929) 66 runners
Smallest field: (1883) 10 runners

Who will win this year?

Leading fancies include On His Own trained by Willie Mullins, Seabass, Cappa Blue, Colbert Station, Sunnyhillboy & Chicago Grey to name just a few.  

The race which keeps a nation of hearts jumping.