Grand National Guide - some of the outside bets

Hear The Echo

Mouse Morris believes he has a National horse in Hear The Echo, and he may be right, with an Irish National win under his belt in 2008. However, the handicapper is well ahead of him, and the weights should be too much for a horse that has yet to experience Aintree. Some dodgy jumping mark this one down as a no-no.

Cornish Sett

Our pick when it comes to age, weights and Aintree pedigree. Nick Schofield is the mount for this interesting contender who has recently come back into some decent form after an unconvincing spell. Well handicapped, and seemingly able to stay longer than he has done before, Cornish Sett is a very interesting 40/1 with some bookmakers. I was equally impressed with his performance in the Welsh National, so 40/1 is way too long - get on before the odds fall, this is an excellent each-way shot, if not better.

Parson's Legacy

Withdrawn from last year's race, Parson's Legacy could have been a contender... and still may be. A place in the Scottish Grand National followed by injury was then followed by an excellent win on his return at Cheltenham. He's a stayer, he's consistent, but he's never seen the Aintree fences, which counts against him slightly. However, if he takes to them, it's another each-way possibility alongside Cornish Sett.

State of Play

If you're taking this one, then you'll be worrying about stamina most of all. Having won the Hennessy in 2006, State of Play is clearly a horse with bags of potential on his day, but read that carefully - on-his-day. Very often, it's not his day. That said, he's fresh, he's ready and he's clearly primed for this one. Falls within most of the categories, with Aintree experience behind him, he's got a chance. But not a great one.

published: 31st March 2009 by Free Bet Bookmaker

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