The Grand National Guide Part 3 - some of the favourites

Each day this week, I'll take a look at some of the leading horses in the Grand National field. Already, we've whittled down the field and have come up with some horses that have Aintree pedigree. However, there are several horses that fell outside of our 'rules' that deserve consideration...

Black Apalachi

A handicap rating of 153 is a big ask of Black Apalachi, and with 11st2 on his back, he will have to break the 11st1 carried by Hedgehunter, which was the biggest weight carried around the course in the last 18 years. So why are we still talking about Black Apalachi? Many are talking up his chances because of a superb win in November over the National fences - November's Becher chase was a great effort, and was preceded by some solid graded races in Ireland. So Black Apalachi has the profile of a potential National winner - i.e. has run the course before, fell the year previously, is almost within the weights. Currently 16/1, I see Black Apalachi being there or thereabouts on the day. A little bit of rain before the race might help, so keep an eye on it.

Southern Vic

Southern Vic falls within quite a few of the categories we look for in a National winner, but his jumping leaves a lot to be desired. A mistake in the Bechers Chase in November exposed him, and the ground may not be as soft as he likes at Aintree this coming weekend. However, this is the stable that brought us Papillon, and not many people saw that one coming. Remember, much of the preparation for the National is about hiding form from the handicapper. If the stable is serious about winning the race, they'll send their horses out over hurdles to protect the horse's chances in the big race. Currently 17/1 but not one on our shortlist.

Rambling Minster

There's a lot of money going on this one, but I'm less keen due to the fact that he has never been tested over the National fences. At the age of 11, it's perhaps the last chance for Rambling Minster to win, and the reason people are talking him up is thanks largely to some excellent form, especially at Cheltenham and Haydock. For a horse who tends to prefer better ground, good wins in the soft show him to be something of a quality contender. Stamina's not an issue, with Rambling Minster having won over four miles, so perhaps the lack of Aintree preparation is nullified by that performance? 12/1 is short for the National, but I'd be expecting the winner to have at least seen the fences before.

Butler's Cabin

The fact that Butler's Cabin is a French horse ruled him out of our initial list. Add to that the fact that he is ridden by Tony McCoy, who is fated never to win a national (surely), and Butler's Cabin looks a shoo-in not to win the National this year. Or...... this former Irish national winner might just upset those odds. An improvement to finish behind Character Building at Cheltenham showed good form - perhaps it's a case of springtime for Butler's Cabin? He fell at Becher's last year, but at 9 years old and well within the weights, it's worth a peep at Butler's Cabin, despite the obvious reservations.

published: 29th March 2009 by Free Bet Bookmaker

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