Grand National Approaching Fast…
Despite the fact that we still feel like it’s the depths of winter, with storms raging, cold weather and even snow in the North, we’re nearly into April already, which means that the Grand National will soon be upon us - perhaps the runners will need snow shoes this year!
Update from Ladbrokes ahead of the 2010 Grand National:
“In recent years, both British and Irish horses have triumphed in the John Smith’s Grand National and the 2010 renewal appears to have prime contenders evenly balanced between both camps.
Using the Grand National ante-post betting market as the most reliable guide, the top six in the betting are evenly divided, with the Brits and Irish both represented by three well-supported candidates. For the home team, Paul Nicholls’ pair of current ante-post favourite Tricky Trickster and the well-touted Big Fella Thanks are joined by Bob Buckler’s progressive Niche Market, whilst the Irish have strong contenders in the shape of the Dessie Hughes pair Vic Venturi and Black Apalachi, together with Gordon Elliott’s highly-regarded Backstage.
Outside the leading half dozen Grand National runners on the betting, both nations have other strong contenders for the four-and-a-half mile marathon, with Irish hopes Snowy Morning, mudlark Whinstone Boy, and Ballyholland all having come in for early support. Last year’s hero, the Venetia Williams-trained Mon Mome will be a strong and popular fancy with once-a-year punters, whilst many shrewd tipsters have pointed to State Of Play, fourth in 2009, as a potential winner for Welsh trainer Evan Williams.
David Pipe will saddle a hatful of 2010 Grand National runners headed by the 2008 winner Comply Or Die, who ran such a great race to be runner-up last year. Pipe also has chances with The Package and top weight Madison Du Berlais, amongst others.
The 2007 winner, Ireland’s Silver Birch, is another old favourite hoping to make the starting line, along with the 2008 runner-up King John’s Castle, one of a number of horses that could carry the colours of JP McManus, who could also be represented by lively outsider Don’t Push It.
Local owner Trevor Hemmings won the 2005 renewal with Hedgehunter and he has a number of candidates in 2010 including Albertas Run, Cloudy Lane and Trabolgan. All in all 2010 John Smith’s Grand National promises to be a cracker with the standard looking as high as it has ever been.
Get ready for the Big Race with great odds and promotions, as well as regular tips and betting information at Ladbrokes.
