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Yahoo Sport UK’s Grand National 2016 Pinstickers Guide
Yahoo Sport UK has teamed up with Bet4Causes to bring you a bite-size preview of every horse in Saturday’s 2016 Crabbie’s Grand National at Aintree.
A maximum of 40 horses can line up and the final field will be declared on Thursday morning. The race, run over 30 fences and four miles, two furlongs & 74 yards, starts at 5.15pm on Saturday, April 9.
1. MANY CLOUDS – Oliver Sherwood – Yahoo rating 19 (out of 20)
Form: 1-6221 Age 9 WGT 11-10
Won this 4m2½f marathon last year as a 25/1 shot and was spring-heeled in doing so. Everything has been geared to this race since beating Sainte Are on good to soft ground. He runs off a 5lb higher mark, but only carries just 1lb more in the saddle. He won well at Kelso last time in a re-scheduled race put on at the behest of the trainer. Has a live chance of becoming only the first dual winner of the race since Red Rum 42 years ago. Odds: 8/1
2. SILVINACO CONTI – Paul Nicholls – 16
Form: 1-22P1 Age 10 WGT 11-8
The best horse in the race, having won seven Grade One races – all on flat, galloping tracks like (and including) Aintree. Has never won beyond 3m1f, including twice in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, when stamina gave out, but is used to shouldering big weights. Rarely makes jumping mistakes. Major player. Odds: 10/1
3. FIRST LIEUTENANT – Mouse Morris – 13
Form: 8432P Age 11 WGT 11-4
Won the Grade 1 Lancashire Chase here over 3m1f in 2013 and has not won since. Ran a fine third in the Hennessy in soft ground (3m2f) before narrowly beaten in the Grade One Lexus Chase over Christmas. Pulled up in heavy ground in the Irish Gold Cup in February but very capable on his day and was quite well touted for this race last year before finishing 16th. Odds: 33/1
4. WONDERFUL CHARM – Paul Nicholls – 9
Form: 783P-2 Age 8 WGT 11-3
Third in a listed handicap chase here last April over 3m1f, but has never won beyond 2m5f. A good second at Cheltenham over 3m2f in December off a big weight. Trained with this race in mind all season, but stamina is an issue and this may come a year too soon for him. Would have more chance if the ground firmed up. Odds: 50/1
5. BALLYNAGOUR – David Pipe – 11
Form: 535PP7 Age 10 WGT 11-2
Decent third behind subsequent King George winner Cue Card in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby to start the season, but form has tailed off. Pulled up twice since, but a little more promise at Cheltenham over 2m5f last time. Plenty on his plate at the weights. Odds: 66/1
6. O’FAOLAINS BOY – Rebecca Curtis – 15
Form: P1P87 Age 9 WGT 11-1
Though well beaten behind Don Cossack in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, he has won three of his nine starts over fences and won the Grade One RSA Chase at Cheltenham two seasons ago. Has plenty of ability and has always been considered the perfect type for this race by his astute trainer. Not without a chance if getting the trip. Odds: 33/1
7. GILGAMBOA – Enda Bolger – 13
Form: 1-3455 Age 8 WGT 11-1
Not beaten far when fancied and fourth shouldering 11-5 in a heavy-ground 3m½f handicap at Leopardstown over Christmas. Did not perform in the Irish Gold Cup and while he shapes like a stayer, his stamina is yet to be truly proven. More like it behind Vautour in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham last time, but that was over 2m4f. Not on the shortlist. Odds: 50/1
8. ON HIS OWN – Willie Mullins – 10
Form: 7U4828 Age 12 WGT 11-1
Fell when fancied for this in 2012 and 2013 (at Valentine’s on the second circuit when weakening), he was considered still good enough to run in the Gold Cup. Has not won for over a year but good on his day and went close in the 3m1f Bobyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February. Likes to front-run and while this would see him keep out of potential trouble, his chance has surely passed. Odds: 40/1
9. THE DRUIDS NEPHEW – Neil Mulholland – 16
Form: 1F-662 Age 9 WGT 11-0
This race was an afterthought following a win at Cheltenham last year, but he led six out and was going well until he pitched on landing and slid to the deck four from home. Still looks well handicapped and carries just 5lb more than last year. Has been laid out for this race and plenty to like about his second at Doncaster in soft ground last month. Leading candidate. Odds: 14/1
10. TRIOLO D’ALENE – Nicky Henderson – 14
Form: P3-15 Age 9 WGT 11-0
Has the stamina to win this, having landed a Hennessy Gold Cup as a six-year-old and although was pulled up in this last year when quite well fancied, he’d had an interrupted preparation. Still only nine and has eight wins from 17 chase starts. No back number, especially with a better prep this time round. Odds: 25/1
11. ROCKY CREEK – Paul Nicholls – 9
Form: P-2P40 Age 10 WGT 10-13
Started the season well enough with a good second to Don Cossack in a Grade One at Down Royal but form has tailed off badly. Fancied for the last two years but has failed to see out the trip. Blinkers did not work the oracle last time and they are abandoned. Assured jumper but otherwise little to enthuse about. Odds: 40/1
12. SIR DES CHAMPS – Willie Mullins – 13
Form: F4/157 Age 10 WGT 10-13
Had almost two years out through injury but made a winning return at Thurles in November. Though beaten a fair way in the Irish Gold Cup, he has always improved as the season has gone on. Formerly a high-class chaser, he won at two successive Cheltenham Festivals. May take time to get going, but if he gets into a rhythm, he could be thereabouts. There are worse value bets. Odds: 40/1
13. HOLYWELL – Jonjo O'Neill – 15
Form: F4/157 Age 9 WGT 10-12
Not the biggest (neither was Red Rum), but all heart. Winner of a Grade One chase as a novice, he has scored five times in 16 outings over fences and though off the boil earlier in the season, he invariably comes right each spring and there was a lot to like about his Ultima Chase second at Cheltenham (above). Plenty of class, should stay, and if he takes to these fences, he is a live contender. Odds: 12/1
14. SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR – Jonjo O'Neill – 16
Form: 15-3P Age 9 WGT 10-11
AP McCoy’s last National ride when favourite for this last year after having only six previous chase starts (including an Irish National win) and travelled well throughout, before fading after the last to finish fifth. He was lifeless at Newbury last month when pulled up (subsequently found to have had a foot abscess). Not one to write off, but his trainer still questions his contender’s stamina. Odds: 20/1
15. SOLL – David Pipe – 10
Form: 9-0413 Age 11 WGT 10-11
Won a veterans’ race at Sandown in January and his fourth in the Becher Case here in December showed he retains much of his ability. Seventh in this three years ago and ninth last year, both off lower marks. In good form but the weight may well anchor him. Odds: 40/1
16. BUYWISE – Evan Williams – 11
Form: 5-3243 Age 9 WGT 10-10
Talented, but runs with a metal plate in his hind leg, which leads to the odd jumping error. Has not fallen since making is debut, though. Stayed on to be third in the Great Yorkshire Chase but stamina limitations may put pressure on is jumping. Odds: 50/1
17. BOSTON BOB – Willie Mullins – 14
Form: 0-50P1 Age 11 WGT 10-10
Classy veteran. Won the Grade One Melling Chase here two years ago and the Punchestown Gold Cup. First victory since came last time at Fairyhouse in a Grade Two. Dropping down the handicap and plenty of money about for him. Each-way squeak. Odds: 25/1
18 AACHEN – Venetia Williams – 9
Form: 411209 Age 12 WGT 10-10
Won a couple this term in soft ground, including a Grade 3 at Cheltenham over 3m2f. A relentless galloper and well campaigned, any rain will help is chance. Runs off a career-high mark and may not have the legs to last out. Odds: 100/1
19. MORNING ASSEMBLY – Pat Fahy – 16
Form: 3-224 Age 9 WGT 10-9
Third in the RSA Chase two years ago, he was one of the top staying novice chasers before he missed last season through injury. Twice runner-up before his third in the Ultima at Cheltenham, he still looked as though he would come on for the run. Retains his ability and still only nine. Can make the odd jumping error, but athletic enough to overcome them. Fair chance. Odds: 25/1
20. DOUBLE ROSS – Nigel Twiston-Davies – 7
Form: 24599 Age 10 WGT 10-9
Was favourite for the Topham over these fences two years ago, having been third in the JLT Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham. Looks to be outclassed, especially over this marathon trip. Odds: 66/1
21. GOONYELLA – Jim Dreaper – 13
Form: 2-3942 Age 9 WGT 10-9
Midlands National winner (above) and runner-up in the Scottish National last year. Proven stamina but has not taken to these fences in two tries and unless it comes up heavy, he may lack the pace to live with classier rivals. Odds: 16/1
22. UCELLO CONTI – Gordon Elliott – 14
Form: 1P-623 Age 8 WGT 10-8
Winner of eight of 21 chases in France, he has been impressive in defeat when stepped up beyond 3m on bad ground for his astute trainer. Unexposed and suspicion is he will improve for better ground. Dark horse if taking to the fences. Odds: 33/1
23. UNIONISTE – Paul Nicholls – 11
Form: 80312 Age 8 WGT 10-8
In decent form this year, winning at Kelso and chasing home Many Clouds there subsequently. Lacks the size and scope of some of his rivals and fell at the fifth fence last year, so has to prove himself over these unique obstacles. Odds: 25/1
24. LE REVE – Lucy Wadham – 11
Form: P02615 Age 8 WGT: 10-8
Won three of 19 chases and places on another six occasions. Admirably consistent and a solid fencer, but appears to prefer going right-handed. Should stay the trip and these fences might keep him interested. Odds: 40/1
25. GALLANT OSCAR – Tony Martin – 12
Form: 3-1U75 Age 10 WGT: 10-8
Was third to The Druids Nephew in last season’s Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham and is currently in the grip of the handicapper. He has not performed to that level in three runs this season, but better ground may help his chance. Odds: 25/1
26. ONENIGHTINVIENNA - Philip Hobbs – 11
Form: 1-1225 Age 7 WGT 10-8
Chased home subsequent RSA Chase winner Blaklion at Cheltenham in December but got taken on for the lead and was unable to dominate when upped in class at Ascot last time. He is no more than a solid handicapper and the National may well be the race for him, but not this year as a novice. Odds: 33/1
27. THE LAST SAMURAI – Kim Bailey – 18
Form: 12-311 Age 8 WGT 10-8
Trainer won this with Mr Frisk, who still holds the National course record. Beat The Druids Nephew in the Grimthorpe at Doncaster and looks thrown in on the handicap on that form. Used to be a bit keen but looks more professional now and switched off nicely last time. He jumps boldly and should stay well. A major player if handling the occasion. Odds: 10/1
28. KRUZHLININ – Philip Hobbs – 16
Form: 72-15 Age 9 WGT 10-7
Plenty to like about his Kempton win in January after 11 months off. Still a bit to find with Holywell and Morning Assembly on his last run at Cheltenham, for which he went up 10lb, but a handicapper on the upgrade and trained for this race for a long time. Tenth in the national two years ago, he has developed markedly since. Each-way chance. Odds: 25/1
29. RULE THE WORLD – Mouse Morris – 7
Form: S32254 Age 9 WGT 10-7
Never fallen in 13 chase starts but has never won, either. Should stay the trip and could be well handicapped, yet hard to make a convincing case. Odds: 50/1
30. JUST A PAR – Paul Nicholls – 8
Form: 31-092 Age 9 WGT 10-6
Won a 20-runner Grade Three handicap chase at Sandown to end last season, staying on really well on the final circuit of that 3m4½f test, but has had three runs this term, two of which that left a lot to be desired. His last run at Exeter was not a bad one and he may well take to these fences. May lack a touch of class, however. Odds: 40/1
31. KATENKO – Venetia Williams – 6
Form: 0/P-P0 Age 10 WGT 10-6
The form says it all – he has not won since January 2013 and has not been a factor since an injury setback. Others preferred.
32. VICS CANVAS – Dermot McLoughlin – 5
Form: 2-85P6 Age 13 WGT 10-6
While he did stay on to finish fifth in the Becher Chase, age is against him and while he won’t hopefully live up to his name and hit the canvas, this senior statesman is unlikely to take a hand when it matters. Odds: 66/1
33. BLACK THUNDER – Paul Nicholls – 4
Form: 57-0U6 Age 9 WGT 10-6
Won a Grade Two novices’ chase three years ago, but tends to make jumping errors and if you have this one in the office sweep, buy another ticket. Odds: 50/1
34. BALLYCASEY – Willie Mullins – 12
Form: B-4935 Age 9 WGT 10-6
Brought down at the Canal Turn on the first circuit last year when a 25/1 shot and won a Grade One as a novice two years ago over 3m1f. Stamina still unproven but he made steady headway in a Cheltenham handicap when fifth to Empire Of Dirt last time when badly hampered. A sound surface may bring forth improvement and he is not badly handicapped. Odds: 66/1
35. HADRIAN’S APPROACH – Nicky Henderson – 11
Form: 1/6P-7 Age 9 WGT 10-6
Won a big-field Grade Three chase at Sandown to end the 2014 season but has had just three runs in two years since and while did not run badly behind Theatre Guide at Kempton in February, he would appreciate drier ground. A fair price if replicating his old form, but a leap of faith is required. Odds: 50/1
36. VIEUX LION ROUGE – David Pipe – 6
Form: 111U26 Age 7 WGT 10-5
Won a couple of novice chase before completing a hat-trick in a 3m Haydock handicap in November. Upped in class since, he has struggled. This may come a year too soon, but he jumps and travels well. Stamina is a question-mark, however. Odds: 50/1
37. PENDRA – Charlie Longsdon – 10
Form: 45-15 Age 8 WGT 10-5
Winner of three of nice starts over fences and goes well fresh, as when landing the Sodexo Gold Cup at Ascot in October after a seven-month break. Most of his best form is on soft ground and he has had a four-month break, so if taking to the unique fences, he is a silly price at current odds. Odds: 66/1
38. SAINT ARE – Tom George – 16
Form: 12-671 Age 10 WGT 10-5
Finished runner-up last year as an unconsidered 25/1 shot off a mark 1lb higher than he carries this year, making him 2lb better off with Many Clouds, who beat him 1¼l. Had a nice tune-up in a veterans chase at Doncaster and always comes into his coat at this time of year. His form at Aintree in April reads 11F2. Horses for courses, he is must for the shortlist. Odds: 16/1
39. HOME FARM – Henry de Bromhead – 7
Form: 7P8-46 Age 9 WGT 10-4
Has been talked up throughout his career but is still more goose than swan. His third in the Irish National three years ago is a fading memory and he has shown little on his two runs this term. He stays all day, but look elsewhere for the winner. Odds: 100/1
40. THE ROMFORD PELE – Rebecca Curtis – 11
Form: 77F38 Age 9 WGT 10-4
Has won three from 12 over fences and placed another five times, but has never looked a natural chaser. Stayed on well in the Coral Cup, which is hardly a blueprint prep race for the National, and has stamina limitations. Drying ground may help, rain would not. Odds: 50/1
41. BISHOPS ROAD – Kerry Lee – 13
Form: F30311 Age 8 WGT 10-3
Kerry Lee is having a wonderful first season as a trainer and Bishops Road landed the Haydock National trial by nine lengths in February, despite getting put up a stone for his Sandown success. He looks well handicapped and may be even better with drying ground. Trip is not an issue and if he makes the cut, could be a player. Odds: 25/1
42. KNOCK HOUSE – MICK CHANNON – 12
Form: 214F4 Age 7 WGT 10-3
Won a decent amateurs’ race at Cheltenham in November and bounced back from a rare fall at Sandown to run a big race in the four-miler at the Festival meeting, despite being badly hampered early on. Could be staying on at the death and off his low weight, is no afterthought. Odds: 100/1
VERDICT: MANY CLOUDS (above) has one of the best chances of landing back-to-back Nationals for many years. Oliver Sherwood’s horse has had a relatively uninterrupted preparation and he is still improving at the age of nine. The Last Samurai looks nicely handicapped and is a viable alternative. Shutthefrontdoor is proven over these fences, should go well again and is preferred to Saint Are. Kruzhlinin and Morning Assembly are relatively unexposed and each hold an each-way chance.
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