National Roar

Vieux Lion Rouge - Grand National Contender

Today we have five meetings, jumps cards at Aintree, Chepstow and Newcastle plus flat cards at Lingfield and Wolverhampton.  David has four runners in the Grand National, Vieux Lion Rouge, Ballyngaour, La Vaticane and Doctor Harper.  They go 11/1 the field with Vieux Lion Rouge at 12/1 and he has always been amongst the favourites.  He has won over the fences in the Becher Chase and it was a great win in the Grand National Trial at Haydock beating Blaklion last time.  I better not say too much about Blaklion as one of his owners, Gino is looking over my shoulder as I am writing this!  I think that if Doctor Harper is in a good mood and with a bit of luck in running I thought he might have a little chance at a big price of 50/1.  David Noonan rides Ballynagour and this will be his first ride in the National so good luck to him!  He had a nice sighter of the fences getting round in the Topham yesterday aboard Father Edward who ran well.  La Vaticane is 100/1 and Ritchie McLernon rides.  She has jumped round the National course twice before but does have stamina to prove.  Let's just hope that all the jockey's and horses come back safe and well most importantly.

Starchitect is our only other runner of the day in the 3.40 handicap chase.  He is 6/1 favourite in the Racing Post.  It is an ultra competitive handicap and the trip is an unknown but we think he will stay no problem.  He was a staying on fifth at the Cheltenham Festival over 2m5f and has the blinkers back on this afternoon.  He is a former course winner who won't mind the quickening ground and we hope he will run well.

It was a great day for the Tizzard's at Aintree yesterday.  They had three winners at 50/1, 10/1 and 4/1 so it looks like two of them were surprises at least!

I have just been told some of the firms are going to 6 places in the National so if you are having a bet today try to go with one of those firms if you can.  Just think the National will be watched by more people than any other sporting event Worldwide.  I just wish it wasn't so late at 5.15pm, TV always has the last say.

Liverpool are 21-20 to win at Stoke and West Ham are 6/5 to beat Swansea.  my team need to win to try and get away from the bottom!

Why don't they play poker in the jungle?  Too many cheetahs!!

Good luck, enjoy the National and have a good day everyone.