Grand National 2001 PreviewMarlborough9-11-6--Non Runner-- Another good horse Marlborough, A 9 yr old Brown Gelding who started out as a decent hurdler and has made the transition to the bigger obstacles but not without problems. He has made bad jumping mistakes in the past and this is always a worry to horses tackling these big obstacles. However Mick Fitzgerald has taken over the rides on this horse and after the first two a PU and a UR he seems to have got something out of the horse and the horse although he still make the odd mistake is jumping better especially when the pace is good, something he is sure to get in this race. He is one who really shows his class when he does get his jumping together however.
Beau8-11-10This 8 yr old Bay gelding was quite a smart hurdler before going chasing last season and then turned out to be a revelation running a good second to Lady Cricket in a good novice chase at Chepstow, and then overturned the winner two races later. He then kept on improving beating Nicki Dee and then God Lord Murphy before coming second to Marlbourgh at the festival But then in his last race of the season beat all rivals out of sight in the Whitbread at Sandown winning by a bigger margin than any other winner of the race beating folly road by a distance.
The Outback Way11-10-11--Non Runner-- This high class bay gelding is perhaps the best travelled of all the runners. He was entered and ran third in Japan last April and therefore looks to find form at this time of year. Along the way to that he started the season winning The Murphy's at Cheltenham. He has speed but may not have the stamina to win this marathon, as his furthest win was 2mile 6f and last year found the 3m 2½ f Hennessey too far. A Brave horse who if he got the trip would have every chance.
Papillon10-11-5This bay gelding should have been a bit of a surprise in his winning last year except all the Irish in Liverpool must has been on the horse as his price like Bobby Jo the previous year fell markedly on the day.
It is fair to say that the horse has got much more on his plate this year as he has to carry much more weight than the 10st he had to carry last year but he now has the fences and course cracked and we know he will stay. A few years ago he was second in the Irish national behind Bobby Jo so we should have taken notice of him then, but he was out of form before lst years race but looks better this year with a first and a second to his name.
The fact that the Irish have had no racing lately would be a worry if not for the fact that lots of the fancied horses here have also not run for a time longer than we would have expected due to the foot and mouth outbreak
It would be no surprise to see this horse do well again this year and the fact that Ted Walsh is bringing the horse over here given that the horse may not be able to return for some time says that he has him right and that he expects big things again from the horse but no winners has repeated a win since red Rum in 1974 but every year there seems to be another new record or coincidence.
Earthmover10-11-2A fine ex point to pointer, this 10 yr old Chestnut gelding has not quite fulfilled his expected potential under rules. He has make mistakes in jumping and did a spell trying hurdles, and actually did well. He is a winner of the Christies foxhunters in 1998 at Cheltenham but he fell in last years National at the fourth fence and this is not one of the tough fences. He was 3rd in the Welsh National in 1998 and although he stayed on he was a bit one paced.
Inn at the Top9-11-2Inn at the Top is a fine 9yr old Bay gelding who rarely seems to run a bad race. He showed good for last season when taking on the top handicappers and winning some nice races including a 10 thousand pound race at Ayr in April. He is a battler and loves a good fight. The going is the main thing with this horse he loves good ground or better having said that he did run a good second to the smart Function Dream back in December on soft ground. He looks like another who is good around 2 ½ miles but ran last time out over 3miles and only finished 1 ½ lths behind the winner. He should get the trip and if the ground id good or firmer this should also help with the latter giving him a good chance.
Tresor De Mai7-11-2This ex-French Chestnut gelding before coming over to this country. He is trained by Martin Pipe and has been running in top class races around 2 miles up to the end of 1998.
At the end of that year he tried 3 miles for the first time and won at the first attempt in a good class B race at Ascot although the he was left in front by the fall of Fard Du Moulin Mas who looked to have the race.
He has not got his head in front since that race however. Hw is probably one of those horses that runs consistently too well and has just been the wrong side of his handicap mark.
Unfortunately he unseated his rider on his last outing.
A horse not without a chance but with the likely rise in the weights may be again just too high in the handicap.
Rathbawn Prince7-10-7--Non Runner-- A very nice chestnut gelding this horse who until recently was a good flat horse as well as a good chser. He seems now to like the chasing game and has made up into a grand performer who now can get a trip on softish ground as apposed to needing it good at least on the flat. He might be the best of the Irish contenders should he run and his you would do well to watch his price on the day and if it starts to fall then that will be a good yardstick.
General Wolfe12-11-0This Chestnut gelding returned to work this year after 625 days of the course because of injury and ran an absolute blinder when coming 2nd behind Strom Damage over 3m+ at Sandown in heavy ground. This shows the guts of this horse. He can sometimes run a bad race but on his day is a good strong horse. He has ran some cracking races at Haydock and has won 4 races there so it was with some disappointment to see him finish 16th in the National in 1997 but when he next tried 1998 he finished 12th tailed off but ran pretty well. However we must note here that all the last 10 winners of The Grand national have been running in the race for the first time. His age is against him at 12 as in the last 20 years only 12 yr olds have won the race. Also He is quite high in the weights but not so high that he can be unfancied.
He looks the type to run well and maybe into a place.
Take Control7-10-4--Non Runner--After good hurdle form this Bay gelding was sent chasing this year and started by winning a nice novice at Exeter where the first two finished a distance ahead of the third horse this was over 2m1f he was then asked to race at 3m1l furlong at Newbury and obliged by another fine win. He is improving with every run this year and although is a bit young for the national with the last 7yr old winning in 1940 hi trainer M.Pipe often can get young horses to run well ahead of their age. A good consistent horse who rarely runs a bad race.
The Last Fling11-10-12Frustrating is the word that comes to mind with this chestnut gelding as his jumping seems to be erratic, he seems to unseat his rider too many times and makes jumping errors however when he gets it right he runs very well and shows the fact that he is a smart performer. He has been jumping better of late and likes to dominate by running up with or front running but frustratingly again unseated at Haydock in December and then looked a bit out of sorts when trying to win the De Vere Gold cup in Feb a race he won last year. If he gets a clear round he would have a good chance and surprisingly ran very well up to the 22nd fence in last years race and then got a little behind. Also has won 5 times at Haydock so he can do it when he's on form.
Addington Boy13-10-11Okay well the stats first it was 1923 when Sergeant Murphy won the Grand National and this was the last time a 13 yr old won so I think his chance of winning this year is slim unless the ground was to be firm, given the amount of poor weather we have seen this is not likely I think. That said this is a first class Brown gelding who in the last two Nationals has run 5th last year and 4th the year before add to that the fact that he has won at Aintree and you may well think that a place is not beyond him indeed if he shows the well being that he has so far this year when 6th to Satchmo in a hot event at Huntington. He must now be on the downgrade now but he may just have just one more good run in him.
He is a horse that owes his connections nothing and has taken part in most of the big races in his time. A good horse with perhaps a good each way chance.
Djeddah10-10-11This Bay Gelding is a true cross continent runner who runs in this country and also in his native France. His trainer F.Douman is a top class well respected trainer all over the world as was shown recently by his flat horse Jim and Tonic winning in Dubai.
He sends horses to this country and wins top races with then but this is one horse who seems to run better in France than here. Despite running 9 times since his 1996 debut he has not won here since 10997 and has lost 8 times on the trot. So it would be fair to say that he now shows his best in France. He is not a prolific winner and can run badly before and after his wins and therefore is a bit unpredictable.
Ran 9th in the National last year but showed very little until the second circuit but also faded at the finish. He could run a blinder but is more likely to run poorly over here again.
Red Marauder11-10-11This 10 Yr old Chestnut gelding is a very good chaser when he gets some cut in the ground, although he won this year with ground against him on g/f ground over 3 miles at Market Rasen.
He as a good strike rate but ran poorly in last years national when he fell at the 6th fence, he then went to Fairyhouse to try the Irish National and came in 10th beating only 1 home. He also worryingly fell at Haydock last time out.
He would not be without a chance but realistically would have to improve again on what he has shown and is looking to be running out of form not into form.
Strong Tel11-10-11A good chaser this Bay gelding, but has some good form in his past. He put up a five timer in 99 with the best performance when winning that fifth win on the bounce in the Old Year Chase at Cheltenham.
Since then he has been a little out of form after falling in Jan 00a and then not been seen out until the Hennessy at Newbury at the start of the season when he was well beaten. His lack of runs recently is also worrying as he has run a lot of times in the past with 6 runs in 98 and 10in 99. He is at the right end of the handicap and could run well.
Unsinkable Boxer12-10-10Good hurdler who after winning his debut was given 12 st to carry on his next run and fell. This bay gelding has only had 4 chase runs and the last of these was in the 1998 gold cup where he was pulled up after breaking a blood vessel. He has not been seen on a racecourse since and has changed trainers since then. He has had an outing in a point-to-point however but he can't be a force in this grade of race now, which is a shame because we will never now see the best of him.
Blowing Wind v8-10-9A very good hurdler who was BD in the Champion Hurdle and who after a poor first novice chase when jumping slowly seems to have taken to the game now. This Brown gelding has made mistakes in his jumping when under pressure, but the main thing is that the horse looks as if he is best around 2 to 2 ½ miles and has not ran well beyond this distance. He has also run at Aintree poorly on his two previous races there.
A good horse who seems misplaced in this race but as he is trained by M.Pipe would not be without any chance.
Browjoshy8-10-00--Non Runner-- This Bay gelding was only an average hurdler but is a good if perhaps a bit inconsistent chaser. He has been pulled up 3 times in his last 5 outings and this is not good for a horse who seems to have talent. He loves long distances and has run well up to distances of 3m8f.
He is young and will almost certainly have more improvement to come in his form.
He certainly looks the type for this race but this maybe a year or two to early. That said it would certainly not be a surprise if he ran very well here. Mark Pitman the son of Jenny Pitman trains him and as she won the National twice and Mark also has come second in the race they have the credentials to know what the race needs. You must not leave this horse out of your shortlist but you must take it on trust that he will be well enough in himself to finish the race and also take to the fences.
Although he has not run at Aintree before I would worry that on his two runs at Haydock he has been pulled up on both occasions.
Moral Support9-10-9This Chestnut gelding was an average hurdler who looked as if he was going to be an average chaser in his first two races when being pulled up and then running6 of 8 in his next race. He then changed trainers and came from Ireland to Charlie Mann's stable and the change was dramatic. He put a four timer together and now looks like a first class long distance chaser. All his good form however come on ground that is g/s or softer and this maybe what the horse needs to run well although he has not faced anything else since being with his new trainer. He was a very good winner of the Rehearsal Chase at Chepstow in December and then went on to finish a good second in the Welsh National. But has subsequently gone a little off this boil if running well. I think his tough early season will have taken it's toll but his lay off since February will have done him good and I think this horse has a very good chance of at least running into a place and could well win this one.
Royal Predica7-10-00--Non Runner-- A first fence faller in last years race, this chestnut gelding has since fallen once more and unseated rider twice but finished 2nd on his only finish and even then he made jumping errors.
He really is an inconsistent jumper who rarely puts in a good clear round this would be such a worry in this race that you could not back him with confidence until you say him put in a clear round once or twice. He also has yet to show he stays beyond 3 miles.
Northern Starlight10-10-7A small horse this bay gelding is a prolific runner and has won many races in the past. His best period was in 97/98 when in 17 runs did not come out of the frame and won 11 times both over hurdles and fences. E then went a little off the boil in 99/00 but at the end of the season seemed to come back to form winning a good event at Ascot and then going to Aintree in the John Hughes over the national fences. He has not been seen out since then however and it would have been nice to see him run at least once and show his well-being. His trainer M.Pipe does get horses fit first time out so perhaps this is not such a worry but the horse has not run beyond 2 ¼ miles yet and he may not get this marathon. If you are prepared to take this on trust then he is one to consider as he does have good solid form lines. If the ground turns up g/f then he will do well as he certainly likes this type of ground.
Amberleigh House9-10-5This looks like the best chance since the famous Red Rum that the Trainer Ginger McCain has of winning the race.
This Brown gelding was quite useful when running in Ireland he ran Florida Pearl to a short head although he was receiving a lot of weight. He also beat the smart Micko's Dream in a valuable 2 ½ mile also ran in Ireland. Since coming to this side of the water he has been tried over longer distances and has been found wanting. Has talent but has yet to show it over here in the UK of to show it at distances greater than 2 and half miles.
Exit Swinger6-10-5This bay gelding is another reasonable chaser who is more at home running between 2 and 2 ½ mile rather that this marathon. He ran some fine races in France before coming to M.Pipe's stable. He started his chasing in April last year with a win at Sandown, but this year he has been disappointing and has not lived up to his expectations.
He is another 2 ½ mile horse that tries the national but I remain unconvinced that this is the best type of horse for this race, also he is still very young for this race at 6 the last horse to win younger that 7 was in 1909 !
Mely moss10-10-3Absolutely fabulous is the only words that describe the performance of this Chestnut gelding in last years race, as it was his only run of the season.
I would not normally recommend no previous runs in the current season as good preparations for this race but this lightly raced horse has training problems and does get injured and you could say is too fragile for this race but last year he did the business to finish 2nd. I would not try in any way to put you off this horse as he will also again have one of the best jockeys in the game in Norman Williamson on board again and could well go one better this year and that would be no surprise at all.
You would have to take a few things on trust through, first the has had a good build up my guess is that he trainer will not allow him to run if he hadn't, will he be fit ? The same again , so if you fancy him and he gets to the national he must go close. Remember that in the last 10 years only horses that are running for the first time go and win the race but a lot of horses get placed more than once. He is a worthy favourite for this race but the value has gone now with his odds in single figures.
A top horse who must have a great chance.
Noble Lord8-9-10A good horse this chestnut gelding who stamped his credentials for this race when running as very good second to Paris Pike in last years Scottish National.
Noble Lord is a workmanlike horse who runs his races well and does not take too much out of himself but on his last run in March ran on soft ground and that did not seem to suit him although he was also carrying 12 st.
Looks like the type of horse for the National as long as the ground is not too soft. He is still only 8 years old and could still be improving, and would not be a surprising winner and is one of the front few in the betting. Given not too soft could easily run up to a place if not better.
Dark Stranger10-10-3This bay gelding was a decent sort over hurdles and seems better over fences. Has a bit of class as was seen at last years Cheltenham festival when he won the Mildmay of Fleet over 2m4f when in blinkers for the first time. He has run in blinkers since but the effect seems to have worn off.
He fell in last years National at the third fence (he was fancied and was quite a low price leading up to the day. That was the only time he had tried a race beyond 3m except when pulled up in 1997 at Ayr. He seems better over 2m4f and again we see the theory of the 2m4f horse getting the National trip.
Trained by M.Pipe he will be turned out in good from and is about the best age for this but has not shown he can handle this trip or course and his recent form is not his best.
Inis Cara9-10-3This bay gelding won a very valuable event in the Paddy Power grade 2 at Leopardstown in December 1998 when trying 3 miles for the first time. He got the trip well and looks as if he will stay further. He has not managed to get his head in front since but he may be one who was paying the price of a good win by being too high in the handicap for some time now., and while he is not running badly he would have to improve on his recent form to win this but at 9 he is ripe for this race and Aintree often proves a good course for this type of horse.
Another to watch in the market.
Listen Timmy12-10-3A good chasing type this bay gelding but seems to have come to the end of his racing now. His best chance at winning this race was probably last year when he was pulled up after a ciruit at the 16th.
Showed his class when notching up a three wins from four at the end of the 98/99 season taking the John Hughes over the Aintree fences and also a good race at Uttoxeter.
But has been very disappointing since with form figures of p/u, 5th of 6 , p/u,p/u,last of 11 and last of 5th on his most recent run.
Clearly in poor form at the moment and looks like one to leave out.
Red Ark8-9-8 --Non Runner--This chestnut gelding could be this year's dark horse available at big odds at the moment. In his last 19 runs he has finished in the frame on 15 occasions but has only run up to 2m7f and the past 10 winners of the National have all won over 3m1f so that is a worry.
The stable has two runners declared this one and Red Marauder and they have said that they would not run this horse if the ground is too soft but this was the one they fancied more of the two.
He is a course winner and won at this meeting last year in the novice chase on the Friday. If he stays the trip and the ground is not too soft then he has place claims.
Edmond9-10-1A very good bay gelding this who must have soft ground to show his best. All his winning form has been on g/s or softer and that was the reason he did not take his chance in last years race. A previous winner of one of my favourite races the Welsh national in 1998 and then followed that win with a cracking second to Young Kenny in the Singer & Friedlander at Uttoxeter later in the season but the ran in the Irish National on ground too firm and was pulled up.. He used to have jumping problems but very much has shaken off that now and looks much better. Started this season very flat but has run better since and ran well enough in the Rehearsal and the Welsh National both at Chepstow finishing 3rd on both occasions. He is one that if the connections think the ground is suitable and he starts I think has a great chance this year of adding this to his belt as he loves long distances and will defiantly stay on when many other have had enough.
No Retreat8-10-1A New Zealand horse this who won 2 races there before coming over here. A smart bay gelding who has beaten some good horses in Ever Blessed and Ashwell boy. But had a training setback after a good season ending in a win in a valuable event at Wincanton . He then got his setback and then was not seen for 15 months until his disappointing return at Ascot in January this year he has since twice finished P/U. On the top of his form would have a chance but with the setback and recent form it is difficult seeing him being up to this.
You're A Goodun9-10-1You're Agoodun was a quirky character when running over hurdles and this chestnut gelding has kept this trait now he is over fences. He has ability but his jumping lets it down.
He started his novice chasing this year and got off to a good start by winning two small races at Hereford and then ran a middling race when upped in class at Cheltenham next time out but has again unseated twice this year and on his last outing jumped poorly.
Smarty8-10-0Another dark horse this Brown/bay gelding and one from the Pitman camp. Has only run 2 poor races in the last 9 starts when he was pulled up on heavy ground and this was the excuse earlier in his career so unless the ground turns up heavy these can be ignored. Five wins a second and a third is the other form in the last 9 runs, it is obvious that this horse in genuine and has a touch of class. He has fallen once but in general is a very good jumper and takes to his work with vigour and enthusiasm. He has also won over 3 ¼ miles. Since Red Rum in 73 only two 8yr olds has won the race so they don't have a great record but this horse looks a little bit special. He often wears blinkers very effectively.
This horse seems to have the credentials to get in the frame.
Hollybank Buck11-10-0This bay gelding was going very well last year and was with the leaders right up until Bechers on the second circuit where he seems to die away which is surprising as he always looked like he would get the trip having won over 4 miles. He finished 10th in the race and jumped pretty well really. He also was 3rd in the Becher chase at the course in 1998 and looks as if he likes Aintree. He looks as if he is a plodder and could easily run into a place as he is right down the weights and should be at the bottom of the handicap. He looks a sound bet to get around but his form since last years National is poor with his best effort 6th of 14 at Fairyhouse inn February.
Another to watch in the market.
Moondigua9-10-0A nice bay gelding who has run well in lower class races but is often found wanting in higher class races. When he is good he is good but is not on to rely on as he has had 2 falls and has been pulled up 5 times in his career.
Was pulled up in last years Scottish National and was always behind before being pulled up in the Welsh National.
Village King8-10-0This bay gelding fell in last years national which was a big surprise as this horse really does jump so well. That was his only fall and I am willing to forgive him that. A lovely horse who ran up a sequence of wins in 98 and paid the price by rising in the handicap and has since ran so well that he always finds one or two too good for him but then keeps his rating.
After his fall last year he then ran poorly in the Whitbread and this year started the season poorly at Cheltenham but has since got his act together and started running much better. Ran second at Chepstow giving the winner a stone and has run well since. A horse with a reasonable chance of making the frame but even with the weights rising is still way out of the handicap but bobby Jo won from this far out two years ago even if that was unusual.
Bouchason8-9-2--Non Runner-- A nice enough bay gelding this but who has not been able to find a win since April 99.
Ha run a bit in and our but has started running in higher class races. Sure to get back in winning ways soon as he is still only 8year old but I would like to see him win a race or two before tackling this marathon.
Esprit De Cotte9-10-0Another good horse but this bay gelding has not quite lived up to his expectations. In his first 10races never came out of the frame winning 4 times, but has since gone off the ball. He fell in last years race at the 20th fence ( Bechers ) but was going well at the time. Although his form is not great at the moment it would not be a surprise if he made the frame going on last years run.
Kaki Crazy6-10-0Another who has not lived up to expectations, this bay gelding is still a young horse who's form in France was first class winning his first six races but has not managed to win since. Looks out of form and also below this class at the moment but still young enough to improve. No six year old has won since 1915.
Lance Armstrong11-10-0This Chestnut gelding was a good performer over 2m 4f but has tried 3 miles on last two outings and has run quite well, first time winning.
He is another who could be a bit of a dark horse but is running from a ;long way out of the handicap even if the weights go up. A petty consistent performer even if not a prolific winner. Ran in the John Hughes in last year and finished 11th. Would not be a total surprise to get a place.
Spanish Main7-10-0A good hurdler this bay gelding who ended up winning three on the bounce at the end of last season.
Started his chasing this season winning at Exeter after being hampered so the 1 ½ length was better that the form suggests. Then ran well enough when running at Cheltenham at 3miles coming 3rd before going back to the track but although finishing 3rd again did not look so good.. Next time out in the Welsh National he ran very poorly before falling. Better though on his next outing when winning at Uttoxeter over 3m2f in heavy ground.
Another who could run well and young enough to show improvement.
Feels Like Gold13-10-0A nice bay gelding who ran pretty well last year after making a mistake at Bechers he stayed on to finish 14th. At 13 he is now past his best and no horse of this age has won since 1923 so I can't see him breaking that record but he may well get around.
Brave Highlander13-10-0A 13 yrs old bay gelding who ran a cracker last year when coming a very good fourth in the race. Has run twice before that when coming 6th to Bobby Jo in 99 and unseating in 98.A good horse who has had leg problems in the past and therefore a great training feat to get him here so many times. At 13 we have seen his best but he should get around again.
Paddy's Return :9-10-0A well-bred young bay gelding could be on of the best from out of the handicap. Has run well this season if not winning yet.
A horse who runs in good company and has been selected by the stable jockey over one higher in the handicap. Ran a good race to come third in the Whitbread last year even if he was a long way behind Beau, the winner. This horse has very good place claims
Art Prince11 -10-0This bay gelding was a good hurdler. He fell at the first fence last year. His recent for is poor with two p/u in his most recent starts.
Merry People13-10-0This bay gelding u/r in last year's event and finished 16th the year before. Has won this year over 2m 4f. Looks past his best now.
Mister One10-10-0This brown gelding is an ex Pointer who has some acceptable form, He likes long distances and good or firmer ground but has won on soft but is not so effective. He is a half brother to the best chaser in the country, See More Business.
Another who is well out of the handicap but could be one to finish in the frame. I would have given him a better chance had the ground not got so soft. Could be one of the better outsiders.
Supreme Charm9 -10-0This bay gelding is usually a sound jumper so it was a bit disappointing to see him fall in the John Hughes last season. He has some good form winning the cross country event at Cheltenham It would not be a total surprise if he made the frame but although he has won on soft he is better on firmer ground and the likely going will not help him.
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