Randox Health Grand
National Preview
Currently heading the betting for this prestigious race is Vieux Lion Rouge who is 2 from 2 this
season with the first of those wins coming over these fences in the Becher
Chase. He faded into 7th in this race last year but his trainer David
Pipe has reported that he’s grown up a lot this season and has had the perfect preparation
for this race.
Barry Geraghty has chosen to ride More Of That who has plenty of class having won the World Hurdle
back in 2014. He’s had plenty of problems during his career but ran respectably
in the Gold Cup last time out. A sound jumper, this sort of test may well suit
him these days.
Geraghty could have ridden three-time festival winner Cause Of Causes, the latest of those
victories being the Cross Country Chase. He disappointed in this race a couple
of years ago but was only 7 at the time. My worry with him is that he will get
too far back like he did on his first attempt and has never run well after
winning at the Festival.
Arguably the best handicapped horse in this race is Definitely Red who is 10lb well in
having bolted up in the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster last time out. He can
make the odd mistake but he has reportedly schooled well over the national
fences recently and should stay the trip on this ground. He should go close if
he avoids mishaps.
Second behind Definitely Red in the Grimthorpe was The Last Samuri who went close in this
race last year when finishing second off a mark of 149. Runs off 161 this time
and, although he’s been in good form again this season, it will be an incredible
performance if he was able to win off his career high mark.
Nigel Twiston-Davies has a good record in this race and his only
runner this year is the previous RSA Chase winner Blaklion. He was runner-up behind the favourite at Haydock on his
most recent start. At the weights, there shouldn’t be much between them on that
form. He’s improving and has plenty of class but can do too much in the early
part of his races which is a worry and he’ll need to settle early on if he is
to see out this trip.
Flying the flag for Scotland is One For Arthur and he ticks plenty of boxes having run a promising
race in the Becher Chase before landing the Betfred Classic Handicap Chase at
Warwick. Looks certain to stay this trip, has the all important experience over
the national fences and seems versatile with regards to the ground.
Paul Nicholls has always held Saphir Du Rheu in high regard and I thought he ran a cracking race
in the Gold Cup. 2m4f was on the sharp side for him the time before in a hot
handicap at Cheltenham on Trials Day where he was staying on well at the
finish. Shapes as though he will stay this trip and is also 6lb well in.
One at a bigger price who could go well is Perfect Candidate for the Fergal O’Brien
team. A solid jumper, he’s improved again this season and bolted up at Exeter
in February carrying top weight. There’s every reason to believe he will stay
the trip and is sure to be ridden up with the pace.
1) Definitely Red
2) One For Arthur
3) Saphir Du Rheu
4) Perfect Candidate
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