US Edition
British hopefuls Chambard and Kitty’s Light, as well as Eklat De Rire, could be drawn out of a hat for the last two remaining places for Saturday’s Randox Grand National. Fury Road, a second-fence faller in the race 12 months ago, was the only horse guaranteed a run to come out at the five-day declaration stage, so if the top 32 stand their ground on Thursday, a random ballot will decide which two of the trio – who share the same rating – will fill the final two places in the maximum 34-runner field. There will be no reserves this year.
However, it might not come to that as owner Ronnie Bartlett has said he would not run either Stattler or Galvin if the ground was remotely heavy on the National course. It is currently soft with heavy patches at the Canal Turn end. It also started raining in Liverpool at lunchtime on Monday and heavy rain is forecast early this week before it dries up.
Henry de Bromhead, who trains Eklat De Rire, confirmed that Rachael Blackmore would ride Minella Indo, the 2021 Gold Cup winner, of his three runners. The 11-year-old aims to join one of the most elite clubs in jump racing: horses who have won a Gold Cup and National. Golden Miller and L’Escargot are the only members.
Brendan Powell will ride Eldorado Allen for Joe Tizzard in an attempt to emulate his father, also Brendan, who won the race in 1988 on Rhyme ‘N’ Reason. Gordon Elliott said Sean Bowen would ride one of his possible nine runners, with Jack Kennedy having the pick of them. Keith Donoghue, Sam Ewing, Jordan Gainford and Danny Gilligan are also expected to be among his squad of jockeys.
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00 Adamantly Chosen (IRE)
TrainerWP Mullins
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Could be the surprise package in the Mullins team. Did not look like he got three miles in a horsebox until he bolted up in a three and a quarter mile chase at Down Royal last time while we were all recovering from Cheltenham. Beat Roi Mage there by 14 lengths. That will have done his confidence no harm and as a Grade One runner up in the past maybe he has just been out of form for a year. Maybe not the most obvious Mullins runner but not the worst.
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00 Ain’t That A Shame (IRE)
TrainerHenry De Bromhead
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Good old chaser who usually pays his way. Won the biggest race of his career when taking the Thyestes Chase at Gowran last time and subsequently bought by owner-rider David Maxwell. All his wins have come on the heavy. Job to know if he was held up or couldn’t go the pace in last year’s race but briefly moved up after Valentine’s second time before fading again to finish 17th and last for Rachael Blackmore. If it’s a dry and sunny April they’ll be thinking ain’t that a shame because wetter the better for this one but should give Mr Maxwell a good spin.
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00 Amirite (IRE)
TrainerHenry De Bromhead
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Amirite or Amiwrong? At the moment he is going to struggle to make the cut. Won his last start over hurdles and first over fences but, since, he has not managed to get his head in front. However, ran well in a competitive handicap at Leopardstown at Christmas and his trainer knows what it takes. Trip probably less of a problem than getting into the race itself.
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00 Angels Dawn (IRE)
TrainerS Curling
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Trainer is son of one of Europe’s most esteemed equine artists Peter Curling - how he would like to paint this one jumping the last in front in the National. Won last year’s Kim Muir at Cheltenham before finishing a remote sixth and last behind I Am Maximus in Irish National when she did not jump with much fluency and fell when she went back for Kim Muir. Another who might struggle to make the cut.
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00 Annual Invictus (IRE)
TrainerChris Gordon
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Trained near Winchester and wins his fair share of races. Versatile in that he flits between hurdles and fences and hung on by a nose to win the Great Yorkshire Chase with the trainer’s conditional jockey son Freddie Gordon on. Could have done with winning it by a bit further as he is another who is borderline to make the cut.
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00 Bronn (IRE)
TrainerWP Mullins
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
A Grade 2-winning novice hurdler back in 2022, he has bits and pieces of smart form over fences but has not been exactly rocking it so far this season, with two wide-margin defeats and pulled up last behind Ain’t That A Shame in the Thyestes. Only young so plenty of time to come back and would get in the race if they want to run. But on his form so far this season it would be a stingy bookmaker not offering a three figure price for him.
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00 Capodanno (FR)
TrainerWP Mullins
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
A Grade One winner over jumps and gave several British Gold Cup each-way shots a reality check when winning the Cotswold Chase in January. That will not have done his handicap mark much good with the National in mind. Fourth in Ryanair since. A touch of class but pulled up before the last fence behind Corach Rambler a year ago which leaves a slight question mark over his stamina for an extreme distance. Maybe more of a winning chance in the Topham?
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00 Cepage (FR)
TrainerVenetia Williams
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
An old boy these days who used to race almost exclusively at Cheltenham so he can’t be too bad. His greatest moment was leading at the second last in the December Gold Cup only to be beaten by Frodon in 2018. Won a veterans' chase back at Cheltenham earlier this season with cheekpieces fitted and while he always wins a race every season he probably needed to go up in the handicap to get in. Two and a half miles looks like his optimum trip.
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00 Chambard (FR)
TrainerVenetia Williams
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Would be bidding to give Venetia Williams a second National winner after Mon Mome but this would be an all-female victory were the 12-year-old to triumph; he is invariably ridden by Lucy Turner, who would be the first female amateur to win the race. She won the Kim Muir on him in 2022 and his first win since was over the National course at Aintree in December when he took to the fences like a duck to water beating Coko Beach 13 lengths. Age is but a number however the last 12-year-old to win was Amberleigh House 20 years ago.
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00 Chemical Energy (IRE)
TrainerGordon Elliott
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Good sort not seen since finishing sixth in the Kerry National in September. Runner-up in last season’s National Hunt Chase behind Galliard Du Mesnil after being left in front at the second last when Mahler Mission fell but could not sustain his four-length advantage at the last. Disappointed in Irish National after that when jumping was a bit patchy. Sold in February 6 for £215,000 - that would look cheap if he went on to win the National.
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00 Classic Getaway (IRE)
TrainerWP Mullins
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Was on the back-foot after an early blunder in a big handicap chase at Dublin Racing Festival and eventually pulled up. That looked a blip because for a big horse he is usually an agile jumper. Until that point this season was going swimmingly with jumping a strong point. Appears to be happy on any ground which is a bonus for a race like the National. Third behind Adamantly Chosen and Roi Mage at Down Royal in March suggesting trip may be problem. Not the best but nowhere near the worst of the Mullins entries.
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00 Coko Beach (FR)
TrainerGordon Elliott
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
The grey has never been in better form than he has this season; winning the Troytown Chase, finishing second to Chambard in the Becher Chase at Aintree and adapting to cross-country fences at Punchestown as if he were born to it on his last start. Jack Kennedy, his jockey that day, said he didn’t know who enjoyed it more, him or the horse. That opens up options but he has run in two Nationals running out of petrol both times and the fact remains that a jockey riding him in the marathon is always going to set off with range anxiety. But why not try again when he is in the form of his life?
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00 Conflated (IRE)
TrainerGordon Elliott
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
High class chaser. Having won an Irish Gold Cup and Savills Chase at Leopardstown he has no choice but to run against the best these days. Third in last year’s Gold Cup, he has unseated twice at last having run mighty races and given his all against Galopin Des Champs before staying on third in Ryanair. Might enjoy the tempo of National, bit of an if about jumping and its a tall order shouldering top weight.
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00 Corach Rambler (IRE)
TrainerLucinda Russell
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Last year’s winner. Only a handful of horses have come back and won it again although they are often good each-way shots. Needed first start since at Kelso and looked the one to take out of the Betfair Chase when third to Royal Pagaille in terms of both Gold Cup and National. Good third in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham which makes him 3lbs well in here. Won last year off 10st 5lbs, the handicapper has given him a big chance.
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00 Delta Work (FR)
TrainerGordon Elliott
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Multiple Grade One-chase winner in the past including Irish Gold Cup in 2020. Fifth in a Cheltenham Gold Cup, reinvented as a cross-country specialist and earned notoriety for piddling on Tiger Rolls chips by beating the two-time National winner on his swan-song in 2022. One can’t help wondering if he has had his chances; third behind Noble Yeats two years ago, unseated jockey at 21st when going ok last year but coming down the handicap.
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00 Desertmore House (IRE)
TrainerMartin Brassil
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Nine-year-old novice chaser in the hands of trainer who won with Numbersixvalverde. Something of a late starter having never raced until he was six. Won his first start over fences last summer and by autumn had already captured the Kerry National in good style, enhancing trainer’s reputation with the handful of staying chasers he has. Had a load of National entries behind him that day. Big tasks but a tad disappointing since and borderline to make the cut.
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00 Eklat De Rire (FR)
TrainerHenry De Bromhead
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Not many miles on the clock for his age. Looked to be a smart novice when winning Grade 3 chase on his second start but unseated in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham behind Monkfish Nevertheless punters liked him enough to send him off favourite for the 2022 Coral Gold Cup but pulled up by Rachael Blackmore. Must have had his problems and has appeared to have slightly lost his way since. Not an obvious chance.
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00 Eldorado Allen (FR)
TrainerJoe Tizzard
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Has not won since We Don’t Talk About Bruno was number one and he beat Royale Pagaille in the Denman Chase at Newbury. But has been bridesmaid to Bravemansgame and Protektorat since and was a good fourth in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury in December. Probably needs a bit of help from the handicapper if he is get on the scoresheet soon. Pulled up in Ultima when trainer said he made a noise which is usually indicative of a wind problem. Good jumper, class is in there somewhere and Aintree could bring it out.
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00 Empire Steel (IRE)
TrainerSandy Thomson
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Trained in Scotland by former rugby player Sandy Thomson. Thorough stayer who beat Le Milos at Kelso last March. All but one of his victories have been in Scotland and his one south o’er the border was at Carlisle. Scotland’s National winners, One For Arthur and Corach Rambler, have come along like London buses since Rubstic broke the nation’s duck in 1979. But he does not quite have the profile to be the next.
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00 Fakir D’alene (FR)
TrainerGordon Elliott
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
There appear to be a couple of Fakirs who could run in this year’s race. A fakir, in this case, appears to be a holy man rather than a stable lad colloquialism but the French appear to have their own rules about naming horses. Brought down at the first in the 2022 Irish National - going well at the time. Missed the next season and brought down again, at the fifth, at Leopardstown at Christmas and pulled up since. You can either take the view that he is too unlucky to win a National or that he is due so much luck he could just go and win one. Former looks more likely.
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00 Famous Bridge (IRE)
TrainerNicky Richards
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Trainer’s late dad was a great National trainer winning it with Lucius and Hallo Dandy and countless placed horses. Late owner also won it a few times. A consistent sort who wins his races. Had been in good form and improving this season with two wins at Haydock including the Tommy Whittle on the heavy. Back to form when fourth in the Ultima, his best efforts have always been in the mud. If by some miracle he gets in the race he would then need the weather on his side.
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00 Fantastic Lady (FR)
TrainerNicky Henderson
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
One of the biggest shocks of the trainer’s career was this mare, who jumped five bar gates out with the Quorn Hunt as a youngster with her owner, when she unseated her jockey at the first in the 2022 Topham. She has since made amends by jumping two lovely clear rounds over the fences including finishing second to Bill Baxter in last season’s Topham and fifth in this season’s Becher. She has won over three miles on her only start over the distance but campaigned almost exclusively over shorter. Might be running on fumes from Canal second time.
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00 Farouk D’alene (FR)
TrainerGordon Elliott
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Jumping could be the problem here. Good chaser on his day but consecutive falls in the 2022 Brown Advisory and, after a year off, in this season’s Troytown does not inspire confidence that he will get round. Still, jumping not a prerequisite for winning a modern National. Could be good enough though. He was cantering just behind L’Homme Presse when coming down two out in the Brown Advisory so, if he can retrieve it, ability there. Took a big step in returning to form when second in a hurdle recently but one step forward, one back - he pulled up in Pertemps Final last start.
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00 Foxy Jacks (IRE)
TrainerMF Morris
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Took a heavy fall in the Topham two years ago after removing considerable amounts of spruce from several others before the ninth got him. Took a while to work it out as a cross-country horse but it has been the making of him and he now appears to know where to put his feet. Beat Latenightpass in Cheltenham’s Cross-Country in November and the runner up went back and won the December version. Not fussy about the ground, trainer knows what’s required. Not straightforward but could go well at a decent each-way price. Another which has not run this year.
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00 Frontal Assault (IRE)
TrainerGordon Elliott
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
An adequate description of the trainer’s 26 entries for the race. Not a serial winner by any stretch of the imagination. Last got his head in front in 2022 and is one from 16 over fences. I think Elliott and Gigginstown will have better shots this year.
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00 Full Back (FR)
TrainerGary Moore
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Trainer would not be a regular National man and off his current rating Full Back is unlikely to get into the race. Was thrown in the deep end a bit in the Fleur De Lys Chase against L’Homme Presse and Protektorat but fell five out.
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00 Fury Road (IRE)
TrainerGordon Elliott
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Nearly a very good horse. Third in a couple of Grade One Leopardstown chases last year including eight lengths behind Galopin Des Champs in Irish Gold Cup. Warmed up for last year’s National with a tidy run in the Ryanair but fell at the second in the National and really has not been the force of old since. Well stuffed by I Am Maximus last time. Treated for post-race Ataxia after the Cross-Country at Cheltenham in December. Finds himself sliding down the handicap which might not be a bad thing but probably not one for the mortgage.
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00 Galia Des Liteaux (FR)
TrainerDan Skelton
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Would be bidding to become the first mare to win the race since Nickel Coin in 1951 and only 14th in total. However Magic of Light was a good second to Tiger Roll in 2019 so that should be no bar. She looked the one to take out of the Warwick Classic when staying on strongly to chase My Silver Lining home. On that basis she has a good each-way chance but you would want to put a line through her latest start at Exeter.
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00 Galvin (IRE)
TrainerGordon Elliott
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Another nearly very good horse. Won the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham in 21. Won the Grade One Savills Chase next season and good fourth behind A Plus Tard in Gold Cup. Came back last year as a cross-country horse and, after beating Delta Work, was quite fancied to give Davy Russell a good send off in his last National. He did that in a fashion sending the jockey into orbit at the first. Any horse could be forgiven for falling so early in last year’s race so don’t rule out and see how he goes in this year’s cross-country first.
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00 Glengouly (FR)
TrainerWP Mullins
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Appeared to take a while to regain his mojo after a fall last season but has been a good second in two handicap chases this season. Any stamina doubts cast aside when second in a heavy ground Thyestes Chase on the heavy when second to Ain’t That A Shame. Looks like he’s improving, gradually rather than rapidly but going in the right direction. Handles heavy so one to consider if it comes up wet in April.
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00 Good Boy Bobby (IRE)
TrainerNigel Twiston-Davies
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Trainer had an amazing run in the National around Earth Summit winning in 1998 and Bindaree in 2002 with horses like Beau and Young Hustler. Not so much recently and this old boy is unlikely to add to his laurels.
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00 I Am Maximus (FR)
TrainerWP Mullins
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Originally bought by Henrietta Knight for the late Mike Grech, he was sold to JP McManus shortly before he won last year’s Irish National in good style. The last horse to complete the double was Numbersixvalverde in 2006 and, before him, Bobbyjo in 1999 - maybe it is time for another. Returned to Fairyhouse to win a Grade 2 at the start of this season, has chased round Galopin Des Champs on his last two starts before running superb trial in Bobbyjo Chase. Looks well in and excellent chance of a third McManus win.
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00 Iron Bridge (IRE)
TrainerJonjo O’Neill
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Named after the village which was named after the first eponymous river crossing built in 1779. This is not a lesson in the history of the industrial revolution though, we want to know if he’s a National type. Plugged on for a distant second in the Welsh National which Nassalam turned into a one-horse race but credit to him for keeping going in the face of such a lost cause. Third in Haydock’s National trial. Could still be a bit unexposed as a staying chaser. Likes a good bit.
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00 Janidil (FR)
TrainerWP Mullins
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Grade One novice chase winner who went on to be placed in Ryanair Chase and Irish Gold Cup. Probably just short of very top class but consistent enough to prevent the handicapper forgiving him which means he is between the two awful stools in jump racing; not good enough to win a Grade One, too much weight in a handicap. Big if about the trip and not the most reliable jumper; enough Fs in his past for that to be a worry. Warmed up with a run round at the back in the Stayers Hurdle.
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00 Kinondo Kwetu (GB)
TrainerSam England
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Someone’s been on a smart seaside holiday - he’s named after an upmarket beach on the Indian Ocean in Kenya. A good ground/summer chaser who has, not surprisingly, stayed at home this winter. He won his first five starts over fences, is a good traveller but was let down by his jumping in the Summer Cup at Uttoxeter. If Aintree, where he has won twice on the Mildmay course, over-waters or it rains it will diminish any chance he has. Realistically you’re not going to end up holidaying in Kinondo Kwetu if you back him.
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00 Kitty’s Light (GB)
TrainerChristian Williams
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Christian Williams has actually won a Grand National - the virtual one in 2020 with his 2019 Welsh National winner Potters Corner but, obviously, you can’t dine out on that. It’s been a difficult year for the Welsh trainer and his family with daughter Betsy being treated for leukaemia and winning the National would be a wonderful tonic. The eight-year-old always comes good in the spring and last year completed the Eider Chase-Scottish National - Bet365 Gold Cup treble. He’s mainly been kept to hurdles this season to protect his handicap which should see him scrape in a 34 runner National near the bottom of the handicap.
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00 Latenightpass (GB)
TrainerDan Skelton
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Well named (by Passing Glance out of Midnightdip) if he gets in the race the 11-year-old will be a big focus of attention in the build-up to April 13 - owned and bred by Pippa Ellis and ridden by her extremely capable daughter-in-law point-to-point champion Gina Andrews. He has spent most of his career in the point-to-point field trained by Gina’s husband Tom Ellis, he has already won an Aintree Foxhunters over the fences and has been a revelation in cross-countries at Cheltenham this season. If the race still goes to the best story, look no further and he would be the first genuine hunter chaser to win since Grittar in early 1980s.
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00 Limerick Lace (IRE)
TrainerGavin Cromwell
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Good homebred mare of JP McManus. A better chaser than hurdler and impressive 10 length winner at Doncaster before winning mares’ race at Cheltenham. Has plenty of gears and has done most of her racing over two and a half but was sent off favourite on her first start over three in the Troytown. Good effort there to finish second to Coko Beach - she was the one to take out of the race. Not a certainly to get the trip but in flying form. Last and 13th mare to win was Nickel Coin in 1951 so we are about due one.
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00 Mac Tottie (GB)
TrainerPeter Bowen
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
West Wales trainer has an extraordinary record in the Topham having won it five times, once with this fella. This one has to be considered an Aintree specialist having won a Grand Sefton as well as the Topham. The big greens bring the best out of him. Only blip was a fall at The Chair in the Becher Chase a few years ago. Has never actually won - placed a few times - over three miles so trip a question mark but nothing to lose having a shot.
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00 Mahler Mission (IRE)
TrainerJohn McConnell
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Usually fitted with special shoes to combat the age-old thoroughbred condition: flat feet. His sire Mahler (second St Leger, third Melbourne Cup) is a strong influence on stamina. Four lengths clear in last year’s National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham when falling at the second last marked him out as a big player in staying chases for this season. Runner up in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury in November when he was beaten by just over three lengths and lost both front shoes in the process. Would not be the first placed horse in the big Newbury handicap to go on and win a National. Only went up 4lbs for that so comfortably gets into a 34-runner National.
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00 Malina Girl (IRE)
TrainerGavin Cromwell
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Another mare. Not the biggest but usually jumps well although did fall when travelling very well at Cheltenham in December. Booked her entry by winning at the same course in November. Progressive former Munster National winner, stamina should not be a problem but that fall may have left its mark because not in quite the same form since. If she gets in she’d be in among the lowest weights.
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00 Meetingofthewaters (IRE)
TrainerWP Mullins
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Joined Mullins at the start of the season. Went straight from winning his beginners chase to winning the competitive Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown at Christmas. Lot of National aspirants behind him that day and the handicapper put him up 15lbs for that. Unseating his jockey at the Dublin Racing Festival absolutely no fault of his own as something fell in front of him at the first. Bought by JP McManus just before Cheltenham where he was third in the Ultima which puts him right in the mix.
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00 Minella Crooner (IRE)
TrainerGordon Elliott
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Stopped very quickly in last year’s National Hunt Chase. Made a good comeback from that winning a hard fought chase in the mud at Wexford but, again, pulled up sharply four out in a three and three quarter mile chase at Fairyhouse. Pulled up at Cheltenham too. There may have been reasons but I think Sherlock Holmes would deduce that he does not get extreme distances.
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00 Minella Indo (IRE)
TrainerHenry De Bromhead
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Not the force of old but would he have to be? Bidding to become only the third horse (after Golden Miller and L’Escargot) in 100 years of the Gold Cup to win that race and the National. Won it in 2021 and was runner up to A Plus Tard a year later. Fourth on his cross-country debut at Cheltenham in December, could take in the same course on his way to the National. Modern Nationals seem to be won by young horses on the upgrade rather than vice versa but the class act of the race.
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00 Mr Incredible (IRE)
TrainerWP Mullins
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Not the Mullins number one last year but had a good profile in the race having finished second in the Warwick Classic and third in the Kim Muir. In midfield when the saddle slipped - there’s always one - at the Canal Turn second time and it was bye-bye Brian Hayes. Did not start last season until Christmas but took that to a new level this season, not running until Midlands National in mid-March but ran a cracker in second. Once refused to race but victory would not be the biggest shock in history of the race.
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00 Nassalam (FR)
TrainerGary Moore
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
No one would begrudge the Moore family or John and Yvonne Stone a Grand National winner. Runaway winner of the Welsh National in December when he was the only horse to handle the appalling conditions. Margin of Chepstow win flattered him but handicapper has taken it too literally as proved when pulled up in Gold Cup and there is no way he should be giving Corach Rambler weight. He has won on good to soft but really thrives when it is almost unraceable. Went round Aintree when a staying on fourth in the Becher Chase in November. Much in his favour if the handicapper is right.
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00 Noble Yeats (IRE)
TrainerEmmet Mullins
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Who needs Willie Mullins when you can have his nephew Emmet? He won the race for Sam Waley-Cohen, the last amateur to ride the winner, in 2022. The first thing this Mullins does is cast convention out of the window. Has reinvented this horse as a staying hurdler having won the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in January and seventh in Strayers. Good fourth last year, good each-way chance again but handicapper usually sees to it that horses do not win it twice
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00 Ontheropes (IRE)
TrainerWP Mullins
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Munster National winner from 2021 which was his only win from 11 starts over fences. Has only run six times since in what, one presumes, must have been an injury-plagued career. In fact he has plummeted down the handicap to the extent that he is now not certain to make the cut. Has pulled up on both starts this season but, to be fair, he was not the only potential National type to do that in the Thyestes last time out. Mullins has better shots than this one.
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00 Panda Boy (IRE)
TrainerMartin Brassil
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Another grey bidding to join an elite club of just three horses of that colour (The Lamb 1886 and 1871), Nicolaus Silver (1961) and Neptune Collonges (2012) to have triumphed in the National. Maybe maligning him to say he does not win that often but he maybe being protected from the handicapper at the moment after his very creditable fifth in last year’s Irish National. Otherwise he is a consistent sort trained by Martin Brassil who sent out Numbersixvalverde to win earlier this century. A staying-on fourth in a hurdle last time, the sort of name that would attract a lot of once-a-year-punters and the Chinese on the day.
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00 Roi Mage (FR)
TrainerPatrick Griffin
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Name may not be up in lights but has won his fair share of prize-money during his career. Has had more trainers than Emma Radacanu but giving Paddy Griffin some fun in the twilight of career mainly spent in France. Ran a blinder in last year’s National to finish seventh, only beaten 14 lengths by Corach Rambler giving French champion Felix de Giles a dream ride. Returned to Compiegne to win the Grand-Steeple-Cross Country there in the autumn. If you get him in the office sweepstake he would give you a run for your money.
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00 Run Wild Fred (IRE)
TrainerGordon Elliott
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
It’s been a while. Last win was in the Troytown in 2021 but did run a good second in an Irish National. Also runner up in the 2022 National Hunt Chase with Vanillier behind him in third. Stamina not an issue. Fell at Canal Turn behind Noble Yeats and 10 days later in the Irish. Brought down in a four horse race time before last so confidence might not be at all time high and pulled up at Cheltenham meaning he has failed to complete on his last three starts. Needs a massive turn around.
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00 Shakem Up’arry (IRE)
TrainerBen Pauling
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Named after his owner, he finally landed him a decent prize when winning a £57k two and a half mile chase at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day and backed it up winning the Plate on Football Managers’ day at Cheltenham. Sudden improving and in form of life but, realistically, far enough down the handicap for owner to book in for a football match that day.
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00 Stattler (IRE)
TrainerWP Mullins
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Owned by Scottish potato baron, Ronnie Bartlett. Fourth in the Albert Bartlett behind Vanillier. Went back and won the National Hunt Chase the next year, no one questioning his stamina. Ran Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs to eighth lengths in Irish Gold Cup but he found the Cheltenham Gold Cup run a stride too fast for him. Did not exactly take to cross-country like a duck to water last time but a touch of class and might enjoy the rhythm of a National. There are worse 50-1 shots.
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00 The Goffer (IRE)
TrainerGordon Elliott
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Fourth to Kitty’s Light in last year’s Bet365 Gold Cup which puts him in the picture in terms of stamina. By the same sire as Noble Yeats. He hasn’t been running badly this season but not exactly rocking it in two starts since second in Galway Plate but that shows he has a bit of pace to go with the stamina. Fifth in Ultima but hated the ground and were it come up good to soft in the mix of a low weight.
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00 Tommie Beau (IRE)
TrainerSeamus Mullins
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
This would be a rare Grade One track outing for this one; he has spent most of his life on the Plumpton, Fontwell, Fakenham, Newton Abbot circuit although he has got a Durham National under his belt so trip probably not too much of problem. However even an optimist would expect him to miss the cut.
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00 Tullybeg (IRE)
TrainerGordon Elliott
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Unlikely to get in at this stage. He is a good-ground horse so unable to put in a personal best in time for the weights on February 20 given the weather. Won the Mayo National (that is the Irish county, not something to put on your salad) at Ballinrobe last spring. That is not even over three miles. Has been campaigned as if two and a half miles is his trip so stamina not guaranteed for the real thing.
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00 Vanillier (FR)
TrainerGavin Cromwell
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
A gallant two and a quarter length runner up to Corach Rambler in last year’s race despite being 12 lengths down at the last, Gavin Cromwell’s grey came up just short. One wonders if ridden a bit closer to the action on the second circuit if it might have been a different story and this time, instead of giving 1lb, he’ll be receiving 8lbs. Once a winner of the Albert Bartlett Hurdle at Cheltenham he seems to save his best form for the spring but has not set the world on fire in three starts this season and though he was comfortably beaten by I Am Maximus last time, not one to rule out.
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00 Where It All Began (IRE)
TrainerGordon Elliott
JockeyTBD
Weight
Odds
Novice chaser who broke his duck over fences in spectacular style by winning the Punchestown Grand National trial, sweeping past the favourite like he was standing still, in February. Lightly raced and may have improved but improving in small increments was no good to him. He was nearly 25lbs off making the cut before his win. Maybe next year.
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