PINSTICKERS Guide
1
Lumping top weight won’t be easy but the 2022 winner loves it here. Having Harry Cobden on board won’t harm his chances. RATING:
NOBLE YEATS
6
The 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero has the class. Positive signs that he retains plenty of ability. Rachael Blackmore up. RATING:
MINELLA INDO 11 DELTA WORK
Classy chaser who was going well when he unseated at the 21st fence last year. Third in 2022. Big player. RATING:
16
Amateur David Maxwell bought this horse so he could ride in the race. Tailed off last year and would be a shock winner. RATING: H
AIN’T THAT A SHAME
21
A big outsider for Gordon Elliott although he had some decent form as a younger horse. It’s a long time since he showed it. RATING: H
MINELLA CROONER
26
Unexposed and has nice profile. The one for money all week – although Mark Walsh has deserted him. Obvious chance. RATING:
MEETINGOFTHEWATERS
31
Interesting runner from a canny trainer who has been well backed. Had a quiet prep and should be staying on at the end. RATING:
PANDA BOY 2 NASSALAM
Welsh National win in a bog suggests this test will suit. Wants it as testing as possible so any drying of the ground is a negative. RATING:
7 CORACH RAMBLER
Last year’s winner is hard to ignore. He is 13lb higher than 2023 and would prefer better ground. Certain to be in the mix. RATING:
12 FOXY JACKS
Solid stayer but not the most fluent of jumpers and that is one thing you really need to be able to do round here. RATING:
17
Chased home Corach Rambler last year and clear chance today from only 4lb higher. Given quiet prep by shrewd connections. RATING:
VANILLIER
22
One of the youngest horses in the race at seven years old and among the more unexposed runners. Interesting. RATING: HHH
ADAMANTLY CHOSEN 27 THE GOFFER
Decent efforts in the last two runnings of the Ultima and could go well if taking to this test. Not the worst 66-1 shot you’ll see. RATING:
32 EKLAT DE RIRE
Runs for Grand National-winning yard of Henry de Bromhead but pulled up last time and unlikely to be giving the trainer another. RATING: 3
Becher runner-up who ran too freely last year. Will be ridden more patiently this time and could plug on for a place. RATING:
COKO BEACH
8
Impossible to make a case for given the lack of any recent worthwhile form. Looks to be making up the numbers. RATING:
JANIDIL 13 GALVIN
Another top class beast who has competed at the highest level. On the downgrade but capable of a huge run off a nice weight. RATING: HHH
18
Cruising along when his tack broke after the 24th last year. Big prep run at Uttoxeter. Will stay and like the ground. RATING:
mr INCREDIBLE 23 MAC TOTTIE
Has won over the famous fences twice but has never been anywhere near this far before and it’s far from certain to suit. RATING:
28 ROI MAGE
Ran well to finish seventh last year but faded late on and it will be more of a stamina test this time in the conditions. RATING:
33 CHAMBARD
Won Becher Chase with today’s pilot Lucy Turner on board but has struggled since and hard to see that changing here. RATING:
THE Randox Grand National remains the world’s greatest steeplechase.
But which horse and rider will enter the history books after four miles and two furlongs? Can Corach Rambler do it again for Scotland or wil lnoble Yeats regain the crown that he secured in 2022.
Or will Minella Indo – a past winner of jump racing’s blue riband the Cheltenham Gold Cup – turn back the clock. Here is our horse-by-horse guide…
4 CAPODANNO
Classy performer but pulled up last year and has to prove he stays the trip. If he does, he can be given an each-way chance. RATING:
9 STATTLER
Has some class and has had a light campaign in preparation for this. Patrick Mullins on board and looks overpriced. RATING: HHH
14
Classy novice two years ago but form has been patchy since and his jumping is a concern. Hard to see him making any impact. RATING:
FAROUK D’ALENE
19
Fell in race two years ago when well supported and his recent form figures are uninspiring although he does have ability. RATING: HH
RUN WILD FRED 24 CHEMICAL ENERGY
Claims on his second in last year’s National Hunt Chase although hasn’t done a lot since and would prefer better ground. RATING: HHH
29 GLENGOULY
On paper, the least likely of the Willie Mullins brigade to win and has failed to complete a couple of times. But then who knows? RATING: H
34 KITTY’S LIGHT
Would be a popular winner but needs the ground to dry out. He will be staying on when others have cried enough. RATING: H
5 I Am MAXIMUS
Last year’s Irish National winner is not the most straightforward but has ability to win if taking to this test. Paul Townend rides. RATING:
10
Not seen since a gallant second in the Coral Gold Cup in December. Trained for the race, goes well fresh. Serious chance. RATING:
MAHLER MISSION 15 ELDORADO ALLEN
A solid handicapper who may not have the stamina for this marathon trip. Would prefer it bdrier. Small each-way chance. RATING: HH
20 LATENIGHTPASS
Gina Andrews should get a big thrill on this talented horse who has jumped round these fences twice. Each-way chance. RATING:
25 LIMERICK LACE
Cheltenham Festival winner over 2m 4f. She has won over further but stamina doubts. If she stays she has a great chance. RATING: HHHH
30 GALIA DES LITEAUX
Has a touch of class and a nice racing weight. Yard is in great form and this talented mare could outrun her odds. RATING: HH
HEAVEY’S SIX APPEAL
1. Mr Incredible
2. Mahler Mission
3. Corach Rambler
4. Panda Boy
5. Minella Indo
6. Latenightpass