Patience key to Rambler’s shot at Aintree glory
FOR those who have backed Corach Rambler for the Grand National and are straining their eyes to see the favourite at the halfway point out the back of the TV then there’s no need to panic.
Jockey Derek Fox will wait as late as possible to mount his challenge on the Scottish raider at Aintree. He did exactly that to perfection on One For Arthur in 2017 and twice in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the last couple of Cheltenham Festivals. The Lucinda Russell-trained eightyear-old is 10lbs well-in at the weights after last month’s win. He has his quirks and can idle in front, which would be a slight concern at the elbow for Aintree’s long run-in.
However, Fox did not resort to his whip in March and Corach Rambler pulled out more when the second came alongside. He had plenty up his sleeve and has a favourite’s chance to secure another fairytale Grand National success story.
There are several dangers. Capodanno could be the main one. An unexposed seven-year-old trained by Willie Mullins, he has prepared for this over a shorter than ideal trip and his Grade One novice chase win last season at Punchestown suggests a mark of 160 isn’t beyond him. He shapes like a classy stayer.
Seven-year-old Noble Yeats won the National last year for trainer Emmet Mullins and can mount a bold bid to retain his crown. He’s an improved force this season and his staying-on fourth in the Gold Cup proved that. He’s 20lbs higher in the ratings this year and that might be enough to anchor him for win purposes but he could easily hit the place frame once more.
The Grand National is a serious jumping test but the fences are much more forgiving as the sport continues to make racing as safe as possible. That might give Gavin Cromwell-trained Vanillier a chance of victory. The 20-1 shot can take the odd chance in the jumping department but his run behind Kemboy in the Bobbyjo Chase was a fine effort and a marathon trip is exactly what this eight-year-old wants.
My Grand National 1-2-3-4
1: Corach Rambler; 2: Capodanno; 3: Vanillier; 4: Noble Yeats.