2014 Grand National

[Eggs]

With Cheltenham out of the way, the Grand National is just around the corner (5th April). I'm already on a few ante-posts at big prices and would be interested in anything in your portfolio. I appreciate ante-post is a minefield, but bookies will soon be going NRNB and odds tumble as the big race approached. Anyway;

Burton Port @ 50-1 (Trained by Jonjo O'Neil, has the look of one that might be a gamble.)

Prince de Beauchene @ 33-1 (Favourite the last 2 years but picked up injuries and failed to make it. Trained by prolific W.Mullins who is reporting the horse in good shape. Was backed earlier in the week).

Double Seven @ 40-1 (Trained by Brassil who won some years ago with Numbersixvalverde. Owned by JP McManus. Probably wont happen, but if McCoy choses to ride it will be much shorter on the day).

Very open this year, with lots of value to be had.

 

[Garrick]

Just gonna get this out of the way now, then you guys can continue with horsey discussion.

 

[flibbyflob]

Had free bets to use up so have done Long Run 20-1 and Sunnyhillboy 25-1. Will do another once it goes NRNB

 

[Eggs]

Just gonna get this out of the way now, then you guys can continue with horsey discussion.

....I'm a bit thick, presume this is a Mustang or something horse connected.

 

[parkendmaster]

Done Tidal Bay at 14/1, Pineau De Re at 20/1 and Hawkes Point at 33/1- all NRNB

 

[Ducans elbow]

The Rainbow Hunter @ 33/1
Balthazar King @ 25/1

 

[mythbuster]

Hate the thing. Sure, it's a spectacle, but it baffles me the way millions rush out to give the bookies money for what is arguably the toughest race to pick a winner in.

Maybe I'm just fuming because in 30 years or so, I've never even had money on a placed horse.

 

[SiOnemore]

I like Balthazar King and also Trilo D'Lene (that may be spelt wrong)

The second horse mentioned there ran in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham and was disappointing - however has been aimed at the National since Christmas so i would excuse the Cheltenham performance.

 

[bluelife]

Never understood horse racing, it's alright when the race is going but to have to watch the way horses are brought up and their form and everything all to stand a good chance of losing money? Not for me

 

[parkendmaster]

I think there are plenty in with a chance, and I might end up having more bets on the day depending on the odds.

 

[Seamus Colemole]

Sad Ken.

He's a 100 to 1 shot but he's bound to come in.

 

[Eggs]

Done Tidal Bay at 14/1, Pineau De Re at 20/1 and Hawkes Point at 33/1- all NRNB

...Hawkes Point on my radar. I'll probably add one or two to my ante-post bets, but happy with the way they are shaping up (Burton Port, Prince de Beauchene and Double Seven). I'm actually going on Thursday with pals and then spending the following 2 days drinking Guinness in the pub. Love this time of year, having a few pints in good company. Any winners will be a bonus.

 

[CahillsCornerFlag]

Betvictor is paying 6 places and doing NR money back. Done my research and gone for:

Tidal Bay @ 14/1 - The handicapper has given him a real chance, and he stays all day. The class horse in the race no doubt about it, if he stays on his feet and his jockey stays on his back then he'll finish close. Has won over 3m 5f, stays on gamely.

Monbeg Dude @ 20/1 - Sent to jumping school with Zara Phillips recently, and even before all that had won the Welsh National in 2012. Jumping better than ever, proven stamina, and a cool name, what isn't to like.

Balthazar King @ 25/1 - Had him last year and Johnson gave him a bad ride, let him go all guns blazing for the first 3 miles which meant he was knackered and dropped back. A proper ride this year will see him thereabouts, recently won the 4m cross country race at Cheltenham and in the form of his life.

Big Shu @ 33/1 - Similarly to Balthazar King, races in the long cross country races and is one of the very few in the race to have won over 4m, third to Balthazar King this year at Cheltenham, and off such a low weight could very well go the distance.

Not that any of this will matter when Tidal Bay fallls at the first and takes the others out.

 

[Garrick]

@Eggs It's a Buick Grand National. During its reign in the early 80's, it was the fastest car you could buy in America.

Thickness excused, don't think it was ever released in Europe.

 

[Eggs]

@Eggs It's a Buick Grand National. During its reign in the early 80's, it was the fastest car you could buy in America.

Thickness excused, don't think it was ever released in Europe.

...I'd never have guessed that one, Garrick. Learn something new every day. I dare say I couldn't even buy one even if one of my big priced selections wins.