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2015 Grand National

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  • 2015 Grand National

    2015 Grand National Odds



    Wednesday, February 4, 2015 - Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Lord Windermere headlines 98 entries for the £1-million Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree on Saturday, April 11.

    Trained in Ireland by Jim Culloty, the nine-year-old could bid to become the first horse since L'Escargot and only the third ever to win the Gold Cup and Grand National. L'Escargot won the Cheltenham showpiece in 1970 and 1971, and then denied Red Rum a hat-trick of wins at Aintree in 1975. Golden Miller won both races in 1934.

    Culloty has also entered Spring Heeled who emerged as a potential Aintree contender when making most of the running to win the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

    Culloty partnered the 2002 Grand National victor Bindaree and if successful at Aintree on April 11 would join Algy Anthony, Tommy Carberry, Aubrey Hastings, Fulke Walwyn and Fred Winter - all of whom have ridden and trained Grand National winners since 1900.

    Betfred, the official betting partner of the Crabbie's Grand National Festival, makes Spring Heeled its 25/1 co-favourite of 11 alongside the likes of last year's winner Pineau De Re (Dr Richard Newland), the 2014 runner-up Balthazar King (Philip Hobbs) and Hennessy Gold Cup hero Many Clouds (Oliver Sherwood). Seven of the first eight finishers from last year are entered again.

    Alvarado is also among the market leaders but has not been seen since last year's renewal. The Fergal O'Brien-trained 10-year-old was quietly fancied after an impressive victory at Cheltenham in November, 2013, and stayed on strongly from the last to snatch fourth under Paul Moloney.

    O'Brien said: "Alvarado put his heart and soul into the National last year and he was a bit tired when he came back, so we gave him a long break.

    "He has had no real problems - just a couple of niggly things - and the weather has conspired against us, which is why he hasn't run yet.
    "Aintree is plan A and we will work back from that. There is a veterans' chase at Doncaster in the middle of February or there is another race at Warwick a week later. The plan would be to have one run around that time and then go straight to Aintree.

    "I think he can do better than he did last year. I don't think he would have won as the winner won very well, but he did not settle for a long time during the race and, consequently, Paul (Moloney) had to have him a long way back.

    "Alvarado did not run between New Year's Day and the National last year and Paul felt that if we had had a run in between, it might have taken the freshness out of him and made him settle better.

    "You need loads of luck as well. We have watched the replay several times and there were two or three incidents where he could have been brought down. We had the luck last year and we need that again this year."

    Trainer Jonjo O'Neill took the spoils with Don't Push It in 2010 and has four contenders, headed by Irish Grand National victor Shutthefrontdoor (25/1 with Betfred) and Hennessy Gold Cup third Merry King (25/1).


    Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has seven entries, the most of any handler, headlined by Rocky Creek (33/1) and Sam Winner (33/1) who have both placed in Grade One chases this season. The Somerset handler has also engaged Welsh National runner-up Benvolio (33/1) and the seven-year-old Unioniste (25/1), who carries the John Hales colours of 2012 winner Neptune Collonges.

    Alan King's sole entry is Godsmejudge (25/1), who came agonisingly close to recording back-to-back victories in the Scottish Grand National last year when just touched off by Al Co (40/1, Peter Bowen).

    Ireland's champion trainer Willie Mullins saddled Hedgehunter to victory in 2005 and accounts for four of the 25 Irish-trained entries. His quartet features Back In Focus (25/1), who has only run once since landing the 2013 National Hunt Chase, and last year's Grade One Melling Chase scorer Boston Bob (33/1).

    Tony Martin also has four engaged, headed by recent Paddy Power Handicap Chase winner Living Next Door (33/1), while First Lieutenant (33/1) is an eye-catching entry for Mouse Morris.

    Oscar Time (Robert Waley-Cohen) is a real Aintree specialist, having finished runner-up in the 2011 Grand National and fourth in 2013. He gained a deserved first win over the Grand National fences when taking the Betfred Becher Chase on December 6. Now a 14-year-old, he has to overcome the statistic that no horse of that age has triumphed in the history of the Grand National, although Peter Simple was 15 when successful way back in 1853. The oldest winner in the last 100 years was 13-year-old Sergeant Murphy in 1923.

    Other notable contenders include Teaforthree (25/1, Rebecca Curtis), Bet365 Gold Cup victor Hadrian's Approach (40/1, Nicky Henderson) and Monbeg Dude (33/1, Michael Scudamore).

    Crabbie's Grand National - Betfred bet: 25/1 Alvarado, Back In Focus, Balthazar King, Godsmejudge, Many Clouds, Merry King, Pineau de Re, Shutthefrontdoor, Spring Heeled, Teaforthree, Unioniste;

    33/1 Across The Bay, Benvolio, Boston Bob, Dolatulo, First Lieutenant, Home Farm, Living Next Door, Lord Windermere, Monbeg Dude, Rebel Rebellion, Rocky Creek, Saint Are, Sam Winner, Sunnyhillboy;

    40/1 Al Co, Ballycasey, Buddy Bolero, Carlingford Lough, Cause Of Causes, Chance du Roy, Corrin Wood, Court By Surprise, Gallant Oscar, Goonyella, Guess Again, Hadrian's Approach, Katenko, Kruzhlinin, Portrait King, Prince de Beauchene, Roi du Mee, Rolling Aces, Royale Knight, Shotgun Paddy, Super Duty, The Druids Nephew, Theatrical Star, Wyck Hill;

    50/1 Alderwood, Any Currency, Baileys Concerto, Broadway Buffalo, Burton Port, Cappa Bleu, Carlito Brigante, Cedre Bleu, Double Ross, Duke Of Lucca, Green Flag, Make A Track, Mon Parrain, Mountainous, My Murphy, Night In Milan, Oscar Time, Owega Star, Rajdhani Express, Raz de Maree, Renard, Rubi Light, Standing Ovation, The Package, Vintage Star;

    66/1 Alpha Victor, Bob Ford, Gas Line Boy, Lackamon, Loch Ba, Poole Master, Rigadin de Beauchene, Rose Of The Moon, Soll, Sydney Paget, Tales Of Milan, The Rainbow Hunter, Tranquil Sea;

    100/1 American Spin, Ballyoliver, Ely Brown, Glenquest, Harry The Viking, Ikorodu Road, Maggio, Mart Lane, Neptune Equester, River Choice;

    200/1 Qulinton.

    ¼ 1-2-3-4

    John Baker, Regional Director, The Jockey Club North West, commented: "We are delighted with the 98 entries received for the 2015 Crabbie's Grand National.

    "It is another bumper entry with many great stories lying in wait. A Betfred Gold Cup winner and this season's Hennessy winner, plus last year's Crabbie's Grand National hero and this season's Becher Chase winner are all engaged and so it goes on.

    "The leading Jump trainers are well-represented which is terrific and, as ever, there is plenty of support from Ireland.

    "We all now eagerly await Phil Smith's verdict on February 17 when the weights are revealed."

    The weights for the Crabbie's Grand National are framed by the British Horseracing Authority's Head of Handicapping, Phil Smith, and will be unveiled at the Royal Opera House in London on Tuesday, February 17.

    The Crabbie's Grand National is the only handicap of the year where Smith has absolute discretion over the weights and can deviate from normal handicap ratings.


    Entries for the Crabbie's Foxhunters' Chase and the Crabbie's Topham Chase, which also take place over the famous Grand National course, close on March 24. All other races at the Crabbie's Grand National Festival close at the five/six-day stage.
    Last edited by Old Vic; 19 March 2015, 02:50 PM.

  • #2
    Jonjo O'Neill intends to plan Shutthefrontdoor's campaign round a crack at the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree in April.
    The seven-year-old, who took the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse in April, is likely to make his reappearance in the Weatherbys Hamilton Insurance Graduation Chase over an extended three miles at Carlisle on 10 November.
    "We'll probably start him off in a race at Carlisle for horses that have won a couple of race on November 10," O'Neill told At The Races.
    "We'll see how he is, see what form he is in and then look at the long-distance races.
    "I would say he's a National horse. That's the way I see him at the moment.
    "He's one we'll be shaping that way and hopefully he'll be good enough to go for it.
    "He's not a fast horse, he's a galloper and, touch wood, he's a reasonably good jumper.
    "If he gets into to a nice rhythm round there (Aintree) it would suit him well, so that's where I would like to end up with him."

    Comment


    • #3
      Nice run from Unioniste today but probably ruined his change of winning ��

      Comment


      • #4
        Paul Nicholls will pay little attention to the statistics as he considers whether to run Unioniste in the Crabbie's Grand National in April.

        The John Hales-owned grey has only just turned seven and no horse that age has won the Aintree marathon since Bogskar in 1940.

        Nicholls and Hales claimed the 2012 National with Neptune Collonges and are hoping Unioniste can follow suit after his decisive win at Sandown on Saturday.

        "John Hales was really excited afterwards as he has had the National in mind for this horse for some time. We'll have to see how the handicapper reacts but given a reasonable mark, I can't see why he shouldn't go to Aintree with a decent chance," he told www.paulnichollsracing.com.

        "I notice some people are using statistics from the past to suggest he is too young for the race at seven, but I don't pay any attention to that.

        "Times have changed. Unioniste was running round Auteuil at the age of three and has already set one notable record in becoming the first four-year-old to win the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

        "Like one or two other precocious young achievers I've trained, he had a lean spell before finding his form again. He's grown up now, is very mature for a seven-year-old, shows great enthusiasm and we've always thought he might develop into a National horse."

        Comment


        • #5
          Anyone think Holywell might end up running in this ?

          Next un is in the a cleeve Hurdle !

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by Morning Glory View Post
            Anyone think Holywell might end up running in this ?

            Next un is in the a cleeve Hurdle !
            I think jonjo said it was anout rebuilding confidence because jumping had gone to pot. His best performance last year was at Aintree though - not quoted anywhere is he ?

            Comment


            • #7
              The Crabbie's Grand National

              Grade 3, £1,000,000 Total Prize Fund. 4.15pm, Aintree, Saturday, April 11, 2015. Four miles, three and a half furlongs. For seven-year-olds and upwards who, up to and including March 23, have been placed first, second, third or fourth in a chase of three miles or more and which are allotted a rating of 120 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including February 15. Horses who are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain or Ireland at closing may also be entered. Such horses may be eligible for a weight providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse's racecourse performances up to and including February 15 would merit a minimum rating of 120. To qualify, horses must have run at least three times in chases run under the Rules of Racing of the same Recognised Racing Authority up to and including February 15. At the Handicapper's discretion, such horses may be allocated a rating. The decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final. No penalties after publication of the weights. Entries closed February 3, entries revealed February 4 (98 entries). Weights revealed Tuesday, February 17. First scratchings' deadline March 3. Second scratchings' deadline March 24. Five-day confirmation stage April 6. Final declaration stage 10.00am, April 9.

              Comment


              • #8
                Oscar Time is firmly on course for a third tilt at the £1-million Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree on Saturday, April 11.

                The 14-year-old has an excellent record over the Grand National fences and was last seen out when pulling out all the stops to land the Betfred Becher Handicap Chase at the course on December 6 for his owner/trainer Robert Waley-Cohen.

                Oscar Time was purchased by Waley-Cohen after finishing second in the 2010 Irish Grand National but remained in the care of Irish handler Martin Lynch, for whom he was placed in two Grand Nationals. He went down by two and a quarter lengths when runner-up to Ballabriggs in 2011 and returned from a tendon injury to finish fourth to Auroras Encore in 2013.

                He moved to Waley-Cohen's Upton Viva Stud in Warwickshire after sustaining another injury and returned for the permit holder with two impressive victories in hunter chases at Uttoxeter and Wetherby in May.

                The owner/trainer's son Sam, an amateur rider, has partnered Oscar Time on all of his starts since November, 2010.

                Waley-Cohen reported today: "Oscar Time is in great order. It was a fantastic performance from the horse in the Becher and you could not have asked for any more.

                "He was a big price (25/1) but he had not really run in a competitive race since the Grand National 18 months earlier as he unseated early on at Cheltenham in November. He had won a point to point and two hunter chases in the space of three weeks in May so we knew he was in good order.

                "It was a brilliant day when he won the Becher and we have been very lucky at Aintree. I think Oscar Time was my third winner (as a trainer) over the Grand National fences and the other two came second.

                "We have got to have another go at the Grand National with Oscar Time as he is a completely different horse around there compared to anywhere else.

                "Ideally, I would like to get one more run into him in a veterans' chase just to sharpen him up mentally. I won't run him on horrible ground though, so I would go to Aintree without run if I had to."

                If successful in April, Oscar Time would be the first 14-year-old to win the Crabbie's Grand National.

                Waley-Cohen has also engaged homebred Rajdhani Express, who is in training with Nicky Henderson, in the Crabbie's Grand National. The eight-year-old took the Rewards4Racing Novices' Handicap Chase at the 2013 Cheltenham Festival and was third to Dynaste in last year's Grade One Ryanair Chase there.

                Rajdhani Express has not matched that form in three starts this season and his most recent start came when last of six in the Grade Two Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon on December 7.

                Waley-Cohen added: "Rajdhani Express is in very good order but is not qualified yet for the Grand National as he has not finished in the first four in a chase over three miles. He has never even run over three miles!

                "There is a race at Kelso next week and he is also in the three-mile handicap chase Kempton on February 21.

                "I don't know if he will go for the Grand National as he might be a better horse for the Topham. I put him in the National as you want to keep all your options open."

                There are 98 entries for the Crabbie's Grand National, headed by reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Lord Windermere and Hennessy Gold Cup hero Many Clouds.


                Read more at http://aintree.thejockeyclub.co.uk/m...3zDMlu5b10O.99

                Comment


                • #9
                  Welcome back Sefton.

                  SWC is good around there ...

                  Ride long !

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Monbeg Dude is a best-priced 33-1 with most bookmakers for the Grand National and connections will find out what weight he will carry at Aintree when they are revealed at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London on Tuesday morning.

                    Scudamore said: “He’s come out of it in really good form.

                    “He’s fresh and well and we’re looking forward to the weights on Tuesday and seeing what he’s given.

                    “It will be interesting to see what they do with him after yesterday.

                    “I’ll have a chat with the owners about whether we run him again before the National.

                    “With Cheltenham being four weeks before Aintree this year, it gives you the option of running there as well. There’s a little bit longer in between.

                    “We’ll see what the best thing is to do. He seems to have come out of the Haydock race in great form, so it gives us that option.

                    “There’s the three-mile handicap and the Kim Muir as well as options. He might well have an entry in both of those and see nearer the time.”

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Grand National Weights and Cut Off 2015

                      Start your research

                      Last edited by Old Vic; 17 February 2015, 09:14 PM.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Wyck Hill and The Druids Nephew of interest.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Druids Nephew and Alvardo pricewised.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            An idea where the actual cut off will be ?

                            Any Currency a smashing bet if he can get in.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              I suppose weights are framed now with Carlingford Lough keeping weights down for shut the front door

                              Comment

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