17:15 Aintree

Saturday 10 April 2021

All13:4514:2515:0015:3516:1517:1518:20

Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (GBB Race)

  • 7YO plus  |   Class 1  |   4m 2f 74y  |   Good to Soft  |   40 Runners  |   Turf  |   Weighed In
  • Off time: 17:16  |   Winning time: 9m 15.42s
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1
Horse silk
Bristol De Mai63
Age: 10|  Weight: 11-10| J: D A Jacob| T: N A Twiston-Davies| OR:  167| BF
25/1
Popular grey who won the Betfair Chase for a third time in 4 years in November and ran well behind Native River at Sandown 9 weeks ago. Jumping is a lot better now and this scenario could be perfect.
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2
Horse silk
Chris's Dream23
Age: 9|  Weight: 11-7| J: D J O'Keeffe| T: H De Bromhead| OR:  164
40/1
Big improver last season and returned with a fine second at Down Royal. Poor twice since, though, shaping with little encouragement at Cheltenham. Doubtful stayer and plenty of others preferred.
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3
Horse silk
Yala Enki63
Age: 11|  Weight: 11-3| J: Bryony Frost| T: P F Nicholls| OR:  160
40/1
Tremendous stayer placed in the last 3 Welsh Nationals and won again at Taunton in January under Bryony Frost. Fell first only start over these fences in December but should last out with more luck.
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4
Horse silk
Ballyoptict49
Age: 11|  Weight: 11-1| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N A Twiston-Davies| OR:  158| C
66/1
Not recaptured his very smart best this term, well held back hurdling 7 weeks ago, and while he'll stay (second in the 2018 Scottish National), he's struggled over these fences previously.
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5
Horse silk
Definitly Redp35
Age: 12|  Weight: 11-1| J: Ryan Mania| T: B Ellison| OR:  158| C
28/1
Saddle slipped early when fancied for this in 2017 and 9 lb higher having enjoyed lots of success since. Now 12 and suspect his best chance has gone for all he may have needed last month's return.
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6
Horse silk
Lake View Ladp135
Age: 11|  Weight: 11-0| J: B S Hughes| T: N W Alexander| OR:  157| CWS
50/1
Scotland's grey challenger who won messy Grade 2 here in December. 2 heavy defeats since (behind Cloth Cap at Kelso) but unfinished business in this after luckless 2019 run. Cheekpieces on/wind op.
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7
Horse silk
Burrows Saintt42
Age: 8|  Weight: 10-13| J: Mr P W Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR:  156
9/1
Won the 2019 Irish National as a novice and emerged as a huge contender for this with good run behind Acapella Bourgeois at Fairyhouse 6 weeks ago on first go over fences for 14 months. Lots to like.
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8
Horse silk
Magic Of Lightp22
Age: 10|  Weight: 10-13| J: R M Power| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR:  156
14/1
Smashing mare, second in this in 2019 off 5 lb lower and converted a penalty kick at Newbury in December. Outpaced over 20f at Cheltenham last month and a lot better expected now. Dangerous.
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9
Horse silk
Acapella Bourgeoish42
Age: 11|  Weight: 10-12| J: D E Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR:  155| BF
20/1
Third to Burrows Saint in the 2019 Irish National and has won a good prep for this at Fairyhouse the last 2 years, giving weight and seeing off his less-exposed stablemate 6 weeks ago. Likeable.
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10
Horse silk
Talkischeap42
Age: 9|  Weight: 10-12| J: Tom Cannon| T: A King| OR:  155
33/1
Lightly raced since his bet365 Gold Cup romp on good ground at Sandown 2 years ago, but that remains his only try at a marathon trip and he could be set for a big run if the fire still lingers.
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11
Horse silk
Tout Est Permisp24
Age: 8|  Weight: 10-12| J: S W Flanagan| T: N Meade| OR:  155| BF
100/1
A while since the grey's last win and he's looked a fading force of late, falling at Down Royal 3 weeks ago. Not sure to stay (wilted in 2019 Irish National) and tricky to fancy.
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12
Horse silk
Anibale Flyt42
Age: 11|  Weight: 10-12| J: D F O'Regan| T: A J Martin| OR:  155
28/1
Fourth and fifth in the last 2 Nationals. Looked rusty after a year off behind Acapella Bourgeois and Burrows Saint at Fairyhouse and been given a big chance in the weights if finding his spark again.
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13
Horse silk
Mister Malarkyp,t142
Age: 8|  Weight: 10-12| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: C L Tizzard| OR:  155
12/1
Very good on his day, successful in well-run 3m Ascot handicap in December, and ran well after a wind op at Kempton 6 weeks ago. Type to relish this test and may sneak under the radar. Tongue tie on.
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14
Horse silk
Kimberlite Candyp126
Age: 9|  Weight: 10-10| J: R P McLernon| T: T Lacey| OR:  153
20/1
Second in last 2 runnings of the Becher with a wide-margin victory in the Classic Chase at Warwick in between. Long been in the notebook for this, crying out for another crack over 4m+. Player.
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15
Horse silk
Any Second Nowb28
Age: 9|  Weight: 10-9| J: M P Walsh| T: T M Walsh| OR:  152
15/2
Won the Kim Muir in 2019 and has long looked an ideal type for this, warming up with victory in 2m Navan Grade 2 last month. Should stay this much longer trip and lots to like for 2000s-winning yard.
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16
Horse silk
Balko Des Flos24
Age: 10|  Weight: 10-9| J: Aidan Coleman| T: H De Bromhead| OR:  152
100/1
High-class at his best, but it's essentially been a struggle since his 2018 Ryanair win and offloaded by Gigginstown since a disappointing unseat in the Cross Country at Cheltenham last month.
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17
Horse silk
Alpha Des Obeauxb,t24
Age: 11|  Weight: 10-9| J: J S McGarvey| T: Mrs D Foster| OR:  152
80/1
Formerly very smart, on a long losing run, but did show a bit more spark in the Cross Country won by stablemate Tiger Roll last month and fared well on second go over these fences in the 2019 Becher.
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18
Horse silk
Ok Corral25
Age: 11|  Weight: 10-8| J: Mr Derek O'Connor| T: N J Henderson| OR:  151
80/1
Low-mileage 11-y-o with all-or-nothing profile over fences, successful in 2020 Sky Bet at Doncaster under this rider but showing little and finishing lame on first run since at Cheltenham 25 days ago.
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19
Horse silk
Takingrisksp70
Age: 12|  Weight: 10-7| J: Sean Quinlan| T: N G Richards| OR:  150
14/1
Boasts a remarkable haul of big handicap successes for a 12-y-o and beat Cloth Cap in the 2019 Scottish National. Triumphed again in the Sky Bet at Doncaster in January. Worse risks to take.
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20
Horse silk
Shattered Lovep,t22
Age: 10|  Weight: 10-7| J: K C Sexton| T: Mrs D Foster| OR:  150
33/1
Cheltenham Festival winner in 2018 and successful again at Clonmel (20f, heavy) in November. Fair run in the Mares' Chase back at Cheltenham last month but stamina is a big concern for her here.
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21
Horse silk
Jettp21
Age: 10|  Weight: 10-7| J: Mr Sam Waley-Cohen| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR:  150
80/1
Another very good chaser at his best in Ireland but out of sorts. Took reasonably well to the course, albeit finished well beaten in the Becher in December, and leap of faith needed over this trip.
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22
Horse silk
Lord Du Mesnilp,t49
Age: 8|  Weight: 10-6| J: Nick Scholfield| T: R Hobson| OR:  149
50/1
All stamina, second in the NH Chase at Cheltenham last year and resuming winning ways at Haydock in the mud 7 weeks ago. Jumping was mixed in the Grand Sefton here in December but wouldn't dismiss.
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23
Horse silk
Potters Cornerb55
Age: 11|  Weight: 10-6| J: Jack Tudor| T: Christian Williams| OR:  149| D
22/1
Thorough stayer flying the flag for Wales. Won the 2019 Midlands National and Welsh National in the mud. Inadequate tests this term and not badly handicapped in new headgear. Could go well.
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24
Horse silk
Class Contip,t27
Age: 9|  Weight: 10-6| J: B Hayes| T: W P Mullins| OR:  149
66/1
Patchy profile since starting out for Mullins with Tramore win 2 years ago. Good efforts in the mud in top handicaps the last twice though, and not surprising were he to be plugging on at the finish.
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25
Horse silk
Milan Nativet25
Age: 8|  Weight: 10-6| J: Mr J J Codd| T: Mrs D Foster| OR:  149
50/1
Won last year's Kim Muir at Cheltenham and successful again on return at Galway. Not been plain-sailing since though, well held back at the Festival after wind op. Needs a revival from somewhere.
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26
Horse silk
Discoramat146
Age: 8|  Weight: 10-6| J: B J Cooper| T: P Nolan| OR:  149| BFWS
16/1
Placed at 3 Cheltenham Festivals, his second in the 2019 NH Chase suggesting he'll relish this extreme test. Too free when fancied for handicap there in November and better expected after wind op now.
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27
Horse silk
Vieux Lion Rougep,t91
Age: 12|  Weight: 10-5| J: C O'Farrell| T: D Pipe| OR:  148| C
66/1
Great completion rate over these fences, winning the Becher for a second time when beating Kimberlite Candy in December. Struggled at Chepstow next time though, and 4 lb higher now. Fifth go in this.
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28
Horse silk
Cloth Capp35
Age: 9|  Weight: 10-5| J: T Scudamore| T: J & A O'Neill| OR:  148
11/2
Big improver this season with cheekpieces fitted, making all in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury and listed race at Kelso the last twice. Proven stayer who ticks every box and a very worthy favourite.
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29
Horse silk
Cabaret Queen22
Age: 9|  Weight: 10-5| J: S F O'Keeffe| T: W P Mullins| OR:  148
80/1
Smart staying mare, successful in the 2019 Munster National and 2020 Kerry National. Not so good more recently though, shaping as if amiss at Cheltenham, and yard has far stronger contenders.
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30
Horse silk
Minellacelebration91
Age: 11|  Weight: 10-5| J: Benjamin Poste| T: Katy Price| OR:  148| CWS
80/1
Fine record on the other course here, winning again in 25f veterans' handicap chase in October. No luck twice since but shaped okay behind Double Shuffle at Kempton in January. Has had a wind op.
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31
Horse silk
Canelop35
Age: 8|  Weight: 10-4| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: A King| OR:  147| BF| C
66/1
Done well in handicap chases this season, winning at Aintree and Wetherby (3m) before good runs at Doncaster (fourth to Takingrisks in Sky Bet first occasion). Career-best needed even if he stays.
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32
Horse silk
The Long Mile42
Age: 7|  Weight: 10-4| J: L P Dempsey| T: J P Dempsey| OR:  147
50/1
Good strike rate over fences initially, winning at Limerick in December. Chased home Acapella Bourgeois and Burrows Saint at Fairyhouse latest, proving stamina beyond 3m, but easy to prefer that pair.
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33
Horse silk
Give Me A Coppert70
Age: 11|  Weight: 10-4| J: S Bowen| T: P F Nicholls| OR:  147
33/1
Lightly-raced but smart staying chaser, another fine run first time up when second at Doncaster (3m) in December. Not so good in the Sky Bet back there following month though and hard to fancy now.
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34
Horse silk
Farclast23
Age: 7|  Weight: 10-3| J: J W Kennedy| T: Mrs D Foster| OR:  146| BF
16/1
Classy grey (Triumph Hurdle winner like his connections' Tiger Roll) holding his own in top handicap chases at up to 3m this season and very much ran into one at Cheltenham. Big contender if he stays.
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35
Horse silk
Minella Timest62
Age: 8|  Weight: 10-3| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR:  146
11/1
Has progressed into a smart handicap chaser this season and has a cracking record under Rachael Blackmore, runner-up in top Leopardstown contests last twice. Positive profile and player if he stays.
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36
Horse silk
Sub Lieutenantp,t49
Age: 12|  Weight: 10-3| J: Tabitha Worsley| T: Georgie Howell| OR:  146
50/1
Fair efforts for new yard under Tabitha Worsley at Ascot last twice and took to the course well when a staying-on second in the 2019 Topham off 9 lb higher. 4m+ an unknown but far worse 100/1 shots.
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37
Horse silk
Hogan's Heightt24
Age: 10|  Weight: 10-3| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR:  146| C
100/1
Looked a natural over these fences when bolting up in the 2019 Grand Sefton and seen just 3 times since, tailed off in the Cross Country at Cheltenham last month. Stamina doubts and career-high mark.
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38
Horse silk
Double Shuffle42
Age: 11|  Weight: 10-2| J: J J Burke| T: T R George| OR:  145
66/1
Won for the first time in ages when taking 3m Kempton handicap in January and not disgraced off this mark back there since. Not taken to this course previously however, and stamina doubts to boot.
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39
Horse silk
Ami Desboist45
Age: 11|  Weight: 10-2| J: Kielan Woods| T: D Killahena & G McPherson| OR:  145
100/1
Over 3 years since his last victories over fences in novices but has resumed with a couple of good efforts in 3m handicaps and genuine sort who could reward each-way backers at huge odds.
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40
Horse silk
Blaklion32
Age: 12|  Weight: 10-2| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR:  145| C
50/1
Favourite when fourth in 2017 and dotted up in the Becher 8 months later. All downhill since though (big-money buy in February 2019), albeit showing a bit more at Newcastle last month.
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Forecasts

Cloth Cap (11/2), Any Second Now (15/2), Burrows Saint (9/1), Minella Times (11/1), Mister Malarky (12/1), Takingrisks (14/1), Magic Of Light (14/1), Farclas (16/1), Discorama (16/1), Acapella Bourgeois (20/1), Kimberlite Candy (20/1), Potters Corner (22/1), Bristol De Mai (25/1), Anibale Fly (28/1), Definitly Red (28/1), Shattered Love (33/1), Talkischeap (33/1), Give Me A Copper (33/1), Chris's Dream (40/1), Yala Enki (40/1), Blaklion (50/1), Sub Lieutenant (50/1), The Long Mile (50/1), Lord Du Mesnil (50/1), Lake View Lad (50/1), Milan Native (50/1), Class Conti (66/1), Canelo (66/1), Vieux Lion Rouge (66/1), Double Shuffle (66/1), Ballyoptic (66/1), Jett (80/1), Cabaret Queen (80/1), Alpha Des Obeaux (80/1), Ok Corral (80/1), Minellacelebration (80/1), Balko Des Flos (100/1), Hogan's Height (100/1), Tout Est Permis (100/1), Ami Desbois (100/1)

Verdict

Often it pays to keep things simple and in CLOTH CAP we have a solid favourite who is progressive, stays, is a stone well-in, and represents an owner with a fantastic record in the race. He's hard to get away from and with luck should win. The last 2 Nationals have seen an Irish 1-2-3 and another formidable challenge is headed up by Burrows Saint, Farclas and Any Second Now.

  1. CLOTH CAP (IRE)
  2. BURROWS SAINT (FR)
  3. FARCLAS (FR)

Prize Money

1st: £375,000.002nd: £150,000.003rd: £75,000.004th: £48,750.005th: £30,000.006th: £22,500.007th: £15,000.008th: £11,250.009th: £7,500.0010th: £3,750.00

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