Grand National: Pinstickers' guide to Aintree runners & riders - BBC Sport BBC Sport Grand National: Pinstickers' guide to Aintree runners & riders By Frank Keogh From the section Horse Racing Share this page Grand National 2015, Aintree Date: Saturday, 11 April. Race time: 16:15 BST Coverage: Live commentaries of all the big races on BBC Radio 5 live and live text commentary online BBC Sport's Frank Keogh's verdict: "My hunch is the winner will come from the lowest-weighted horses as per the last two runnings. I'm a Soll man, but feel there are plenty with chances down the bottom including Royale Knight.

Rocky Creek and Balthazar King are class horses, while I wouldn't want to jinx the fairytale farewell by plumping for Shutthefrontdoor." 1 Soll, 2 Royale Knight, 3 Balthazar King, 4 Rocky Creek, 5 Spring Heeled 1 LORD WINDERMERE (IRE) Trainer: Jim Culloty Jockey: Brian O'Connell (replaced injured Robbie McNamara) Weight: 9 11-10 Form: 1-373P Landed the 2014 Cheltenham Gold Cup, but pulled up in this year's race. No top weight has won the National since Red Rum in the 1970s, and the bottom weight will carry nearly two stone less. Trainer won the Gold Cup three times as a jockey with Best Mate. Controversially ditched jockey Davy Russell, who was subsequently injured in a fall, after reportedly being unhappy with his Cheltenham ride. But his replacement Robbie McNamara was then hospitalised in a fall at Wexford on Friday and Brian O'Connell will now ride Lord Windermere.

Odds: 50-1 Rating: 6/10 Trainer: Oliver Sherwood Jockey: Leighton Aspell Weight: 8-11-09 Form: 4-1116 Brilliant Hennessy winner was a well beaten sixth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Is this an afterthought? Jockey won the race last year on Pineau De Re. Trainer, the older brother of Desert Orchid's jockey Simon, enjoying a revival. Owned by Trevor Hemmings, the man behind Pontins holidays, who has enjoyed days in the sun before with Ballabriggs (2011) and Hedgehunter (2005). Odds: 40-1 Rating: 6/10 Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Noel Fehily Weight: 7 11-06 Form: 38-613 Same owner and trainer as 2012 winner Neptune Collonges, a fellow grey. Followed January win at Sandown with decent third to subsequent Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Coneygree at Newbury in February. Solid jumper.

Last seven-year-old to triumph was Bogskar in 1940, although Unioniste started early and has claimed six steeplechase victories. Odds: 33-1 Rating: 7/10 Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies Weight: 9 11-03 Form: 25-2P1 Ran well last year for eight-time champion trainer and was impressive winner at Kempton last time. Rocky Creek finished fifth at Aintree after an interrupted season which included a bout of piles. Jockey, fifth on Hello Bud in 2010 and tipped as future champion, is 21 and wasn't born when current top rider AP McCoy won his first race in 1992. Odds: 10-1 Rating: 8/10 Trainer: Mouse Morris IRE Jockey: Nina Carberry Weight: 10 11-03 Form: 24863 Talented and a little quirky, like his canny trainer Mouse, who was christened Michael. Classy on his day, but uncharacteristically poor this season and must prove stamina under a big weight.

Owned by Gigginstown House Stud, headed by Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary. Jockey bids to become first female rider to triumph. Her brother Paul won on Bobbyjo for their trainer father Tommy in 1999. Odds: 20-1 Rating: 7/10 Trainer: Philip Hobbs Jockey: Richard Johnson Weight: 11 11-02 Form: 12-F11 Thrives on expected good ground and skipped Cheltenham to be kept fresh for this. Big chance if overcomes a touch of seconditis in the camp. Horse was second in 2014 National. Somerset trainer also had the 2002 second What's Up Boys, both ridden by jockey who has been second 15 times to AP McCoy in title race. Odds: 12-1 Rating: 8/10 Trainer: Jonjo O'Neill Jockey: AP McCoy Weight: 8 11-02 Form: 2461-1 Horse nicknamed Rupert (after the bear) by stable staff as he's "a little bit cheeky".

The 2014 Irish National victor is set to go off hot favourite in 19-time champion jockey's final National. Back For Good by Take That was number one single when McCoy first rode in the race 20 years ago, but he'll be gone for good if he wins this. Odds: 8-1 Rating: 7/10 8 PINEAU DE RE (FR) Trainer: Dr Richard Newland Jockey: Daryl Jacob Weight: 12 11-00 Form: 1-0P80 In the Worcestershire village where the horse lives there is a proud sign - Claines: Home of the 2014 Grand National winner Pineau De Re. Named after a wine, he seeks to become the first back-to-back winner since Red Rum 40 years ago. Trained by a former GP, the jockey knows the prescription for National glory - he scored on Neptune Collonges three years ago.

Odds: 33-1 Rating: 7/10 Trainer: Willie Mullins Jockey: Ruby Walsh Weight: 8 10-13 Form: 2173P Only runner for in-form trainer, who had a record eight winners at last month's Cheltenham Festival. Jockey is all-time leading rider at that meeting and has won this race twice - with Papillon (2000) and Hedgehunter (Mullins, 2005). While their challenger may not be the most obvious candidate, the team commands maximum respect. Odds: 40-1 Rating: 7/10 Trainer: Jim Culloty Jockey: Nick Scholfield Weight: 8 10-12 Form: 015-44 Represents the same stable as top weight Lord Windermere, who won Gold Cup last year when yard was similarly out of form. Winner at last year's Cheltenham Festival. Jockey nicknamed 'Smiley' in the weighing room. Should appreciate the ground and capable of showing most rivals a clean pair of heels. Trainer won the race as a rider himself on Bindaree in 2002.

Odds: 28-1 Rating: 8/10 Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Ryan Mahon Weight: 10 10-12 Form: 454121 Another in a strong hand for the eight-time champion trainer. Looked set for a different race at the meeting before excellent win at Newbury on his last run. Won the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase over the National fences in December 2013. That was over 18 fences, and this is 30. The question is whether he will see out this exacting trip. Odds: 50-1 Rating: 6/10 Trainer: Warren Greatrex Jockey: Dougie Costello Weight: 8 10-11 Form: 028180 Made mistakes when ran over the National fences in December, but bounced back three weeks later to win the Rowland Meyrick Chase at Wetherby. Bidding to become the first eight-year-old to triumph since Bindaree 13 years ago. Trainer, who upset better-known rivals to claim the World Hurdle at Cheltenham with Cole Harden, has been quietly bullish about chances.

Odds: 100-1 Rating: 6/10 Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Sean Bowen Weight: 9 10-11 Form: 1-P015 Youngest jockey in the race, at 17, has only three years on the oldest horse. Rider in fine form goes up against father, who trains Al Co. Mon Parrain jumped well when second in the Topham Chase over these fences four years ago. Back in 11th behind Oscar Time at Aintree in December, but won at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. Trainer has four runners, and this one not considered main hope. Odds: 66-1 Rating: 6/10 14 CARLITO BRIGANTE (IRE) - Non-runner (lame) Trainer: Karen McLintock Jockey: Brian Harding 15 NIGHT IN MILAN (IRE) Trainer: Keith Reveley Jockey: James Reveley Weight: 9 10-09 Form: 40233 Drying ground should help, and interesting if sees out the trip. Finished third in two good Doncaster steeplechases.

Tipped to go close by some decent judges. Jockey rides for trainer father. Owned by former jockey Richard Collins, who is boss of a frozen seafood empire. One wag said he was "living the bream". Odds: 25-1 Rating: 7/10 Trainer: Robert Hennessy Jockey: Andrew Lynch Weight: 10 10-09 Form: 545211 Carries the claret and blue silks of owner Bill Hennessy, an admirer of the West Ham team of the 1960s-70s that included Bobby Moore. Hennessy had 2007 Champion Hurdle winner Sublimity and his son trains. Good cruising speed, though suspicion fortunes are hiding elsewhere with stamina questions to answer. Odds: 100-1 Rating: 7/10 17 THE DRUIDS NEPHEW (IRE) Trainer: Neil Mulholland Jockey: Aidan Coleman Weight: 8 10-09 Form: 12751 Fine winner at last month's Cheltenham Festival, and potentially well in at the weights following that success.

Should not be inconvenienced by the ground and other riders have talked of the horse as a potential danger to their chances of winning. Aidan Coleman deputises for the injured Barry Geraghty. Owners call themselves The Stonhenge Druids. Odds: 14-1 Rating: 8/10 18 CAUSE OF CAUSES (USA) Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: Paul Carberry Weight: 7 10-09 Form: 20-751 Good Cheltenham win last month. Shrewd trainer, whose nan used to play bingo with my aunt, scored with Silver Birch in 2007 and seeks to hit the jackpot again. The fancy of leading female jockey Katie Walsh when the weights came out in February, and well supported in weeks leading up to the race. Owned by JP McManus, whose retained rider AP McCoy sides with Shutthefrontdoor. Odds: 20-1 Rating: 8/10 Trainer: Alan King Jockey: Wayne Hutchinson Weight: 9 10-08 Form: 23-P50 Significant claims based on performances in last two runnings of the Scottish National.

Won the Ayr contest two years ago and was runner-up in 2014. Punters will have to forgive some ordinary runs this season, but trainer likely to be concentrating on this big day after only two of his 10 previous runners completed the course. Odds: 22-1 Rating: 7/10 Trainer: Peter Bowen Jockey: Denis O'Regan Weight: 10 10-08 Form: 1-0P33 Landed the Scottish National for Welsh trainer last year at odds of 40-1. Jamie Moore was on board that day but is out with a broken leg. Trainer's son is required to ride Mon Parrain so in steps Denis O'Regan, who finished second on Black Apalachi five years ago when AP McCoy won the race on Don't Push It. Odds: 28-1 Rating: 7/10 Trainer: Michael Scudamore Jockey: Liam Treadwell Weight: 10 10-07 Form: 24430 Seventh - beaten 22 lengths by Pineau De Re - in the 2014 Grand National.

Won the Welsh National in January 2013 for owners including rugby union players Mike Tindall, James Simpson-Daniel and Nicky Robinson. Jockey benefited from dental work after Clare Balding cracked a gag about his teeth in the aftermath of his 2009 National win on 100-1 shot Mon Mome. Odds: 50-1 Rating: 6/10 Trainer: Donald McCain Jockey: David Casey Weight: 8 10-07 Form: 10-33P Was pulled up in the Grand National trial at Haydock on most recent run, so needs to bounce back from that. Trainer, who won in 2011 with Ballabriggs, is son of the late Ginger who triumphed four times, including three with Red Rum. He has been quietly confident this year. Jockey has ridden in the race 14 times, with a best finish of third on Snow Morning in 2008.

Odds: 100-1 Rating: 6/10 23 THE RAINBOW HUNTER (GB) Trainer: Kim Bailey Jockey: David Bass Weight: 11 10-07 Form: 261U-P One of only two horses in the race bred in the UK, along with Royale Knight - others hail from Ireland, France and even America. Should run well on paper, but has failed to make it round twice. Trainer won the National 25 years ago with Mister Frisk, whose record time on fast ground still stands. Owners include fresh-faced racing TV presenter Oli Bell. Odds: 80-1 Rating: 7/10 Trainer: Tom George Jockey: Paddy Brennan Weight: 9 10-06 Form: F-331 Ninth in the 2013 race and third in the Becher Chase this season, so knows how to jump the fences. And jockey knows how to upset the big guns - saw off the much-feted Kauto Star and Denman to win 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup on Imperial Commander.

Trained in the beautiful Cotswold countryside, stable has a habit of popping up with big festival winners. Odds: 33-1 Rating: 8/10 25 ACROSS THE BAY (IRE) Trainer: Donald McCain Jockey: Henry Brooke Weight: 11 10-06 Form: 0-800B Very unlucky last year, when leading but carried out by a loose horse. Went on to finish 14th for the second consecutive year. Due a change of luck. Going may not be ideal - has won six times on heavy ground. Trainer's family, and their link with Red Rum, make them a part of Aintree folklore and you can be sure horse will be primed to peak on the day. Odds: 50-1 Rating: 7/10 Trainer: Warren Greatrex Jockey: Gavin Sheehan Weight: 13 10-05 Form: 31P0-5 Boasts excellent form from earlier in career, albeit over much shorter distances, and while might not win is probably overpriced for a contender of his ability. Stablemate appears to be better fancied.

History not on his side either - you have to go back to 1923 when the last equine teenager, Sergeant Murphy, won the Grand National. Odds: 150-1 Rating: 6/10 Trainer: Robert Waley-Cohen Jockey: Sam Waley-Cohen Weight: 14 10-05 Form: 11U14 Amateur jockey with terrific record over National fences partners veteran, who has finished second and fourth in the race previously, for trainer father. Horse proved his well-being with splendid win in Becher Chase over these obstacles in December. Age might prevent victory, but should give a really good account. Odds: 40-1 Rating: 7/10 Trainer: Rebecca Curtis Jockey: Paul Townend Weight: 8 10-04 Form: 120P1P Welsh trainer, third with Teaforthree two years ago, seeking to become the fourth woman to saddle the winner. Took the Welsh National at Ffos Las in January although overall record is a mixture of hits and misses. Interesting jockey booking - highly-rated rider who is second to stable jockey Ruby Walsh at the powerful Willie Mullins yard.

Odds: 125-1 Rating: 6/10 Trainer: Ian Williams Jockey: Will Kennedy Weight: 9 10-04 Form: P2-67 Hopefully doesn't overdo the birthday cake - was born on 10 April. One win from nine runs over fences, but has been second five times. Last victory came back in December 2012 and it would be a big surprise if his next came in this contest. Debuts in the Grand National for both the trainer and jockey. Odds: 125-1 Rating: 6/10 Trainer: David Bridgwater Jockey: Tom Cannon Weight: 11 10-04 Form: P16-2F Ground out victory in the Eider Chase at Newcastle in February 2014, but feeling is that rain is needed to soften the ground and very little is forecast. Trainer guided The Giant Bolster to second, fourth, and third place in consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cups. Wyck Hill is owned by JP McManus, who has leading contenders elsewhere in Shutthefrontdoor and Cause Of Causes.

Odds: 80-1 Rating: 5/10 31 GAS LINE BOY (IRE) Trainer: Philip Hobbs Jockey: James Best Weight: 9 10-04 Form: P11P4 Won at Exeter and Haydock in November, but pulled up in the Welsh National before finishing fourth in the Grand National Trial at Haydock. Trainer is one of the best in the business from his Somerset stables where you can see the Minehead coastline in the distance, but Balthazar King very much their main hope for this year. Odds: 125-1 Rating: 5/10 32 CHANCE DU ROY (FR) Trainer: Philip Hobbs Jockey: Tom O'Brien Weight: 11 10-04 Form: P46-55 Jockeys love horses who give them "a great spin" over these fences and this one has completed in five of his six efforts over the fences, including a sixth-placed spot in last year's race. Has finished a fair distance behind winners Oscar Time and Soll in his most recent outings.

Jockey was second in the 2007 National on McKelvey. Odds: 50-1 Rating: 6/10 Trainer: Maurice Phelan IRE Jockey: Davy Condon Weight: 10 10-03 Form: 8P1292 No question about staying power and would not be the worst choice among some of the bigger-priced runners. The grey won the testing Eider Chase back in 2012 and is normally a sound jumper. Fifth ride in the race for Irish jockey, who was eighth in last year's edition on Raz De Maree. Odds: 80-1 Rating: 7/10 Trainer: Peter Fahey IRE Jockey: Robbie Power Weight: 8 10-03 Form: 3-8256 Rarely mentioned by pundits, and under the radar. Good second in Troytown Chase at Navan in November, which often features decent Grand National contenders. Jockey comes from a showjumping family and won the big race in 2007 with Silver Birch. Whether he will be following up here is another matter.

Odds: 66-1 Rating: 6/10 Trainer: Richard Chotard FR Jockey: David Cottin Weight: 12 10-03 Form: U58P14 Only French-trained runner in the 2015 National. Has clocked up plenty of prize money in his homeland but seeking to win over nearly four-and-a-half miles having never scored beyond two and three-quarter miles. If you pick this one in the sweepstake, feel free to have another go, although you never know. Odds: 250-1 Rating: 4/10 36 COURT BY SURPRISE (IRE) Trainer: Emma Lavelle Jockey: Richie McLernon Weight: 10 10-03 Form: 265-11 Won at Exeter and was then awarded Wincanton race when 'winner' found to be ineligible to take part. Could feature off low weight if keeps jumping in order. Jockey is the rider who has come closest to winning, without actually managing it - beaten the shortest distance possible, a nose, on Sunnyhillboy three years ago.

Odds: 40-1 Rating: 6/10 Trainer: Fergal O'Brien Jockey: Paul Moloney Weight: 10 10-03 Form: 51P4-5 Finished fourth in the 2014 race to continue a remarkable run for jockey, who has been placed in last six renewals on horses owned by William and Angela Rucker. Alvarado's only run since Aintree saw him finish fifth in a veterans' handicap chase at Doncaster in February. Known as Alvin to his pals. Place possibilities. Odds: 25-1 Rating: 7/10 Trainer: David Pipe Jockey: Tom Scudamore Weight: 10 10-02 Form: 50-P11 Sneaking in on a low weight for the shrewd trainer who triumphed in 2008 with Comply Or Die. His father Martin trained Miinnehoma, owned by comic Freddie Starr, to land the race 21 years ago. Soll was seventh in the 2013 race, and horses have gone on to win after being beaten but completing the course.

Minor ground concern, but big box ticker otherwise. Odds: 20-1 Rating: 9/10 Trainer: Charlie Longsdon Jockey: Jonathan Burke Weight: 10 10-02 Form: 0115-P It has paid to respect horses with the lowest weights in the last two runnings of the race since changes to the fences have made them easier to negotiate. But experience of steeplechasing remains important and this one has just four outings over fences. Came back from injury over hurdles at Wetherby in January, but was pulled up. Odds: 125-1 Rating: 5/10 Trainer: Dr Richard Newland Jockey: Brendan Powell Weight: 9 10-02 Form: 113635 Second runner in this year's race for trainer, who also saddles the 2014 winner Pineau De Re and has just 12 horses in his yard at any one time. Carries nearly a stone less than his stablemate and assistant trainer believes may have the better chance.

Jockey is son of trainer by same name, who triumphed as a rider on Rhyme 'N' Reason in 1988. Odds: 25-1 Rating: 8/10 Odds shown are the best available with the major bookmakers as of 1030 BST on Saturday. Listen to BBC Radio 5 live horse racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght and lead commentator John Hunt's pinstickers' guide to the Grand National. Share this page Evan Williams thrilled as Cappa Bleu is second in Grand National - BBC Sport BBC Sport Evan Williams thrilled as Cappa Bleu is second in Grand National 7 Apr 2013 Read more about sharing. Vale of Glamorgan trainer Evan Williams was thrilled after Cappa Bleu took second place in the Grand National. It's the fifth year running that Williams has had a horse placed in the National, and he says he's determined to go one better. "I'll get there one day, I'll get there one day," he told BBC Radio Wales Sport. Another Welsh-trained horse, Rebecca Curtis' Teaforthree, took third place behind 66/1 winner Auroras Encore.

Williams confirmed that he wanted to enter Cappa Bleu again next year. Evan Williams' National record 2009: State of Play - 4th 2010: State of Play - 3rd 2011: State of Play - 4th 2012: Cappa Bleu - 4th 2013: Cappa Bleu - 2nd And in spite of once again coming so close to winning the world's most famous steeplechase, the trainer was far from disappointed. "How can I be anything but happy," he said. "Of course winning is important, of course winning is what we're here for. I can't knock the horse or jockey. We finished second and I'm very proud of that. "The problem is I'm getting closer. But I'll get there one day, I'll get there one day." Williams laughed at the suggestion he could become known as the most successful Grand National trainer never to win the race. "It's not a record you want to have is it? But come on, I'm delighted," he enthused. "I'm more than happy, over the moon not just for myself but for the sport in general.

There's no doubt the sport is bigger than Evan Williams and the sport's the winner today that's the main thing. "I'll do all I can to win it. I'll probably be bankrupt, old ,grey and in a gnarly old mess if I do win it, but I've got to nail it. "That's what sport's all about you know you've got to have that ambition and this is my ambition. Everybody knows it." After a series of well-publicised horse deaths in recent years, all 40 starters came home safely. "Jockeys home safe, horses home safe. The result then is the right result for racing," said Williams. Share this page Grand National: Runners And Riders To Watch Weather Grand National: Runners And Riders To Watch Sky's Nick Powell looks at the runners and riders tipped for success at Aintree, in horse racing's biggest event of the year. 22:08, UK, Thursday 04 April 2013 Follow Nick It's been widely billed as the most important Grand National in recent history. Changes have been made to the famous fences after four horses died in the last two years.

Strident voices are demanding more and critics are waiting to pounce if anything goes wrong this time. It could also be an historic day, if Katie Walsh is the first woman to ride the National winner. But for most watching, the biggest question is: who should I back? Here's a bit of help. :: On His Own - Long-time favourite for dual Grand National winning jockey Ruby Walsh. Trainer Willie Mullins has also won the race before. Unluckily hampered and fell last year. Still a bit short on experience and price may well get longer: tempting each-way if it reaches double figures. Video: Second Horse Dies Ahead Of National :: Colbert Station - 17 times champion jockey Tony McCoy seemed to find the choice between this and last year's runner-up Sunnyhillboy more agonising than most of his falls. Bookies reacted by cutting his price. Also only nine and inexperienced. Three wins in a row but gut feeling says he won't see this out. :: Seabass - Can the fairytale come true for Katie Walsh? This pair were third last year - the best ever finish for a female jockey.

Trained by father Ted (the Grand National always did deliver storylines like TV drama), Seabass could be nose-to-nose with On His Own in a sister versus brother battle. :: Chicago Grey - Much fancied by some good judges. Brought down at the fifth in 2011. Jumping now improved, stable is flying, jockey and trainer have both won the National before. Tempting. :: Teaforthree - 30 years after Jenny Pitman became the first woman to train the winner, it would be just like the National to throw up another female triumph for Pembrokeshire-based Rebecca Curtis. Like many of us, Teaforthree likes his own bed so is coming up on the day to try to be the first Welsh winner since 1905. :: Imperial Commander - 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner attempting to become the first horse since L'Escargot in the 1970s to win this as well. Impossible to ignore, top weight and an injury-troubled year are negatives but ... very classy. :: Sunnyhillboy - Will Tony McCoy regret opting to ride Colbert Station instead of last year's narrowly beaten runner-up?

Not impossible, despite 10lb more to carry this time. You know he gets round, you know he stays the trip - and remember, McCoy lingered long over his choice. :: Ballabriggs - Would be a sixth winner for the McCains. Donald McCain, son of Red Rum legend Ginger, saddled this horse to win two years ago. But history massively against a repeat. Guess how many races the last 10 National winners have won between them after their Aintree big day? None. File under 'amazing but true'. :: Harry The Viking - One of two for Sir Alex Ferguson, who is due to come to watch. What A Friend has more weight than form now, but Harry The Viking will like this ground. An outsider - but just a chance Fergie can start a celebration involving more than a small bottle of his beloved red wine. :: Always Waining - Another outsider but loves Aintree and has won the Topham Chase over the National fences the last three years. That's much shorter, but he must have a chance if he stays the extra distance. Here's the bit I hate - where you pin me down and demand an actual 1-2-3-4. Deep breath ...

Chicago Grey, On His Own, Imperial Commander, Seabass. Others to consider: Cappa Bleu (fourth last year), Balthazar King and Rare Bob. And for the greedy amongst you, bigger-priced each-way chances include Quel Esprit, Lost Glory and, possibly at three-figure prices, Tarquinius and Major Malarkey. I mentioned Mon Mome in this category in 2009. It won at 100-1, so you never know. Top Stories 4 Grand National Favourites Who Could Rule Aintree 4 Grand National Favourites Who Could Rule Aintree /in Betting Guide /by Stephen Boardman Now that the velvet curtain has been drawn back at the BHA offices, revealing the hard work of chief handicapper Phil Smith, the market for this years Grand National is starting to have more of a solid feel to it. With a little under two months remaining until the race itself, here are my thoughts about the first four currently at the top of the betting: The Rebecca Curtis trained giant of a gelding finished a gallant third in the 2013 renewal of the Grand National and thoroughly deserves another crack at winning the great race.

He’s without a win since he landed the four mile chase at the Cheltenham Festival two years ago but he’s put up some brave efforts in defeat. Plus, the way he took to the fences last year was very pleasing if you’re in his camp again this time around. He was bold, brave and had a beautiful rhythm over the two circuits of the track. He’s been given a chance to shine once again this year as the handicapper has dropped his rating from 151 to 149, meaning he will race off 2lbs lower than he did in 2013. The quicker ground, that seems to be the norm at Aintree these days, suits him well and he’s coming to the boil nicely having run an excellent race at Ascot on Saturday to finish second in a handicap chase there. The fact he was tipped up by the Racing Post’s Pricewise last week has meant his price has collapsed. But with everything in his favour, you can see why. He should be thereabouts on the day given a clear round. Tidal Bay is an old warrior of a horse and one whose powers don’t seem to be diminishing with age.

He’s a three time Grade One winner and has shown on more than one occasion his ability to fly home at the death of races. This would suggest that the marathon trip at Aintree shouldn’t be a problem for him. He’s competed in the race once before back in 2011, but he never made it around that day as he unseated his jockey. He’s back to try again though, now as a teenager. While it’s always going to be tough for a horse his age to win, he’s been given a chance at the weights as he’ll be running off a handicap rating which is 7lbs below his normal BHA rating. If he can stay in contention as they head out into the country for the second circuit of the National, then you’d have to fear him. Looking at all the factors you’d say it’s going to be very difficult for him to come home ahead of everything else on the day, but it wouldn’t be a massive shock if he did, given the way he’s been running of late in top class races such as the Welsh National and the Lexus Chase.

A horse that has been handled very well by his trainer Michael Scudamore this season, with the Grand National having been the aim all along. A winner of the Welsh National last season (in which he beat Teaforthree into second, albeit they’ll be much closer at the weights at Aintree) he’s had just the three starts so far this term, culminating in a victory at Cheltenham in a Grade Three chase during December. He’s been kept off the track since then, specifically to protect his rating with the National in mind. Having been due to run at Haydock on Saturday, he had to miss the race due to a dirty scope. Connections are now looking at Doncaster on March 1st as his next port of call leading up to Aintree. His jumping style had been a slight issue last year but he’s been receiving some help in that department this year from former Eventing world champion Zara Tindall , her husband Mike being a part owner of Monbeg Dude. He’s also a winner on good, soft and heavy ground, showing he’s versatile regarding the going. It’s hard to knock his Aintree credentials, especially if his prep race goes to plan.

A horse that’s been competing in all of the top chases for the past three seasons. He’s usually as consistent as they come. He’s landed two King George’s, one Cheltenham Gold Cup and has been placed in those races a further three times. It’s unusual for a horse of his calibre not to be the top weight in the National. He hasn’t raced with the same gusto this year and has maybe lost some of his old spark for the very top of the game, but he’s dangerous to ignore back in a handicap race like the National. A recent win at Kelso will have boosted his confidence again and one would think that connections will wrap him up now and keep him fresh for the first weekend in April. He hasn’t run over marathon trips before, but there’s confidence behind him being able to handle it and in Sam Waley-Cohen he has a pilot who excels over the spruce fences that Aintree serves up. Long Run’s ability and class are hard to ignore and there might just be a touch of value about his current odds.

[author title=”Post By…” author_id=”16″] Welsh National Preview & Betting Tips | Chepstow | Horse Racing Welsh National Preview: 14/1 Point taken Posted on December 27, 2013 by Fiora. The Welsh National has attracted a top class field of staying chasers looking to stake their claims for the £100,000 prizemoney on offer (2.35pm, Saturday, Chepstow). We haven’t seen Rebecca Curtis’ (pictured) Teaforthree (20/1) since he won a similar amount in the Grand National at Aintree in April. He was third by nine lengths to Sue Smith’s Auroras Encore. He came a close second to Michael Scudamore’s Monbeg Dude in this race last year under AP McCoy when carrying over a stone more than him. It was his third run of the season and he is likely to encounter heavy ground again this year. Whilst locally trained and with obvious credentials, this is a massive ask first time out. Rather than the champion jockey, Patrick Corbett will be on board, taking a valuable 5lbs off his back.

It is difficult to see him winning but we can expect a solid effort. Gary Moore’s nine-year-old Well Refreshed has been laid out for this race and is the 8/1 joint favourite. In February he won the Betfred Grand National Trial at Haydock over three and a half miles. He beat Venetia Williams’ Rigadin De Beauchene by 10 lengths. It was his third consecutive win in handicap chases but he pulled up two months later when starting off an 11lb higher mark. He began this season by coming second last in an inadequately short three mile handicap chase at Cheltenham in October. He followed up earlier this month in the London National at Sandown over three miles five furlongs. He finished two lengths behind Paul Nicholls’ There’s No Panic in third on good ground that was probably on the fast side for him. Joshua Moore takes the ride and has a good chance of emulating his brother Jamie’s recent successes with Sire De Grugy. Equally fancied is Tom Dreaper’s Goonyella (9/1). This Irish-bred six-year-old son of Presenting has proved that he can plough through mud for three miles six furlongs.

He did exactly that to win a chase on heavy ground at Punchestown in April, beating Willie Mullins’ Vesper Bell by the shortest of margins. That was off a mark of 127. He came a creditable second over two miles six furlongs in a handicap chase at the end of October at Galway. Most recently he finished fifth by seven lengths to John Berry’s Cootamundra in the three mile Troytown Handicap Chase in November. Now rated 138, he will need to be progressive to feature off this mark. This will be his first trip across the Irish Sea. Only two six-year-olds have won this race since 1980, Paul Nicholls’ L’Aventure in 2005 and Alan King’s Halcon Genelardais in 2006. It is no coincidence that they are both French-breds and that the ground was no more testing that soft. Emma Lavelle’s seven-year-old Highland Lodge (10/1) has also attracted strong support. He put in an impressive performance on heavy ground at Cheltenham in December last year, winning a three mile one furlong novices’ chase.

He beat David Pipe’s Our Father by 22 lengths. He ran well but didn’t quite get the trip when tried over four miles at the Festival, finishing a distant sixth more than 40 lengths behind Willie Mullins’ Back In Focus. He has put in two good runs this season, most recently finishing fourth by 13 lengths to Nicky Henderson’s Triolo D’Alene in the Hennessy, having weakening after the last fence. The stable are in good form and he looks to have a serious chance of taking the top honours having proved he can perform off his current mark of 143. A horse fancied for similar reasons is Jonjo O’Neill’s Merry King (11/1). He finished four and a half lengths behind Highland Lodge in the Hennessy but was staying on rather than weakening in the closing stages. Previously he came second in the United House Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Ascot in early November, six lengths behind Venetia Williams’ Houblon Des Obeaux. The Hennessy winner was three lengths behind him. He looks likely to relish this test of stamina and has form on heavy ground.

A six-year-old son of Old Vic, he may not be French-bred but he looks likely to feature here. A heavy ground specialist worth looking at closely is Paul Nicholls’ Hawkes Point (14/1). This eight-year-old son of Kayf Tara might well have needed the run in his opening effort this season. He finished fourth by six lengths to Philip Hobbs’ De La Bech at this course on December 7 when giving weight to all who preceded him in a three mile handicap chase on heavy. He runs off the same mark here. Last season he won and came second at Exeter on heavy ground in three mile chases but found the four mile National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival a bridge too far and pulled up. Ryan Mahon takes the ride. He has to be one for the shortlist. Nicholls’ stable jockey Daryl Jacob takes the mount on board the veteran and topweight Tidal Bay (10/1). Jacob could not do the 10 stone that stablemate Hawkes Point carries so the riding arrangements were dictated by the weights.

No horse over 10 years old has succeeded in this race since 1976 but 12-year-old Tidal Bay is a class act, capable of producing extraordinary performances when the mood takes him. He did not enjoy the scorching pace of the Betfair Chase won by Cue Card at Haydock. He finished 30 lengths behind him in fifth. But he proved that he retains his ability on his seasonal debut, winning the Grade 2 Bet365 Hurdle over three miles one furlong at Wetherby earlier in the month. He beat Alan King’s Medinas by a length. Jacob has only ridden him once before. They romped to victory by 15 lengths in the three mile five furlong Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown in April despite carrying top weight. You cannot rule out his chances of doing the same again, especially on his favoured testing going. The Grand National winning trainer, Sue Smith, sends out another interesting son of Presenting, the seven-year-old Vintage Star (14/1). He scored on his seasonal debut at Carlisle at the beginning of November, confirming his ability to perform on very testing ground over three miles one furlong.

He beat David Pipe’s Buddy Bolero by a neck. He followed up by coming second at Newcastle, losing out to Colin Tizzard’s Hey Big Spender by a neck on good ground. He looks to be well handicapped as his mark of 137 is unchanged and he ought to put in a good performance. Welsh National Betting Tips Advice Favourites do not have a great record in the Welsh National. Only one has succeeded in the past ten years but the betting market is usually not far wrong. Horses close to the top of it generally come in. Gary Moore’s Well Refreshed looks to have the strongest claims of the three market leaders but does not provide much value in this type of contest. Teaforthree represents Wales and local trainer Rebecca Curtis has expressed a personal ambition to win this race. Both in-form Nicholls’ horses make stronger appeal and it is hard to put anyone off the veteran Tidal Bay. But our pick has to be his stablemate HAWKES POINT, the heavy ground specialist, each-way at a current best price of 14/1 with Bet365 , BetVictor or race sponsors Coral Bookmaker .

Question: Horse racing - Welsh trainer Rebecca Curtis trained which horse to come third in the 2013 Grand National ?
Answer: TEAFORTHREE