Racing

Five Horses to Watch in the Grand National

My Grand National Shortlist

With the Grand National almost upon us, I have put together my current shortlist of five.

Grangeclare West

Perhaps an unlucky loser in the race last year, and could make amends this time, having only gone up 3lb. The 10-year-old has been on my radar for this event ever since his eye-catching run in Liverpool last season. He will come into this year’s edition on the back of an emphatic success in the Bobbyjo Chase and that race is normally a good guide for Aintree.

The fact that he was still doing all of his best work late on after a bad mistake at the last fence when making ground last year was a testament to his stamina and class. If he can avoid any late errors this time, then I see no reason why Willie Mullins’ charge can’t put up another bold showing with a repeat display. I think he’s a major player for the top honours.

Jagwar

Connections of JAGWAR rate him higher than Iroko, who finished fourth in last year’s race, and that must mean the seven-year-old has a leading chance.

He’s been rock-solid over fences and has placed on all three starts at Cheltenham this season. His latest second in the Ultima was another sterling effort in defeat and I still recognise him as being well handicapped.

He is mostly a sound jumper and surely has more to come given he’s still young. This race could be the making of him and he undoubtedly appreciated the step up in distance last time out.

Therefore, this extra yardage could yield further progress, so if he takes to the course, I can definitely see him running well in the green and gold. One to consider.

Johnnywho

JOHNNYWHO was given a peach of a ride by Richie McLernon to collect the Ultima Handicap Chase last time out, beating Jagwar, and I have no doubt he’s a dangerous proposition for Aintree’s feature.

He jumps well, stays all day, and has the right sort of profile. He could only finish fifth in the Grand Sefton back in November but he will have learned a lot and has definitely improved since.

That was also his first start of the season, so it’s possible fitness rather than stamina was the issue. On the back of what was a career-best performance at Cheltenham, the nine-year-old has to enter the reckoning.

Stellar Story

Gordon Elliott’s STELLAR STORY is another one that could exceed market expectations. This horse would prefer a softer surface but he did finish second in last season’s Brown Advisory at Cheltenham and had beaten The Jukebox Man in the Albert Bartlett a year earlier.

That is top-class form given what the runner-up has gone on to achieve since. The Cheltenham Festival winner has placed in many other Grade 1’s and will improve from his latest encouraging third in the Bobbyjo Chase behind Grangeclare West.

He can make the odd mistake but he’s an old-fashioned stamp of a chaser and might just be the type to act around this venue. I think he’s very well handicapped and will have a low weight to carry, so at massive odds, don’t be surprised to see him competitive. There’s no doubting his ability.

Nick Rockett

Last year’s winner NICK ROCKETT does seem a bit overpriced. I liked his latest comeback third at Down Royal and the way he jumped, travelled and battled to victory in this race twelve months ago suggests another bold bid is firmly on the cards.

In addition, he’s not that much higher in the handicap and his whole campaign has been built around a potential repeat success. If he can turn in a similar display to last year, then it’s going to be hard to keep him out of the frame. I think his odds will shorten.