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2022 Grand National: The Aintree outsiders

All eyes will be on Aintree on Saturday for the 2022 running of the Grand National.

It’s one of the most popular betting events on the sporting calendar, and with 40 horses running, it’s also not the easiest to pick the winner.

And in recent years, some big-priced runners have won the National, including Mon Mome at 100/1 in 2009 and Auroras Encore at 66/1 in 2013.

So we’ve picked out four horses that are outsiders in the Grand National betting but who could well outrun their large odds.

Cloth Cap – 25/1

Turn back the clock 12 months, and Cloth Cap was sent off the 11/2 favourite for the 2021 Grand National, but he heads to Aintree this year at current odds of 25/1.

He was pulled up last year having made a respiratory noise, and there was something amiss with him, and he has since had a breathing operation.

There’s a reason for his hefty price this year on the back of four runs this season with no victories, but if he could bounce back to his best form, he could go very close.

He was well-handicapped last year and is now 4lbs lower, and the Grand National has been the aim this season, and it wouldn’t be the biggest shock if he was in contention as they head for home on Saturday.

Good Boy Bobby – 40/1

Nigel Twiston-Davies has trained the winner of the Grand National twice, and he has high hopes for Good Boy Bobby in this year’s race.

He landed a Listed race at Wetherby before putting in a superb effort when placing 2nd behind Aye Right in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle.

Victory came once more at Wetherby on Boxing Day, highlighting his potential liking for energy-sapping conditions.

He then disappointed at Kempton, but he holds an excellent chance if you put a line through that run.

Most recent Grand Nationals have been won by horses tackling the famous fences for the first time, and Good Boy Bobby ticks that box also – 40/1 looks a big price currently.

Dingo Dollar – 66/1

Having made the move to trainer Sandy Thomson in 2020, Dingo Dollar thrived last season,

culminating in a gallant 2nd place in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr.

He’s had three starts this season and is yet to get his head in front, but the return to the marathon distance of a National is a massive plus for Dingo Dollar.

He was 2nd at Ayr from a mark of 145 and will run on Saturday, inarguably a tougher race, of 148, but he can’t be discounted entirely – watch him staying on late when others have cried enough.

Brahma Bull – 66/1

Trainer Willie Mullins landed the Grand National in 2005 with Hedgehunter, and he’ll be hoping for a strong showing from all his runners this year.

One horse that catches the eye at a big price is Brahma Bull, who Bryan Cooper will ride.

He’s shown excellent form in handicap chases over the past two seasons, including winning the Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase at last year’s Punchestown Festival.

Yes, he’s struggled for form since then and was last seen when unseating his rider in the Cross County Chase at last month’s Cheltenham Festival.

A return to the typical style of chasing here is a plus, and he seems to thrive in the hustle and bustle of a large field which he will get on Saturday.

 

 

 

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