Sunday, May 20th, 2012
The Grand National Odds are showing a strong move for last year’s winner Don’t Push It as the great race finally arrives.
For the latest Grand National odds click here
There’s a full field of 40 runners, but the drying ground helps narrow down the genuine contenders for victory.
For more Grand National odds and bets click here
9/1 Don’t Push It, 10/1 The Midnight Club, 11/1 What a Friend, 12/1 Oscar Time, Backstage, Silver by Nature, 14/1 Ballabriggs, Big Fella Thanks, 16/1 Quinz, 20/1 Bar
There are several things to look at when trying to dig out a National winner, and we can use some factors to discount a few of the leading contenders. Don’t Push It has moved into favourite on the weight of Tony McCoy based money, but his form is not that appealing to justify favouritism, and it takes a very, very, special horse to win this with top weight. What a Friend is trying to follow up a very hard Gold Cup run by winning here – and it’s a big ask for a horse to peak twice so soon, even though he is well handicapped. The ground seem to rule out Silver by Nature and inexperience Quinz.
So which of the leading contenders do we stil have? The Midnight Club has been trained for the race by Willie Mullins and the Irish have a good record. Backstage has been running in point to points to get fit which is yet another unusul preparation by his trainer Gordon Elliott, while Ballabriggs was beaten in his last outing at Kelso and Big Fella Thanks struggled to stay the course last time. Oscar Time also looks sound but was beaten by The Midnight Club.
It leaves us with Niche Market as a good value selection. He won the Irish Grand National, and has had an operation since his bad run last year to improve his breathing. He looks fairly treated in the handicap and is a decent price.
Our each way bet is Skipper’s Brig, who beat the much shorter price Ballabriggs at Kelso. He’d like a little rain, but can put up a decent show with a light weight.
We’ll be backing Niche Market at 20/1 with Betfred – and Skippers Brig at 33/1 with Betfred – use our links and take advantage of Betfred’s free bet offer of up to £50!