towards rear, fell 1st
held up mid-division, mistake and unseated rider 6th (Becher's Brook)
mid-division, headway and in touch 26th, ridden and effort after 3 out, one pace
held up towards rear, good headway 26th, ridden after 3 out, challenge next, led last, headed and no extra towards finish
mid-division until blundered and unseated rider 20th
held up mid-division, headway and in touch 24th (Canal Turn), disputing 4th when hampered and fell 4 out
held up in touch, headway and close 2nd when blundered and unseated rider 14th
in touch, headway 20th, close 3rd when fell 4 out
mid-division when fell 1st
mid-division, dropped rear 17th, behind when fell 22nd (Becher's Brook)
mid-division when fell 1st
mid-division, dropped rear 12th, outpaced from halfway
held up towards rear, blundered 3rd, soon behind, never dangerous
mid-division, headway and in touch 20th, ridden 26th, weakened next
always behind, fell 20th
held up in touch, headway 22nd (Becher's Brook), ridden and effort 3 out, one pace from next
led after 1st, mistake 10th, clear 15th (The Chair), mistake 20th, headed approaching 22nd (Becher's Brook), weakening when fell 24th (Canal Turn)
led until fell 1st
in touch, hampered and dropped rear 1st, behind when blundered and unseated rider 5th
mid-division, headway 17th, close up 20th, led approaching 22nd (Becher's Brook), ridden 2 out, headed last, switched left and rallied at the elbow, led towards finish, stayed on well
tracked leaders, losing chance when blundered 23rd (Foinavon), no danger after
in touch, hmpd and brought down 1st
held up in touch, dropped rear 24th (Canal Turn), soon ridden, behind when fell 2 out, remounted
towards rear, blundered badly and unseated rider 7th (Foinavon)
mistake 1st and lost bridle, soon lost touch, tailed off when pulled up before 9th (Valentine's Brook)
mid-division, dropped rear 12th, tailed off when pulled up before 17th
held up towards rear until fell 4th
in touch, hampered and brought down 1st
held up towards rear, fell 4th
held up towards rear, lost touch 17th, blundered next, tailed off when pulled up before 20th
held up towards rear, outpaced from halfway
held up mid-division, ridden 26th, struggling when badly hampered and unseated rider 4 out
mid-division, headway and in touch 24th (Canal Turn), mistake next (Valentine's Brook), ridden 5 out, beaten when hampered and unseated rider 4 out
behind from halfway, tailed off when pulled up before 24th (Canal Turn)
close up when fell 1st
tracked leader, ridden and lost place 24th (Canal Turn), weakened 3 out
Marlborough (IRE) Although the ground has turned in his favour, the fact that only Ryme 'N' Reason in 1988 has carried more than 11st to victory since 1984, says that Marlborough is anchored by his weight and cannot win. However, he is undoubtedly a top-class individual and he should give a good account of himself for a long way if he has shaken off the effects of his outing in the Gold Cup. But he has endured a restricted campaign after being operated on for a trapped epiglottis earlier in the year, and this will be only his sixth outing since he failed to stay the distance behind Paris Pike in the Scottish Grand National in April 2000.
Alexander Banquet (IRE) He has bags of stamina and the class to go close but the drying ground is a big hindrance to his chance. His style of jumping is also open to question when it comes to the larger obstacles and a similar error to the one that stopped him in his tracks at third-last in the Gold Cup, make him a slightly chancy betting proposition here.
Kingsmark (IRE) Paying the price for his consistency and needs soft going to be seen at his best, although he won the Edward Hanmer chase at Haydock for the second time on good ground last November. Set to race from a 7lb higher mark here, he has it all to do at the weights and will have to put in a career best effort. He goes well fresh and has clocked good time figures in the past - albeit over a three miles trip, and he is another who adds to the caliber of a classic renewal on paper
What's Up Boys (IRE) Another who has the ability to go close if he takes to the course and warrants a second look in the betting. Although he raced at the rear of the field for most of the way in the Gold Cup last time, he stayed on to good effect in the closing stages and his proximity to Best Mate reads well in light of Florida Pearl's performance in the Martell Cup on Thursday. The booking of Richard Johnson is an obvious plus and he could go well if he does not become too detached in the early stages. On the negative side, he has not been the totally consistent this season, as illustrated by his below par jumping in the Welsh National from a 3lb lower mark last December.
Lyreen Wonder Best on a left-handed course and boasts a 1 in 3 strike-rate from his 21 appearances in Ireland. However, he was raised 8lb following his three-length defeat of Pillar Chase winner Rince Ri, at Leopardstown in January, before finding the burden too tough to overcome behind Moscow Express at Gowran Park in his last outing. A little to prove today and others look to be better treated, although his trainer thinks he is one to watch with an eye to the future.
Ad Hoc (IRE) Lightly raced this season and put in his best performance of the campaign so far when finishing third behind Frenchman's Creek at Cheltenham last month; despite racing off a mark 13lb higher than when he won the Whitbread Gold Cup at Sandown last year. Although that race has been won by some enigmatic characters in recent years, (Call It A Day and Eulogy excepted), he has a touch of class and seems to get better the further he travels. He had winning form on ground ranging from good to firm right through to soft ground, as a Novice so the going should not be a problem if his jumping holds together. Strong support in the ante post market suggests he will take all the beating as he races off the same mark as did for his Cheltenham Festival outing. However, this is his first attempt at truly marathon trip.
Beau (IRE) The Handicapper hit him hard after his searing victory in the 2000 renewal of the Whitbread, but he seemed to be reveling in his pace-making role when he carried top weight in this race last year. A fact upheld by his rider, Carl Llewellyn who seemed convinced the blunder that unseated him at the 20th fence robbed him of another winning ride in the National. A final-fence error was also responsible for him going down by a neck behind Hati Roy in Intervet Trophy on his reappearance at Cheltenham last November, but it was a similarly gallant weight carrying performance. He hails from a stable that is hitting form just at the right time and it is worth bearing in mind that Beau has been campaigned with this race in mind all season. The support in the ante post market this week is not without foundation ; one for the shortlist.
Davids Lad (IRE) Consistent Irish raider who has won 10 of his 35 starts so far, including a very gutsy display to fend off Rathbawn Prince by a length-and-a-half to win the 2001 Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse. The ground should pose little problem for him and the booking of Timmy Murphy by his shrewd trainer is also a big plus. The Irishman has won four times aboard the gelding and he should make a bold bid to go one better than his second place in the saddle on Smarty last year. As with many the trip is something of a step into the unknown but if he is still there on the final circuit, the eight-year-old's game attitude to racing should be enough to see him complete the course at least. Good chance, however the fact that he has been kept in isolation to avoid a bug that has been affecting his stablemates is a slight worry.
Paris Pike (IRE) Yet to recapture the progressive form that saw him lead a useful field home in the 2000 Scottish National at Ayr, before an adverse reaction to surgery on a minor tendon injury forced him to be sidelined for the whole of last season. He posted his best effort since his return to racing in the Aon Chase in February and everything now seems to falling into place for him. His trainer has been patient with him and he could well be rewarded if the 10-year-old can return to something like his best.
Majed (FR) Progressive over hurdles last season but he lacks experience over fences and cannot be a serious consideration in the context of this race; even though he was placed over the larger obstacles in France.
Inn At The Top Smart at best and has some decent form in the book, but he showed precious little on his sole start this term and it would take an act of faith to give him any real support.
Streamstown (IRE) Had his ideal conditions when ploughing through the mud in the Singer & Friedlander at Uttoxeter, but was never really traveling in the Midlands National next time and was pulled up. Likely to struggle again on ground firmer than ideal.
You're Agoodun Traveled well in the Welsh National until his stamina limitations were exposed inside the last five furlongs, where he weakened quickly out of contention. There are prizes to be won with him but he appears to at his best when fresh at a trip of around three miles.
Royal Predica (FR) Far from disgraced at Cheltenham last time and has been lightly campaigned this season. He does look overpriced on bits of his form, even though there has to be a doubt about him reversing the form with Ad Hoc. Stakes would be best kept to a minimum if you are brave enough to forward his chance.
Manx Magic (USA) Best when able to dominate and is unlikely to be able to have that luxury today, he also found four miles beyond him at the Cheltenham Festival and will probably do so again here.
Blowing Wind (FR) Went into last season's race with an unconvincing profile with regard to his stamina, but was traveling well until he was carried out by a loose horse at the 19th fence. Remounted by McCoy and eventually finished a very remote third. He looked to be still feeling the effects of his exertions in his first two outings at the start of this season, but he bounced back to form to get the better of Lady Cricket in the Mildmay Of Flete over two and a half miles at the Festival last month. He doesn't take much readying in between races and is well handicapped but he still has questions to answer about his ability to stay this trip in very different conditions to those of last year.
The Last Fling (IRE) Admirably game, but he seems to reserve his best for Haydock and although he finished seventh in the 2000 renewal of the National, he got no further than the fifth fence here last year. He also unshipped Seamus Durack in the Becher Chase last November and remains a risky betting proposition over these fences.
Wicked Crack (IRE) She put in a fair effort behind Arctic Camper in the John Hughes Rehearsal Chase at Chepstow last December, and even though she is 5lb lower here, her efforts since then have been too disappointing to warrant a recommendation.
Frantic Tan (IRE) Another lightly raced Twiston-Davies runner who despite failing to complete in two of his three outings this term, is capable on his day. He does need soft ground though, and will need the heavens to open if he is to have a realistic chance. His victory in last season's De Vere Gold Cup at Haydock seems a long time ago now.
Super Franky (IRE) Fair effort in finishing as runner up to Foxchapel King on yielding ground at Limerick last October but has been a shade in and out since then. Difficult to see him being the standard bearer for Ireland with Davids Lad in the field and is an outside chance at best.
Bindaree (IRE) Like his stablemate Beau, his ante post price was brought in on the back of the yard's recent results. However, the fact that all his best form has come with plenty of juice in the ground has to be a major concern. That said he is a largely consistent animal and he should not be found wanting for stamina over this marathon distance. His effort in finishing a close third to Legal Right in the Tommy Whittle Chase at Haydock last December proved he is a force to be reckoned with when he has his ground. But he seems to have an each way chance at best in the absence of a significant downpour.
Celibate (IRE) Admirable veteran who is taking a marked step up in trip. He owes nobody anything but he will need all his determination and a lot of luck if he is to complete the course.
Struggles Glory (IRE) Won over three miles at Wincanton in January and does not have too many miles on the clock for an eleven-year-old. He should be able to get the trip and he is one of the more lively outsiders who may be worth a small stakes each way bet.
Mely Moss (FR) Makes his now annual pilgrimage to Aintree and will be seeking to at least emulate his effort in finishing as runner up to Papillon in 2000. Didn't get the rub of the green last season and was brought down at the eighth fence. He is difficult to assess but it is interesting that Norman Williamson has kept faith with him.
Gun'n Roses II (FR) Seems best at around two-and-a-half miles and is another who will find life tough against some of these dour stayers.
Smarty (IRE) Needs little introduction after his game effort behind Red Marauder last year but he is deserted by Timmy Murphy this time around. However, course experience is a very valuable tool in this race and Smarty confirmed his liking for the National fences when finishing two lengths behind Amberleigh House in the Becher Chase. There could well be some each way value in his price.
Murt's Man (IRE) Won a four-runner event at Chepstow last time and is highly thought of by his stable. He does have a tendency to jump out to the right though, and any weakness' in his jumping will be cruelly exposed here. Unlucky when the jockey was knocked out of the saddle in the Scottish National last year but he was a major disappointment at Newcastle in his only other previous try at a marathon trip. However, his yard is in-form and he is entitled to respect as an outside chance.
Niki Dee (IRE) Not seen in public since he was pulled up in the Heineken Gold Cup at Puchestown in May 2000, but he had finished third behind Papillon here in his prior outing to that. His trainer has been more than patient with him and even now he will not risk him unless he 100% certain of his chance of getting round in one piece.
Goguenard (FR) Failed to impress this term and his victory at Sandown last back-end has never been close to being added to. But he did go well in the John Hughes Chase here over 18 of the National fences last April, so he could well give a good account of himself, even though his recent form suggests that he is unlikely to figure prominently at the finish.
Logician (NZ) Front -runner who has been tried over a variety of distances this season with little in the way of reward. Stepping up drastically in trip after a modest show in the Grand Annual Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last month and the best his connections can seem to hope for is a clear round.
Samuel Wilderspin Enjoying a fine run of form this season and is still well treated even though he is set to race from 5lb out of the Handicap. He has stamina to burn and his jumping has been a solid factor throughout his career. He is worth an interest in the market, though any rain would help his cause.
Ackzo Although he has not won since claiming a comfortable victory in the 2000 Midlands National at Uttoxeter, there have been excuses for him and good ground seems to be the key. He is a dour stayer and attacks his fences with a relish when he is on song. The conditions have turned in his favour and he could well surprise a few at a decent price, if he can put a below par effort last time behind him.
Red Ark There was talk of him going for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at one point, so there has to be a stamina query; but he is a versatile performer who has some course experience at least. Hails from the same stable as last year's winner Red Marauder but it would be a major feat if he could spring another shock-win.
Birkdale (IRE) Very genuine front-runner who stays all day on a soft surface. He should be able to hold his own for a long way and could be better than his bare form suggests. A bit of a minus point is his lack of gears and he would need a lot of rain for his stamina to come into play.
Spot Thedifference (IRE) Hard to fancy if his effort when finishing tailed off at Punchestown last month is anything to go by. He did finished eighth in the 2000 Fox Hunters' Chase though, but that effort is probably as good as he is.
Djeddah (FR) Ended a two-year losing run at Ascot last November but he remains to be something of an enigma. The drying ground should be much to his liking but the fact that he tried to refuse and unseated his rider at the eighth fence here last year is off-putting. That said he did manage a clear round when finishing ninth behind Papillon the previous year, so there could be some value in backing him to complete the course.
Inis Cara (IRE) Had decent form in Ireland prior to being transferred to Venetia Williams' yard before last year¿s race. He was the subject of a morning gamble and those who got their fingers burnt when he fell at the fourth will be in no rush to dive in again. Two outings this term have been uninspiring and others look to be stronger selections.
Iris Bleu (FR) Consistent performer over a variety of distances this season but he is likely to find a few too good, even if he does manage to negotiate a clear round
Carryonharry (IRE) Overcame a double penalty in good style at Exeter last December, but he was then let down by his jumping at Cheltenham last time. He got away with it there due to some McCoy magic but he is unlikely to be so fortunate if he makes similar mistakes here.
Supreme Charm (IRE) Given his connections plenty of fun this season and has run with credit in the face of some stiff tasks of late. He can produce a decent turn of foot when he has to and seems to rise to the challenge when tackling something different. However, he only just scraped into the race and is 1lb higher than when he unseated Robert Thornton at the 15th fence last year.
