mid-division, headway 5 out, effort after 3 out, weakened next
held up in touch, hampered 9th (Valentines) soon lost place, tailed off when pulled up before 22nd (Bechers)
held up in touch, pushed along 4 out, ridden next, gradually weakened
towards rear, not fluent, refused 7th (Foinavon)
towards rear, headway halfway, in touch, weakened after 4 out, blundered 2 out, soon pulled up
towards rear, struggling halfway pulled up before 19th
towards rear, reminders 23rd (Foinavon), some headway under pressure approaching 2 out, no impression
towards rear, blundered and unseated rider 19th
in touch, fell 9th (Valentines)
started slowly, always well behind, refused 15th (Chair)
chased leaders to 6th, losing place when blundered and unseated rider 8th (Canal Turn)
towards rear, some headway halfway, weakened 23rd (foinavon)
fell 1st
soon towards rear, pulled up before 22nd (Bechers)
in touch, fell 25th (Valentines)
chased leaders, led approaching 17th until 18th, remained prominent, hampered 22nd (Bechers) blundered and unseated rider 24th (Canal Turn)
towards rear, never dangerous
towards rear, blundered badly 11th, hit 15th (Chair), never dangerous
mid-division, blundered and unseated rider 6th (Bechers)
towards rear, struggling halfway, tailed off and pulled up before 4 out
mid-division, fell 8th (Canal Turn)
held up in touch, headway 24th (Canal Turn) led 26th, mistake and headed last, kept on
chased leaders early, behind when pulled up before 14th
tracked leaders, led 18th, fell 22nd (Bechers)
held up in touch, pushed along and slightly outpaced 24th (Canal Turn), rallied briefly after 3 out, no extra from last
mid-division, weakened halfway pulled up before 2 out
towards rear, fell 22nd (Bechers)
towards rear, struggling halfway, tailed off when pulled up before 22nd (Bechers)
tracked leaders, hit 20th, left in lead 22nd (Bechers), headed 26th, remained chasing leaders, effort approaching 2 out, faded flat
held up in touch, headway 26th (Canal Turn), led last, ridden out
towards rear, headway 20th, chasing leaders 4 out, effort after next, one pace flat
towards rear, never dangerous
led to 5th, remained prominent, losing place when blundered unseated rider 19th
unseated rider 1st
towards rear, headway 20th, chased leaders 3 out, soon pushed along, ridden before next, edged right and stayed on strongly flat to take 2nd near finish
prominent, led 5th to 17th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before 23rd
towards rear, fell 6th (Bechers)
chased leaders, weakened 22nd (Bechers), tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
in touch, reminders and lost place 12th, weakened halfway, tailed off when pulled up before 20th
chased leaders until blundered and unseated rider (Bechers)
From a short listed containing Hedgehunter, Monkerhostin, Point Barrow, Simon and Liberthine, we will side with Hedgehunter once again in the John Smith's Grand National. Hedgehunter won this race in 2005 from a mark of 144 but was second to Numbersixvalverde from a mark of 156 (which is two pounds lower than today's mark) in last year's running of the race. Given that he is now nine pounds better off for six lengths with Martin Brassil's runner, he can go well again at a venue he clearly loves. The drying ground is a possible concern for last year's winner. Eurotrek, who is probably better on going with ease in it, is not seen very often but he is very good indeed when he does run, as evidenced by his eight lengths win from Bewleys Berry (who is now six pounds better off and has to be considered today on the quicker going) in the Becher Chase over today's fences in November. The Cheltenham Gold Cup fourth and seventh, Monkerhostin and L'Ami add a further touch of class to proceedings and are very much respected, while Thisthatandtother has proven consistent over the last three seasons and has certainly dropped to a reasonable mark if anywhere near his best. Sir Trevor Hemmings owns Hedgehunter and he also owns the lightly-raced eight-year-olds Billyvoddan and Idle Talk. Both hold chances and the latter has already been placed in the Scottish National. Royal Auclair was second in the 2005 National from a six-pounds higher mark but recent efforts need to be improved upon, while the 2006 Irish Grand National winner Point Barrow has attracted plenty of favourable mentions in the build up to Aintree, and we add our voice to those and he can go well. That said, Homer Wells is better off at the weights for having beaten him in the Bobbyjo Chase in February, although that race was run on heavy going. The Racing Post Chase winner, Simon, comes here as another lightly-raced improving eight-year-old and he gets a favourable mention, while Clan Royal, who was second in the 2004 National and third in 2005, is weighted to go well if anywhere near his best. Others to get a mention from us are Gallant Approach, whose trainer has had near misses with Mely Moss in the recent past, last year's National third and seventh, Dun Doire and Joe's Edge, who comes here on the back of a Cheltenham Festival win, and last season's Topham winner Liberthine, who has been targeted at this race. It all adds up to a wonderful renewal of the great race, in which our selection is Hedgehunter.
Hedgehunter (IRE) 10-1 (11-2) Rear of mid-division, poor 12th from 7 out, kept on without threatening from next, 9th of 16, 30l behind Wishwillow Lord (11-2) at Limerick 2m hdl 0-123 gs.
Eurotrek (IRE) 25-1 (11-7) Prominent, ridden and blundered 2 out, led approaching last, stayed on strongly, won at Aintree 3m 2f lst hcp chs (1) gd in Nov beating Bewleys Berry (11-3) by 8l, 21 ran.
L'ami (FR) 16-1 (11-10) Mid-division, ridden and one paced when hit 3 out, no chance after, 7th of 18, 13l behind Kauto Star (11-10) at Cheltenham 3m 2f chs Grd 1 (1) gs in Mar.
Monkerhostin (FR) 25-1 (11-10) Held up in mid-division, blundered 17th, still plenty to do approaching 2 out, stayed on run in, not reached leaders, 4th of 18, 10l behind Kauto Star (11-10) at Cheltenham 3m 2f chs Grd 1 (1) gs in Mar.
Thisthatandtother (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Mistake 1st, close up, left 4th 4 out, effort approaching 2 out, soon one pace, 7th of 9, 12l behind Taranis (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 5f chs Grd 2 (1) gs in Mar.
Billyvoddan (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Hit 1st, chased leader 3rd until after 12th, left 3rd and hampered 4 out, soon ridden, stayed on run-in, 3rd of 9, 3/4l behind Taranis (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 5f chs Grd 2 (1) gs in Mar.
Numbersixvalverde (IRE) 7-2 (11-3) Held up, last before 3 out, ridden from 2 out, stayed on well from last, 4th of 7, 5l behind Homer Wells (11-3) at Fairyhouse 3m 1f chs Grd 2 (1) hvy in Feb.
Idle Talk (IRE) 50-1 (11-10) Disputing lead, until bumped and unseated rider 5th unseated rider in race won by Kauto Star (11-10) at Cheltenham 3m 2f chs Grd 1 (1) gs in Mar, 18 ran.
Royal Auclair (FR) 10-1 (11-5) Tracked leader, led 23rd until blundered next, stayed prominent, until weakened 4 out, 6th of 16, 37l behind Heads Onthe Ground (10-2) at Cheltenham 3m 7f crs cty hcp chs (2) sft in Mar.
Cloudy Bays (IRE) 14-1 (10-4) Led until fell in race won by Oscar Park (10-9) at Cheltenham 3m lst hcp hdl (1) gs in Mar, 24 ran.
Knowhere (IRE) 28-1 (11-4) Mistakes, chased leaders, lost place 8th, hampered 9th, behind from 4 out, 12th of 17, 37l behind Denman (11-4) at Cheltenham 3m nov chs Grd 1 (1) gs in Mar.
Kelami (FR) (10-3) Held up, headway 3 out, stayed on well, 2nd of 12, 8l behind Or Noir De Somoza (10-10) at Auteuil 2m 5f Grp 3 (1) gs in Mar.
Point Barrow (IRE) 10-1 (11-5) Held up, moderate 10th 2 out, stayed on well on inner from next, 3rd of 22, 10l behind Kenilworth (9-13) at Navan 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-123 hvy in Mar.
Celtic Son (FR) 8-1 (11-5) In rear, well behind when driven and blundered 11th, tailed off when pulled up in race won by Simon (11-5) at Kempton 3m hcp chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Feb, 10 ran.
Simon 11-2 (11-5) Held up in mid-division, steady headway from 8th, went 2nd 11th, challenging when not much room approaching 3 out, led 2 out, stayed on strongly, won at Kempton 3m hcp chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Feb beating Cornish Sett (11-7) by 10l, 10 ran.
Ballycassidy (IRE) 50-1 (11-2) Towards rear on outside, mistake 12th, behind after, 17th of 23, well behind Joes Edge (10-6) at Cheltenham 3m hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gs in Mar.
Clan Royal (FR) 25-1 (11-2) Always behind, tailed off and pulled up at the 11th in race won by Billyvoddan (10-12) at Ascot 3m lst hcp chs (1) gs in Dec, 18 ran.
Gallant Approach (IRE) 20-1 (11-3) Chased leaders, blundered 4 out, soon ridden, beaten when hampered 2 out, weakened after, 7th of 23, 17l behind Joes Edge (10-6) at Cheltenham 3m hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gs in Mar.
Livingstonebramble (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Mid-division, not fluent 10th, behind from 12th, 16th of 23, 28l behind Idole First (10-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gs in Mar.
Dun Doire (IRE) Evensfav (11-0) Held up in rear, closer in 4th half-way, hampered 8 out, left 3rd, improved to 2nd before 5 out, mistake 4 out, led before 2 out, asserted before last, tired run-in, kept on, won at Down Royal 3m 2f chs gs in Mar beating Romaha (11-0).
Kandjar d'Allier (FR) 16-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, effort approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 11th of 16, well behind Heltornic (10-0) at Haydock 3m 4f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) hvy in Feb.
Slim Pickings (IRE) 33-1 (10-11) Mid-division, hit 5th, headway 10th, going well 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on flat, 5th of 23, 6l behind Idole First (10-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gs in Mar.
Zabenz (NZ) 16-1 (10-13) Chased leaders, led 15th until 17th, soon ridden, no chance with winner from 2 out, 2nd of 18, 12l behind Billyvoddan (10-12) at Ascot 3m lst hcp chs (1) gs in Dec.
Bewleys Berry (IRE) 11-1 (11-1) Mid-division, headway 9th, hit next, led 15th, soon headed, hit 4 out, weakened approaching last, 9th of 16, 48l behind Heltornic (10-0) at Haydock 3m 4f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) hvy in Feb.
Longshanks 9-1 (11-12) Led 4th to 7th, led 9th to 11th, led and hit 2 out, drew clear from last, won at Newbury 2m 6f hcp chs 0-130 (3) hvy in Nov beating Schuh Shine (11-12) by 11l, 8 ran.
Bothar Na (IRE) 25-1 (10-13) Behind, blundered 9th, tailed off 16th and pulled up 5 out in race won by State of Play (11-4) at Newbury 3m 2f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Nov, 16 ran.
Graphic Approach (IRE) 16-1 (10-9) Mid-division, hit 1st and 5th, blundered and unseated rider in race won by Idole First (10-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gs in Mar, 23 ran.
Homer Wells (IRE) 9-2 (11-3) Tracked leaders, 3rd 5 out, ridden to dispute lead from 2 out, kept on well from last, led close home, won at Fairyhouse 3m 1f chs Grd 2 (1) hvy in Feb beating Jack High (11-3) by 2l, 7 ran.
Liberthine (FR) 9-1 (11-8) Held up towards rear, some headway 3 out, never in contention, 9th of 24, 22l behind Cloudy Lane (10-11) at Cheltenham 3m amt hcp chs 0-140 (2) gs in Mar.
Silver Birch (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Mid-division, headway, went 2nd at 27th, chased winner approaching last, kept on as winner idled flat, 2nd of 16, 3 1/2l behind Heads Onthe Ground (10-2) at Cheltenham 3m 7f crs cty hcp chs (2) sft in Mar.
Philson Run (IRE) 33-1 (10-13) Held up in rear, struggling 7th, closing and 5 lengths off the pace when mistake 2 out, soon weakened, 8th of 16, 34l behind Heltornic (10-0) at Haydock 3m 4f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) hvy in Feb.
Puntal (FR) 33-1 (10-13) Led to 3rd, led 4th to 9th, soon ridden, lost place 11, soon in rear, tailed off when pulled up before 18th pulled up in race won by Baron Windrush (10-9) at Uttoxeter 4m 1f lst hcp chs (1) sft in Mar, 18 ran.
The Outlier (IRE) 20-1 (11-1) Chased leaders, blundered 14th, weakened 19th, tailed off when pulled up in race won by Baron Windrush (10-9) at Uttoxeter 4m 1f lst hcp chs (1) sft in Mar, 18 ran.
Tikram 9-1 (10-8) Always towards rear, 12th of 23, 18l behind Idole First (10-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gs in Mar.
Mckelvey (IRE) 13-2 (11-5) In touch, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, kept on to lead towards finish, won at Bangor 3m hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gd in Mar beating Lyes Green (11-4) by a nk, 16 ran.
Naunton Brook 33-1 (11-6) Towards rear, tailed off 12th, pulled up before 3 out pulled up in race won by Cloudy Lane (10-11) at Cheltenham 3m amt hcp chs 0-140 (2) gs in Mar, 24 ran.
Jack High (IRE) 9-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, improved into 2nd before 3 out, disputed lead from 2 out, brought to stands' side after last, headed and no extra close home, 2nd of 7, 2l behind Homer Wells (11-3) at Fairyhouse 3m 1f chs Grd 2 (1) hvy in Feb.
Sonevafushi (FR) 16-1 (12-0) Prominent, led 5th until 12th, pressed leaders, ridden after 17th, gradually faded from 3 out, 9th of 24, 36l behind Drombeag (12-0) at Cheltenham 3m 2f hts chs (2) gs in Mar.
Joes Edge (IRE) 50-1 (10-6) Held up, headway on inside approaching 3 out, went 3rd after 2 out, driven and still 4 lengths down last, strong run final 100 yards to lead post, won at Cheltenham 3m hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gs in Mar beating Juveigneur (11-9) by a shd, 23 ran.
Le Duc (FR) 8-1 (10-10) Chased leaders in 3rd, led 27th, driven, headed well before last, no impression when lost 2nd approaching last, 3rd of 16, 16l behind Heads Onthe Ground (10-2) at Cheltenham 3m 7f crs cty hcp chs (2) sft in Mar.
