You can always tell when it’s the Grand National. The bookies are packed with people who haven’t the clue how to place a bet. That’s one of the reasons why this is such a special race. April 9th might see people making either their first ever bet or the only one they’ll make all year.
There always seems to be some special story surrounding this race. This year could see Rachael Blackmore become the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National in the same year.
2021 saw the Grand National won by Minella Times, ridden by Blackmore. After winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup this year on A Plus Tard, Blackmore now goes for this historic double. If Minella Times is to win a second Grand National, his form has to show significant improvement.
Two races since his Aintree triumph by six-and-a-half lengths has seen this Henry de Bromhead trained runner put in two poor displays. December 2021 saw Minella Times fall at Punchestown and in February of this year, was pulled up at Leopardstown.
Last year saw Minella Times carry 10st 3lbs to victory. This weekend, he has 11st 9lbs and that is another reason why you can get 12/1 at Betfair on another Aintree win.
There’s no Tiger Roll this year but perhaps a Leopardess might win? The current favourite to win the Grand National is the Charlie Longsden trained Snow Leopardess. Should you consider taking the 8/1 at William Hill? This contender is chasing a four-timer and the last win was in a Listed race at Exeter in February. That was over three miles, can Snow Leopardess win over four miles and two furlongs?
A win for Snow Leopardess would produce a great National story. She’d be the first mare to win in 61 years and once had 794 days between races due to a leg injury. She’s also the first mother to run in the National, having given birth in 2019. With a win over the National fences in the Becher Chase this season, that’s a plus. But will Snow Leopardess last out four miles and two furlongs? If she does, what a story to tell her daughter Red Panda.
Knowing that a horse will see out the marathon distance is always a bonus. Any Second Now was third in the 2021 Grand National. A closer finish might have been possible, but this runner had problems in running. Current form is good and the 9/1 at BetVictor looks a good each-way bet.
Delta Work is a class horse and won the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham. You can back this runner at 9/1 at Coral but again the distance is a worry.
Available at 14/1 with Paddy Power, Enjoy D’Allen is a good each-way bet. His trainer is Ciaran Murphy who used to be a carpenter. He used those skills to build a fence like the ones seen at Aintree.
Freewheeling Dylan was 150/1 when winning the 2021 Irish National. Form has dipped since, but the word is this runner hates the soft ground subsequent races have been held on. At 50/1 with Bet365 and good to soft ground at present, this could be a good each-way selection.
Who’s going to win? Any Second Now and Enjoy D’Allen look the two to put on your betting slip for the 2022 Grand National.
