Saturday will see some of lasts month’s Cheltenham success stories turn there heads to Aintree and the Randox Heath Grand National. At 5:15 on Saturday afternoon the biggest horse race in the world will be watched by over 10 million people, with huge amounts of money being wagered up and down the country.
The Cheltenham Festival is now in the rear-view mirror, but jockeys and trainers are sure to be eyeing success in the biggest race in the National Hunt calendar. With five winners of 100-1 or more in the last century the Grand National remains anyone’s race but form is always crucial, with Cheltenham just a month ago there may be some key tips to be taken from here.
ParkLife Sport assessed the chances of the Cheltenham Festival runners in the 4 mile slog that is deemed “the ultimate test of horse and jockey”.
TIGER ROLL (12/1)
With two successes at the Cheltenham Festival already for the 8-year-old and the Gordon Elliot yard in scintillating form Tiger Roll is sure to go close. He won extremely well in the Glenfarclas Chase, finishing extremely strongly on the soft ground. Tiger Roll definitely favours the soft ground and Elliot and co will be doing a rain dance on Friday night to ensure his horse has the best chance of winning the race the Irish trainer last won in 2007.
Parklife Sport rating: 5/5
SHANTOU FLYER (33-1)
Ran exceptionally well when second to Coo Star Sivola in the Ultima Handicap Chase on day one of The Festival. Has prior Grand National experience when pulled up last April when hampered but travelled extremely well in the heavy conditions at Cheltenham. Like Tiger Roll he is sure to be there or thereabouts if the rain comes his way and with a slice of luck could give young jockey James Bowen another success in his breakout season.
Parklife Sport rating: 3/5
VICENTE (20-1)
The 9-year-old was disappointing at the Festival being pulled up as the pace increased. The Paul Nicholls trained horse also has Grand National previous having fallen at the first 12 months ago. A promising showing did however follow at Ayr with Vicente winning well in a field of 30. If this sort of form can be recaptured then an each way bet could look a very smart move.
Parklife SportĀ rating: 2/5
MINELLA ROCCO (14-1)
While slated to run in this years Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup Minella Rocco was a late withdrawal with the Grand National in mind. The Jonjo O’Neil trained 8-year-old will carry top weight at Aintree but should have no issues with the trip having won the 4m Novice National Hunt Chase back in 2016. Minella Rocco leads the charge for the Irish and is sure to be a contender should he lineup to start on Saturday evening with field still needing to be cut down significantly.
ParkLife SportĀ rating: 4/5
All odds accurate from www.paddypower.com at time of writing.