Aintree and the Grand National.

[Doobs]

Just a quick one.  Have bet Bravemansgame in the National.  Would have mentioned it earlier, but took forever to get the money down.  Got a bit on Betfair at 60s and 65s win only and e/w at 50s with a bookie (Hills still have that for people who aren't me).

I know he is a dodgy starter in this, but think a lot of his issues have been trying to run the finish out of absolutely top class horses from the front.

He has a top jockey booking, and missed Cheltenham for specifically this.  Looking at some of the other horses, you'd think a few of them carrying half a stone more would still struggle to beat him off levels in a normal staying chase even if his form has tailed off.   

This is very much a bet on he is better than a stone off his peak (was probably still a 170 horse last year).  I think the non stayer bit is probably overstated a bit.  Non stayers, don't really run 2nd in a Gold Cup and think he can chill a bit at the slower pace.  Think the break is a positive with him, as he is solid enough first time out.  Some classy horses seemingly never get dropped in the weights much, but think he has run good with the handicapper.

And feck it, got 65/1 on the horse that was classiest of the lot in his time.  Don't really see much between him and Hewick who is now near favourite (10/1 right now) and carries 7lb more.

If he gets pulled up half way round, so be it.

[tikay]

Hint taken, on at 50/1 EW (1/5, 5 places), NRNB.

Thanks David.

[Doobs]

Dodgy stayer I meant, think he is very likely to start.

[typhoon13]

Good Luck

[alanc]

Missed the price. 40s now.

[vegaslover]

50/1 each way still available at 888

[Doobs]

50/1 each way still available at 888

I can see it on Hills too.  I can't promise they will take it. 

[Karabiner]

There's a member at Wollaton Park where I play golf called Pete Hyland and I mentioned to him that there's a horse with the same name running in The National.

He told me that he got married in 1969 and had a coincidence bet on Highland Wedding which won the GN that year.

I reckon that makes Hyland a solid bet for this year's race

[Doobs]

Bravemansgame is pretty friendless, so now 80/1 on Betfair.  Ruby Walsh gave it a bit of a chance, but not really seen anyone else go for it.  Obviously put a bit more on in the circumstances.  Had a save on Iroko, if people want something shorter.

[doubleup]

good sweat for a long way - seemed to drop out v quickly.

[Doobs]

good sweat for a long way - seemed to drop out v quickly.

Jumped a bit high.  Definitely a big sweat, but didn't get the last half mile.  Think he could probably still win over 3 miles on this weight.  Could probably have done with less watering, but disappointment would probably have been bigger? 

Much rather than that than some of the shorter horses tootling round the back and pulling up after a circuit.  Iroko was 4th.

[tikay]

We had a fun run there David. Was going nicely until it got squeezed at the 2nd or 3rd last & that's when he seemed to empty.

Enjoyed the sweat, thanks.