past winners

grand national 2010 / entries /

Twiston-Davies Highlights Raptor National Chance
02/04/10

Trainer of the moment Nigel Twiston-Davies still has seven of the 75 entries for the John Smith's Grand National but seems to be inclined to favour last year's Topham Chase hero Irish Raptor as his most likely winner from the septet, writes Elliot Slater.

Irish Raptor
© racing-images.co.uk

Twiston-Davies, who saddled Imperial Commander to land the Cheltenham Gold Cup a couple of weeks, the first leg of a famous hat-trick of winners at the track that day, told At The Races that he believes he has the horse back to his best and over some niggling problems of earlier in the season. This could make him one of the best horse racing tips for the national.

The Naunton-based trainer knows exactly what is required to win the world's greatest steeplechase, having triumphed in 1998 with Earth Summit and again in 2002 with Bindaree. Irish Raptor hasn't been seen in public since December when, following an early exit in the Becher Chase, he put in a below-par effort in finishing down the field at Sandown in the London National Chase.

The winner of seven of his 37 career starts clearly has what it takes to figure on April 10th, having proved himself over the National fences last year, being blessed with plenty of stamina and his trainer has highlighted his chance amongst his battalion of runners.

Other likely runners from the Twiston-Davies yard include Ballyfitz, veteran Ollie Magern, Beat The Boys, Hello Bud and Knowhere. Those who deal in horse tips will be keeping a close eye on the yard.

All connected with Irish Raptor will be keeping a close eye on the weather at Aintree as the 11-year-old is clearly a better horse when racing on a decent surface. Should the ground come up very soft or even heavy then that would certainly dent the confidence being expressed in the Zaffaran gelding who is currently a 40/1 chance with most firms for the big race.