grand national 2013 /

Big Guns Stand Their Ground for John Smith’s Grand National
31/01/13

All the big guns were present amongst the list of 84 horses declared for the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree on April 6, including a number of race specialists, some popular old-timers, and a smattering of exciting up-and-coming stayingchasers.

Set to be run over 110 yards less than has previously been the case with the run to the first obstacle reduced in the hope of the field taking less of a charge at the first line of fences, this year’s renewal boasts prize money of £975,000 and could well have a massive bearing on the fate of the National Hunt trainers’ championship with title holder Paul Nicholls having a possible four runnerswhile his arch-rival Nicky Henderson is set to saddle just one.

Tidal Bay
© Racehorse Photos

Tidal Bay (25/1 for those looking at the bet365 horse racing betting offers), whose return to the top of the racing tree has been little short of Lazarus-like under Nicholls’ guidance, could well top the weights after returning to the Grade 1 winners enclosure with a last-gasp success in Ireland in December when cutting down Flemenstar  and First Lieutenant to win the Lexus Chase. Nicholls has also entered the quirky What A Friend (50/1), Join Together (20/1), narrowly beaten by Hello Bud in a memorable renewal of the Becher Chase at Aintree in December, and Harry The Viking (33/1).

For his part, Henderson relies solely on Roberto Goldback in ‘the world’s greatest steeplechase’, the classy ex-Irish chaser having found a new lease of life since joining the yard earlier this season from Dessie Hughes, winning the Grade 2 United House Gold Cup at Ascot on his first start for the Seven Barrows trainer before tipping up at Newbury when in touch and going nicely at the 13th fence in the Hennessy Gold Cup in November, delighting those listening on the bet365 racing commentaries.

Third last time out to Wyck Hill under a big weight at Wincanton, Roberto Goldback (33/1) looks the type to go well in the big race but Nicholls does appear to have more going for him than Henderson at this stage of proceedings.

The 16/1 ante-post favourites, On His Own and Prince de Beauchene, both represent champion Irish trainer Willie Mullins and both run (like Tidal Bay) in the colours of leading owners Andrea and Graham Wylie. Mullins has a total of seven current Grand National entries contributing significantly to a strong total Irish entry of 32, which includes last year’s third Seabass, who gave Katie Walsh such a great ride and provided her with the best ever finish by a female jockey.