Delta Work the One to Beat in Grand National Friday 25th March 2022

After beating Tiger Roll in the Cross Country Chase, Delta Work was the villain of the week at the Cheltenham Festival. The Irish horse spoilt the party as many were hoping to see the three-time winner of the race prevail on his last career start.

The role could be switched at Aintree, as Delta Work is likely to be cheered over the line this time in the Grand National. He goes into the world’s most famous steeplechase with an excellent chance of success.

Delta Work is now 11/1 in the latest Grand National odds. It will be his first attempt at the bigger fences around the Grand National course, but it is a challenge he may relish in Liverpool.

It was not long ago that the nine-year-old was contesting Grade One races. He finished fifth in the 2020 Cheltenham Gold Cup, while earlier in the campaign, he came home down the field in the Savills Chase and Irish Gold Cup.

Gordon Elliott’s runner will need to carry one of the highest weight allocations in the Grand National this year. After the latest round of scratchings, he is now third in the list. He will have 11st 8lb on his back. Only Chris’s Dream and Minella Times will have more weight.

Stamina Unlikely to Be a Problem for Cheltenham Winner

The way Delta Work was staying on at the back end of the Cross Country Chase suggests he will appreciate the step up 4m2½f in the Grand National. He powered home up the hill at the end of the 3m6f on testing ground for the day two contest at the Cheltenham Festival.

At this stage of his career, the marathon trips may be where he now produces his best performances. With 16 starts over fences to his name, he will be one of the horses in the field who lacks experience.

Delta Work will not mind what type of ground ends up at Aintree for the most lucrative National Hunt race in the sport. His latest success came on ‘Heavy’ ground, but he has had wins on ‘Good’ and also ‘Soft’ going.

Elliott Bidding for Fourth Grand National Win

Elliott has won the Grand National four times. Victory with Delta Work will ensure he matches the record of wins in the race by a trainer. George Dockeray, Fred Rimell and Ginger McCain all have four wins each.

The Irishman first prevailed in the Grand National in 2007 when Silver Birch scored at odds of 33/1. It was his first-ever entry into the Aintree feature. He then had to wait 11 years for his second win, with the great Tiger Roll.

In 2019, Tiger Roll became the first horse since Red Rum in 1974 to defend his crown. It was a huge achievement from Elliott to get the talented chaser back to Aintree in great shape. 

Elliott is set to have more entries than any other trainer in the race this year. His best chance of walking into the winner’s enclosure will be with Delta Work. It will take a big performance for a horse to bear the Cross Country Chase winner.