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Will Kandoo Kid hand Paul Nicholls his second Grand National win?
As the 2025 Grand National approaches, Kandoo Kid, trained by the esteemed Paul Nicholls, has emerged as a notable contender.
With current odds of 25/1, a rating of 152, and assigned a weight of 10st 11lbs, Kandoo Kid presents an intriguing prospect for both punters and racing enthusiasts. We look at Kandoo Kid’s recent form, evaluates his suitability for the Grand National, and examines Paul Nicholls’ historical performance in this prestigious race.
Kandoo Kid’s Recent Form
Kandoo Kid, a nine-year-old grey gelding, has demonstrated commendable performances in the National Hunt circuit.His career statistics reveal 15 runs, yielding 4 wins, 4 second-place finishes, and 3 third-place finishes, reflecting a win rate of approximately 27%.
A pivotal moment in Kandoo Kid’s career was his victory in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury on 30th November 2024.This triumph was particularly significant for trainer Paul Nicholls, marking his fourth win in this esteemed event. Nicholls lauded the performance, stating, “He’s a proper horse and I’d say he’s one for the Grand National.”
However, in his subsequent outing on 1st March 2025 at Newbury, Kandoo Kid finished 8th out of 14 runners in the BetVictor Greatwood Gold Cup Handicap Chase over a distance of 2 miles 3 furlongs 187 yards on soft ground. Despite being ridden by stable jockey Harry Cobden, he was beaten by 20.5 lengths.
Assessing Kandoo Kid’s Grand National Prospects
The Grand National is renowned for its demanding course, featuring 30 fences over a distance of 4 miles 2½ furlongs. Success in this race necessitates exceptional stamina, jumping prowess, and tactical acumen. Evaluating Kandoo Kid’s attributes in this context:
- Stamina: His victory in the Coral Gold Cup, a race over 3 miles 1 furlong 214 yards, suggests a capacity for extended distances. However, the Grand National’s additional mile presents an uncharted challenge.
- Jumping Ability: Throughout his career, Kandoo Kid has exhibited reliable jumping skills, a crucial asset given the unique and formidable fences at Aintree.
- Handicap Considerations: With a rating of 152 and carrying 10st 11lbs, he is positioned favorably within the handicap framework. Historically, horses carrying weights in this range have performed admirably in the Grand National.
Paul Nicholls’ Grand National Record
Paul Nicholls, an iconic figure in National Hunt racing, has achieved remarkable success, including:
- Four Cheltenham Gold Cups: Showcasing his ability to prepare horses for premier events.
- Thirteen King George VI Chase victories: Highlighting consistent excellence at the highest level.
Despite these accolades, the Grand National has largely eluded him, with his sole victory coming in 2012 with Neptune Collonges. This win was particularly memorable, as it was the closest finish in the race’s storied history.
Nicholls’ overall record in the Grand National includes several attempts with horses that, while talented, were unable to conquer Aintree’s unique challenges. This underscores the race’s unpredictability and the myriad factors influencing its outcome.
Conclusion
Kandoo Kid’s credentials position him as a credible contender for the 2025 Grand National. His proven stamina, consistent jumping, and advantageous handicap mark align with the attributes of past winners. Under the guidance of Paul Nicholls, a trainer with a distinguished career and a previous Grand National triumph, Kandoo Kid’s prospects are further bolstered.
However, the Grand National’s inherent unpredictability means that even the most prepared horses face uncertainties.Factors such as race-day conditions, in-race incidents, and the sheer competitiveness of the field play pivotal roles.Enthusiasts and punters alike will keenly observe Kandoo Kid’s final preparations, hopeful that he can etch his name into Aintree folklore and deliver Nicholls his long-awaited second Grand National victory.
