Betting odds are strange creatures and never is this more so than in the Grand National, the race in which everyone in the UK and their grannies bet a couple of bob on the world famous steeplechase. For many weeks now, the punters have been aiming for Jonjo O’Neill’s Cloth Cap and in fairness this is the horse most likely to win given that he ticks all the boxes. In reality, the chances are that he likely won’t.
Overnight odds of around 11/2 suggest that he has an excellent chance of finishing behind any of the other 39 runners, however there are numerous positives going for him, not least his age, recent form, weight and connections. That said, any horse can get into trouble along the Grand National circuit and he is – as with all others – subject to the vagaries of chance.
He will be up against opponents who have had training regimes squarely focused on 5:15 this afternoon for the last twelve months, or more. They have been pointed at contests such as the Newbury Ladbrokes Trophy – in which Cloth Cap impressed – back in November and in many cases their tests have been over hurdles as opposed to fences. These are the horses whose odds may somewhat underestimate the chances they have in the big race this afternoon.
On the basis of the above, it is perhaps wise to consider options other than Cloth Cap at the current meagre odds, and Rachael Blackmore-ridden Minella Times whose slim odds are a reflection of her Cheltenham festival exploits last month as opposed to the horse’s actual form. Kimberlite Candy may not like the ground this afternoon and as such, the main focus should perhaps be on Burrows Saint and Any Second Now.
Both have been preparing purely for the Grand National in recent months by handlers who know exactly what it takes to win the race. Following his win in the Irish National back in 2019, Burrows Saint was always going to be an Aintree horse, however while both Burrows Saint and Any Second Now are currently similar odds (at time of writing), the latter is a marginal preference as far as we’re concerned. He hasn’t yet been tested at this trip although to be fair he has hinted that he could be up for the challenge. He stayed well all the way at Cheltenham in 2019 but still had plenty of speed to triumph in a Grade Two over a two-mile trip last month. At a price of around 10/1 at time of writing, he is top of our list.
Ab obvious candidate to chase him home is Burrows Saint while the likes of Acapella Bourgeois and Mister Malarky – both around 25/1 – appeal as types which might well make the frame at decent odds.
