This week’s big Grand National 2022 market moves have been in favour of Snow Leopardess and Delta Work, one of eight runners for record-seeking Gordon Elliott.
Top two will continue to be backed
Steve Ryder said: “I do feel they (Snow Leopardess and Delta Work) will continue to be backed by the public. A lot of the build-up will highlight the fact a grey mare who has already given birth holds a strong chance in the race and Delta Work will continue to be portrayed as the pantomime villain for defeating Tiger Roll at the Cheltenham Festival.
“Personally, I prefer the chances of last year’s third ANY SECOND NOW (best price 10/1) towards the top of the market but you will find out my selections later this week!”
Architect Tips said about Snow Leopardess: “The Becher Chase heroine has received significant support and the reasoning behind this move is not just the fact that she handles the course, but it’s also because a lot of punters and fans have latched onto her remarkable backstory, as she had a foal during a two-year break from racing.
“Should Charlie Longsdon’s grey mare justify the gamble, she would make history by becoming the first mother to win it and also become the first mare to triumph in the £1 million contest since 1951, which is remarkable. Her success would ultimately prove costly for the bookmakers who are fearing her day-by-day as the race fast approaches with her price shortening all the time.”
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On Delta Work, he added: “While his stablemate and two-time winner of this is enjoying retirement, Delta Work will be looking to follow in his footsteps. However, will the excursions of that event at Cheltenham take its toll? He’s not always been the most fluent of jumpers either and this course will put pressure on him from flag-fall. Jack Kennedy is expected to continue his association with him.”
Picking up on jockey bookings for Elliott’s other runners, Architect said: “Most seem to have been arranged with Jordan Gainford due to ride Death Duty and Davy Russell set for Run Wild Fred. While McNeill family's retained rider Adrian Heskin will be on Escaria Ten, Sean Bowen is set to partner Samcro and finally Sean Flanagan will get the leg up on Coko Beach.”
Too many runners for Gordon Elliott?
A popular debate on social media in the build-up to this year’s Grand National, also featured in our build-up blog, centres around Elliott's intention to saddle eight horses – six of those from the Gigginstown House Stud.
Ryder said: “From a racing perspective I think it is much better having higher quality horses run in the race than no-hopers from small stables. His representatives this year, Death Duty apart, are all in the top 20 best horses (according to ratings) in the race and they all deserve the chance to run.”
Architect agreed: “I personally have no issue with Gordon Elliott having multiple runners in the field, likewise to any other trainers/owners as long as it’s not all of them, then that’s a different matter! Finally, should Gordon win the prestigious race again, he would join legendary Ginger McCain as the most successful trainer in the history of the great race with four winners too.”
Can last year’s winner pull off mission impossible?
Architect Tips wrote: “Minella Times was an impressive winner 12 months ago, completing a terrific season for jockey Rachael Blackmore, who became the first female to triumph in the showpiece. While he’s not been remotely competitive in two starts this season, he is going to be popular amongst punters. That said, his task this time round looks far more difficult as he’s set to carry top-weight.
“He needs to put aside two disappointing efforts this term but that’s possible, especially with how well he took to the course last year. He is probably one to hit the frame and will be popular on the day from an each-way point of view but to win this back-to-back, I think his task is on the verge of impossible, though you can never discount a previous winner.”
