Architect Tips previews the Oddschecker Grand National Trial at Haydock and provides his tips for the race.
Oddschecker Grand National Trial
Haydock’s Grand National Trial Day promises an exciting seven-race card, headlined by the Oddschecker Grand National Trial at 15:15.
This contest spans 3 miles and 4½ furlongs, challenging runners with 22 fences and offering a massive £150,000 prize pot.
True to its name, the race serves as a vital stepping stone for contenders aiming for glory in the iconic Aintree Grand National.
Grand National Trial Runners Guide
(1) Royale Pagaille
Five-time course winner, which includes two Betfair Chase and two Peter Marsh Chase wins. The 11-year-old is the classiest in the field but did turn in a stinking performance when attempting to win the Peter Marsh for a third time last time out when pulled up and would ideally prefer softer ground.
Sean Bowen is an eye-catching jockey booking, and Venetia Williams has a good record in this race, but even that powerful combination might not be enough to see this veteran bounce back to his brilliant best. Vulnerable.
(2) Fontaine Collonges
Stablemate of Royale Pagaille and enhanced her fine record when fresh when scoring on her return here in November. That being said, she ran poorly when pulled up in the Welsh National when last seen and will not only need a big turnaround in form, but also a personal best if she’s to get competitive.
(3) Yeah Man
Won this contest twelve months ago off an 11lb lower mark. He has run well in both starts this season and will be suited to the return to this longer distance but only one horse has won this race back-to-back in its history, so he has a much tougher task on his hands this time round.
(4) Galia Des Liteaux
Likeable sort for the Skelton’s and has posted several good efforts in staying handicaps, including when fifth in the Welsh National last time out despite not being at her best.
Her mark is on the slide and she can compete off a mark of 140 for the first time in the handicapping scenario, which is 6lb lower than when seventh in last season’s Grand National.
She’s yet to run at this course but she could be just the type to act at it and has the form in the book to make an impact. Not ruled out with Tristan Durrell claiming 3lb as well.
(5) Apple Away
Having just her second start over a marathon trip, and although she could only finish fifth in last season’s National Hunt Chase, Lucinda Russell’s consistent mare remains unexposed. I thought she ran well to finish second last time out and looks very well handicapped off a mark of 138.
Her trainer has an excellent record in the race (three winners from seven runners) and I can see this Grade 1 winning hurdler having a major say in the outcome. She has course form, her mark is lenient, she has no weight on her back, so there’s a lot to like about her chances.
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(6) Famous Bridge
Dual course winner and shaped better than the beaten margin suggested when third in the Tommy Whittle back here in December.
It was too early to tell as to whether he would have gone close in this race last year when he unseated his rider mid-race, but he was sent off as the joint favourite, and is 3lb lower.
Given he weakened over a shorter trip last time out, I’m convinced he’s crying out for this extra distance, so he’s opposed.
(7) Where It All Began
Might have been involved in the Welsh National but for making a bad mistake late on which ultimately knocked the stuffing out of him. He was then hampered early on in the Thyestes, so that run can be excused as well.
This run should reveal a lot more and he did win the Irish version of this event in Punchestown around this time last year, albeit over a slightly shorter trip. He could run well but others hold stronger claims.
(8) Git Maker
Tough and genuine candidate and warmed up for this with a spin over hurdles on his return last month. The nine-year-old progressed very well in this sphere last season and has only finished out of the frame once in eight chase outings.
He backed up his fine second in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival with a third-place finish in the Scottish Grand National when having his first start over a marathon trip (four miles). He is another to consider despite being 5lb out of the handicap.
(9) Val Dancer
Much better chaser than a hurdler with five wins and three placed efforts from eight starts and demonstrated bags of stamina and courage when seeing off the reopposing Jubilee Express in the Welsh National in December.
As a result, he’s been hit with a 12lb rise, but he’s open to further progress, and the form of that win has worked out well, with Monbeg Genius winning since. Despite being another to be competing from out of the handicap, he’s a big player.
(10) Jubilee Express
Improving chaser and is closely matched with Val Dancer having finished second to him on just his fifth chase start in the Welsh National last time out.
He meets that rival on identical terms but could bridge the gap even further back at the scene of his previous C&D success. In receipt of weight from all of his opponents, Sam Thomas’s charge is worth a second look.
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Grand National Trial Tips & Prediction
I’m very much happy to side with APPLE AWAY, who I nominated earlier this week at 16/1 in my ante-post piece for the race. This mare looks so well treated off a mark of 138 and her trainer’s brilliant record in this race just adds a bit more flavour to her credentials.
Entered in the main event in April, this consistent eight-year-old is clearly thought of as an extreme stayer by connections, so she makes plenty of each-way appeal.
Already Advised Ante-Post: Apple Away, 0.5 pts E/W, 16/1
You can currently back Apple Away at a best price of 17/2 with Ladbrokes.
