Two of the Oddschecker contingent explain who they are backing for this year's Grand National.
Ramses De Teillee
Sam Eaton:
David Pipe’s horse was only just beaten by the Robinsfirth last time out at Haydock, a horse I very much rate. Ramses De Teillee looked the winner a long way back, and then even started to comeback at Robinsfirth close to the line. Before that placing, the seven year-old finished a close second to Elegant Escape over 3m 5 ½ f. The conditions were very testing on that day, but again he was coming back at the eventual winner as the line approached.
Another massive boost the Ramses De Teillee is the fact has never fallen. He shouldn’t have a problem with the rain forecasted or the extra distance. People forget that Tiger Roll was almost chased down near the line last year, given the way Ramses De Teillee has finished on his last two outings, he could be the one to squeeze past the favourite.
Step Back
Teague Calvin:
The horse that interests me most is Step Back who I think will prove well treated off his mark of 147. The standout piece of form for the horse was at Sandown last April where he romped home in the bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase. He beat Aintree rival Rock The Kasbah by 13 lengths that day, and the fact the victory was in a 20-runner race is a huge positive as it shows he can handle a big field.
Since that outing, the nine-year-old's two reappearances have been far from impressive, but both runs have been after lengthy breaks, so the hope is the cobwebs will be well and truly shaken off.
Age is also a huge plus for Mark Bradstock's gelding, as the last four winners of the Aintree showpiece have all been under the age of 10.
Lastly, Cheltenham champion jockey Nico De Boinville takes the saddle, which only fills me with more confidence.
