It’s always tough to choose from such a big field in the world’s most famous steeplechase.
This year’s race appears very open, and the weights are particularly interesting with last year’s winner Minella Times carrying top-weight off a rating of 161.
The reigning champion, as well as Cheltenham Cross Country hero (or villain) Delta Work, must be respected at the top of the weights, whilst Escaria Ten, Eclair Surf and Longhouse Poet have seemingly been the fancies of the shrewd punters among us.
The rain hasn’t come for Snow Leopardess, but she could still run a big race for connections and a win would be a fairytale, and we know the National often provides a fairytale.
A fairytale always worth mentioning around this time of year is the magical win of Bob Champion and Aldaniti in 1981.
There have been plenty of other great stories in the Grand National, and each winner writes their name into the history books.
Among my favourites in the 21st century are Hedgehunter (2005), outsiders Silver Birch (2007) and Mon Mome (2009), the latter of which was ridden by the late, great Liam Treadwell who will be forever remembered for his fantastic win on the 100/1 shot.
Many Clouds (2015) was the third of Mr Trevor Hemmings’ winners, a gutsy champion who would go on to suffer such a tragic ending to his life.
And then there was Rule The World (2016), the first for Gigginstown, before One For Arthur (2017) prevailed to give Lucinda Russell her first win.
In 2018 a small horse in stature lined up in the hands of Davy Russell and went on to be a true champion of the sport, winning back to back Grand Nationals and capturing hearts, becoming “the people’s horse”
Tiger Roll missed out on his chance to equal Red Rum’s record of three Grand Nationals, but if the race had continued in 2020 “the tiger” surely would have gone close.
In 2021, the iconic Rachael Blackmore became the first female ever to win the prestigious prize aboard Minella Times, with trainer Henry de Bromhead recording a 1-2 in the race.
Who knows what will happen in the 2022 Grand National?
There is sure to be another fantastic story.
Whoever wins, they will go down in history, but let’s just hope all horses and jockeys come back safe and have an enjoyable experience.
Grand National Shortlist:
Any Second Now 9/1 – Ted Walsh – Mark Walsh – 11st 8lbs
- He was the eyecatcher last year, performing extremely well to finish third despite being badly hampered and not having the easiest of trips around.
- This year he is up 7lbs in ratings, but is better off in the weights with Minella Times.
- Prepared for this race with a win in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse, narrowly beating Escaria Ten with Burrows Saint and Coko Beach a distant third and fourth respectively.
Enjoy D’allen 12/1 – Ciaran Murphy – Conor Orr – 10st 11lbs
- Stayed on and did well to finish third in last year’s Irish Grand National, behind Freewheelin Dylan and Run Wild Fred.
- Received 1lbs from Run Wild Fred there but is much better off in the weights here, rated 10lbs lower than his rival.
- Third in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown won by School Boy Hours in December, giving 12lbs to the winner and was hampered in-running.
Run Wild Fred 16/1 – Gordon Elliott – Davy Russell – 11st 7lbs
- Experienced jockey, and two-time Grand National winner, Davy Russell takes the ride.
- Finished in the top two in all of his last seven races, recording one win at Navan in November.
- Chased home Stattler in the National Hunt Challenge Cup at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.
- Last year’s runner-up in the Irish Grand National finishing behind Freewheelin Dylan and ahead of Enjoy D’Allen.
- Up 18lbs from his Irish Grand National run, which is a concern.
- Doesn’t often get his head in front but is consistent and could have an each-way chance.
School Boy Hours 25/1 – Noel Meade – Sean Flanagan – 10st 5lbs
- He was pulled up on his last outing, but prior to that he won a competitive handicap beating Enjoy D’allen, Death Duty, Noble Yeats and Poker Party as well as Birchdale who went on to win a Grade A handicap at Leopardstown.
- Third in a Grade B at Navan in March 2021 put Enjoy D’allen ten-lengths ahead, but School Boy Hours is better off in the weights here and subsequently beat his rival.
- Snuck into the race following Friday’s withdrawals, and runs off 142 giving him 10st 5lbs to carry which makes him very interesting.
Santini 40/1 – Polly Gundry – Nick Scholfield – 11st 2lbs
- This classy performer was once rated 172 at his peak, and is an efficient jumper.
- A switch to Polly Gundry’s yard has brought an improvement in form.
- Second in the Cotswold Chase was respectable behind Chantry House, but out of his depth in recent Gold Cup run.
- Looks to be enjoying his racing again and is available at an enticing price.
Freewheelin Dylan 66/1 – Dermot A McLoughlin – Ricky Doyle – 10st 10lbs
- Must be respected as 2021 Irish Grand National winner, beating a few rivals he faces again here.
- Unseated and pulled-up last twice but does have each-way claims if able to get into a nice rhythm as he did at Punchestown.
WILDCARD: Anibale Fly 100/1 – A J Martin – L P Dempsey – 10st 11lbs
- Has plenty of experience over these fences which is a positive.
- Good 5th carrying 11st 10lbs in 2019 and finished 4th in 2018.
- Last year he was at the rear from the outset and didn’t get into a rhythm.
- He has probably missed his chance at this, but in an open-field with plenty carrying big weights, he could sneak into a place at a huge price.
WILDCARD: Class Conti 150/1 – Willie Mullins – Sam Twiston-Davies – 10st 10lbs
- Last of the finishers last year but had been hampered.
- Not impressed this season, 2lbs lower than when running in this in 2021.
- Has useful form in the past, a length-and-a-half behind Run Wild Fred, giving him 11lbs.
- Near Escaria Ten in the handicap at Gowran Park in January won by Longhouse Poet
- Could improve on his previous performance and is a big outsider.
Top five selections:
- Any Second Now
- Commodore
- Freewheelin Dylan
- Santini
- Run Wild Fred
Day Three selections:
1:45 – Winter Fog 5/1
2:25 – Three Stripe Life 11/4
3:30 – Edwardstone 8/13
3:35 – Thyme Hill 5/2
4:15 – Oscar Elite 15/2 & Espoir De Romay 8/1 (EW)
By Katie Midwinter (08/04/22)
THE CONDITIONAL 