There is a strong initial entry list of 102 for the Aintree Grand National on Saturday 9th April, and the betting is headed by reigning champion Don't Push It and the in form Ballabriggs. Both are offered at 16/1 by Bet365 bookmakers for the four and a half mile chase, while legendary trainer Paul Nicholls lays claim to ten of those entries at this stage as he looks for his maiden Grand National win.
Don't Push It gave Tony McCoy his first Grand National win at the fifteenth attempt last year and it is likely that McCoy will ride him again in search of successive victories. Jonjo O'Neill's impressive 11-year-old won off a weight of 11st 5lbs last time, and weights for the 2011 entries will be announced on 15th February. However, he has failed to impress so far this season as he pulled up on his seasonal reappearance at Cheltenham in December and came 12th at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. He faces a tough task to retain his crown this time as the initial entry list, which will be cut to a maximum of 40 for the big day, looks strong and a rematch with Big Fella Thanks could be on.
Ferdy Murphy's Big Fella Thanks came in fourth last year after starting as the ante-post favourite. The 9-year-old is offered as a 20/1 bet by Bet365 after finishing second at Carlisle in November and falling in the Hennessy Gold Cup.
Meanwhile, joint favourite Ballabriggs is an industry best price of 16/1 with B365 and looks to be the form horse after winning five from five. The 10-year-old was an Ayr Hurdles winner from Yes Tom on Monday and won the Kim Muir last year, and it will be interesting to see if he can maintain his winning streak ahead of the big one at Aintree.
Welsh National winner Synchronised is also among the initial 102 entries and is available at 20/1, while Hello Bud is a tempting 25/1 bet with Bet365.com. The 13-year-old may be getting on in years but has form at Aintree after winning the Becher Chase over the National fences of Aintree in November.
Paul Nicholls has loaded his entries for the race as he goes for his first Grand National win and Niche Market heads his entries. The 10-year-old is a 20/1 punt but a record of 2 wins in 21 chase starts doesn't make for happy reading, and he pulled up at last year's race after losing his way with a mistake at the 12th. Nicholls' Argento Chase winner Neptune Collonges is likely to provide some interest in the betting though after his 1 and a quarter length win, and the 10-year-old is available at 25/1 with B365.
Elsewhere, 2009 Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Tranquil Sea is on offer at 33/1, while Little Josh, the current Paddy Power Gold Cup champion, is 40/1. Tidal Bay could also provide some value at 33/1, but there is a noticeable absentee from the initial entries as last year's runner up, Black Apalachi, is out with a leg injury and is unable to have a second crack at Don't Push It for the title.
16/1 Don't Push It
16/1 Ballabriggs*
20/1 Big Fella Thanks*
20/1 Synchronised
20/1 Niche Market*
20/1 The Midnight Club
25/1 Majestic Concorde
25/1 Merigo*
25/1 Becauseicouldntsee*
25/1 Hello Bud
25/1 West End Rocker
25/1 State of Play
25/1 Neptune Collonges
25/1 Bluesea Cracker
25/1 Midnight Chase
33/1 BAR
* Denotes best industry price. Odds supplied by Bet365.com, with best odds guaranteed on all UK and Irish horse racing.
Posted: Wednesday, 2nd February 2011
Author: Chris James
Tags: grand national, grand national, dont push it, ballabriggs, bet365,
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