We started as usual with a look at all 34 runners and the first "weed out" left us with a list of around half of that number, the main reasons for the 17 being initially discarded was that they don't have the required stamina, the current form, or will likely handle the conditions.

 

At the next stage we took out those we have a realistic each way chance of finishing in the first 7 or 8 with luck in running but who we felt had specific reasons why they didn't make the final shortlist and amongst them are Minella Indo, former Gold Cup winner but not proven at this sort of trip and may be not the horse he was, Foxy Jacks who sho give his running but come up a bit short, Galvin who could also sneak a place at best but just discarded, Chambard who ran very well over the fences in the Autumn but who just lacks that complete stamina, Nasalam who was an emphatic winner of the Welsh National but in heavy wet ground as opposed to tacky ground and another horse who has been on the x-Country Courses in Latenightpass who was possibly the one we most reluctantly left out and a real dark horse. 

 

The final cut (down to a top 6 and a couple at very big odds) saw us leave out Noble Yeates who has a cracking record in the race and who should again be a strong contender, Galia Des Liteaux who is a horse with a lot of untapped potential but who may just need another year, Kittys Light a wonderful mare who has just crept in off bottom weight and should run a big race but for who the tacky ground may just be too much in the closing stages and Panda Boy who ticks all the boxes but who we felt just had 6 ahead of him.We all felt that despite market strength that both Limerick Lace and Meetingofthewaters have too many stamina questions to answer; specifically in this ground

 

For the £1 e/w merchants at BIG ODDS we think that 2 horses that we have had in the TRACKER all season THE GOFFER and STATTLER both somewhat "forgotten horses" but full of ability could give you a cracking run for your money today at odds around the 40-66/1 mark currently!

 

The top 6 as decided by our resident Tipsters and myself in final preference order-:

 

1 (Northern) CORACH RAMBLER - 8/1 favourite and a cracking e/w price - the win last year was emphatic, the Gold Cup third a few weeks ago was an even better run, no doubt if he wasn't fit to go again he would not be here and the only niggle would be if that run has just taken the edge off him but connections are adamant it actually got him cherry ripe for this race again and who's to argue with Lucinda Russell?

 

(2) (Speculator) VANILLER - runner up last year and absolutely primed and aimed at this race again and long in my Tracker for this race, just needs luck in running and if he is there at the final fence and Corach Rambler is at 98% and not 100% fitness, the one most likely to take advantage.

 

(3) (Michael) I AM MAXIMUS - primed for this since winning the 2023 Irish National where he made eye catching and relentless progress from the back of the field in the last mile and was not stopping at the line (around 3 miles and 6 furlongs) and pulled up looking like he could go round again.

 

(4) (Placespotter) MAHLER MISSION - yet to conclusively prove stamina but from a Yard with a proven track record with this type of horse and if he gets the trip will be the one they all fear.

 

(5) (Robin T) MR INCREDIBLE - a very impressive run off a year's break at Uttoxeter in the Midlands National over almost exactly this trip in the mud. Saddle slipped in this race last year when in midfield and running a lovely race and could be absolutely spot on for this today

 

(6) (The Advisor) DELTA WORK - easy to overlook how strong this one's credentials are, third run in the race, 3r din 2022 just fading late on, Unseated when full of running deep in to the second Circuit last year and just one who looks aimed at a big effort once again.

 

 

To stress again - this is a one off race and the aim this year and every year is to use the massive liquidity of the market to deliver a net profit on the race!