The Grand National 2013

It looks like I will be on JONCOL and OSCAR TIME tomorrow.

The latter looks to be the best suited to the going and the distance which in a race like this is going to be essential. I may have a look at BALLYBRIGS again in the morning though it pains me to back anything trained by McCain and, besides, the price is a little low.

I'll look again in the morning.

 

Bro's got a cat called Oscar, he'll probably be on it too.

 

Clearly you don't know anything about racing; you will find that everyone involved cares more than a damn about the animals but, hey, it's easy having a opinionated rant devoid of facts, isn't it?

You have two beefs it seems; one is animal welfare and the worst thing that has happened to the National are the antis. What's the best way to reduce casualties? The answer is simple and trainers and jockeys have been calling for one important change for years but the ignorant antis won't let them. The answer is to make the fences tougher; that way the horses travel slower and then any falls are less dangerous. Ask anyone involved in racing and they will tell you that but, sadly, people who know nothing cry and scream the loudest. After all, why let facts get in the way of a good argument?

As for the gambling? So what? If you don't like having a bet then don't insure your house, your car, your life or anything -- that's just a bet that the insurance companies are laying you that your house won't burn down, your car crashes or you die before your time and a bet that you take up. And when you're at it make sure that you don't have a pension plan because that's backed by the stock market and what's that other than trading and betting of opnions?

I and tens of thousands of others around the country call it a sport because it is. It's the second most attented sport in the United Kingdom after football in lots of countries the prime sport.

Okay, if you don't kike it then fair enough. But there's no need for your tone. Clearly you have no idea who owns horses; I've known miners clubbing together to have a horse in training, I know of farmers who own and, sometimes, train. You've been reading too much PG Wodehouse, I'm afraid.

 

The horses are bred to jump. If a jockey gets unseated during the race, most of them still continue to run and jump the fences.

 

what odds can you get on two broken legs

 

What a load of horseshit

 

Bookie time soon methinks

 

I've gone for a small each way on a third selection, RARE BOB. Dropping slightly in class but more so in average weight and one I have flagged as improving. Currently 20/1 at the bookies and 21/1 (after BF Commission) on the exchanges. Looks to have a fair chance.

Other horses in the race which look interesting but I am not backing include Chicago Grey and Lost Glory. I initially liked Soll but had to draw a line through him as the ground is all wrong which is a shame.

One thing about these fences is that one needs to have a good jumper, even though the fences are easier than they used to be. Horses that I have as decent jumpers include Across The Bay, Oscar Time and Swing Bill. The latter is trainer by David Pipe which would make that a strong one for consideration and available at 180 on the exchanges.

If you are doing your own picking then, as a rule, try to avoid 6 and 7 year old runners. This year this excludes Saint Are. None of this age have won since 1940 and very few tend to finish the race. Due to how horses birthdays work (we all sing Happy Birthday on January 1st) some of the eight year olds are actually seven; so one can cross off Soll (again), Lost Glory and Harry The Viking.

I've just gone through my numbers again and one has just climbed near to the top and has two good numbers that I like. I may have a fourth tickle on ROBERO GOLDBACK.

 

Pipe's old man Martin won the National in 1994 with Miinnehoma.

 

Rare Bob and Chicago Grey were both unlucky last year. Both have slipped to good marks and therefore get in on good racing weights. I've been sweet on Chicago Grey for quite some time, and with the master in the saddle I expect him to go well. When Elliott has ne in a big race off a nice weight you have to take notice. The drying ground is certainly making me look twice at Roberto Goldback and Imperial Commander (undoubted class acts) I just worry about their jumping in big fields.

Seabass is interesting and though I was put off by the extra 6 pounds initially it was interesting to hear Ted Walsh say the National was an afterthought last year, but he has been trained for it this year. Looks sure to get round as Walsh hasn't had a faller in 30 odd chase. He schools them extremely well.

 

Indeed, and remember that although it was Martin who held the licence a lot of his horses were actually being trained by David. But perhaps not as early as '94.

 

Gone for Teaforthree.

 

Stick a pin in or a knitting needle?

Sunnyhillboy is going to win, I got it straight from the horses mouth.

 

A bit of bad news from Aintree that I hadn't heard about.

Little Josh became the second horse to die at the 2013 Aintree Grand National meeting after falling on Friday.

The 11-year-old, ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies and trained by his father Nigel, fell four fences from home in the Topham Chase, which was run over the redesigned Grand National fences.

He suffered a fractured shoulder and was later put down by veterinary surgeons following treatment.

It followed the death of Battlefront who collapsed on Thursday.

Always sad to hear about the death of an animal.

 

Always sad to see horses fall.

 

Watch programme about The Grand National last night and liked trainer Rebecca Curtis and how she trained her horses.

 

Good luck to those having a bet, I know we all can't win but I hope those that lose have a good run for their money and are able to get a bit of excitement out of the race.

Drinks are on the winners tomorrow.

 

I hope all runners and riders get round safe.

 

That will piss off the antis, who must be the most bloody thirsty bunch I have ever had the misfortune to come across; all horses came back fine and well.

On a personal level I was happy with OSCAR TIME and, for a moment, thought I was in with a chance but at least I got 20/1 on the place. I could never have found the winner in a million years.

edit. Just realised RARE BOB came in fifth. Thank you Paddy Power.

 

Went E-W so got my cash back