Saturday’s Grand National Trial at Haydock betting preview: Latest runners, riders, odds and trainer quotes for the final field
THE weights were revealed for the big one earlier this week.
After plenty of gravy was slurped, it's back to the nitty gritty and what could prove to be an important Grand National Trial at Haydock.
1. Yala Enki - Venetia Williams/Hugh Nugent (7) (7-1)
It's no easy task lugging top weight around any course, but Haydock is another kettle of fish all together.
Saying that, this horse is as consistent as they come and took this race last season.
He's had an easy enough time this season and is likely to be one of the favourites on the day.
OUT & ABOUT WITH ANDY Don't miss Andy Ayres' brilliant Trackman column
2. Ballyoptic - Nigel Twiston-Davies/Tom Bellamy (12-1)
Would have won one of these by now bar for his jumping.
Probably still well-handicapped but hard to trust knowing his flaws.
The better the ground, the better his chances.
3. Royal Vacation - Colin Tizzard/Paddy Brennan (8-1)
Looks tailor made for Aintree and could well scoop another decent race on the way to Liverpool.
Smashed The Last Samuri last time out at Taunton but form yet to be backed up.
More to come, but can throw in the odd stinker.
LATEST IN HORSE RACING
4. Wakanda - Sue Smith/Danny Cook (9-1)
Won here last time and Sue Smith continues to have a decent time of things.
But up 4lbs for that and I'd probably favour the runner-up - Robinsfirth - to reverse things this time.
Still has a bit to prove stamina wise and hasn't been this high in the weights for a while.
Sue Smith on Wakanda
"He goes there in good order."
5. Ramses De Teillee - David Pipe/David Noonan (6-1)
Undoubtedly a stayer on the up, but all his best efforts have come at Chepstow.
Will not want the ground to dry out anymore and at the prices hard to trust.
Could be proven wrong, however, I believe he's a horse we'll see better from next season.
David Pipe on Ramses De Teillee
"Ramses De Teillee obviously ran a very good race in the Welsh Grand National.
"We were thinking about running him beforehand, but the ground wasn't right. The ground is drying out again, but it will be tacky old work out there. They've all got to go on it.
"I don't know about [the National for] Ramses De Teillee. We'll see how Saturday goes first."
6. Robinsfirth - Colin Tizzard/Sean Bowen (8-1)
Second to Wakanda here last time and I fancy him to reverse that form, provided he doesn't bounce after such a lengthy layoff prior to last time.
This longer trip is an experiment but he finished strongly last time.
New jockey takes over in Sean Bowen.
7. Vieux Lion Rouge - David Pipe/Tom Scudamore (12-1)
Took this race two years back and is back down to his last winning mark.
Headgear removed that stopped him running up to par at Chepstow and think he's a big player here with the blinkers removed.
Looks a great each-way option in this wide open race.
LATEST IN HORSE RACING
8. Red Infantry - Ian Williams/Tom O'Brien (12-1)
Needs a good old trip and probably won't like the drying out ground.
Blinkers could sharpen him up but he looks covered by the handicapper in my book.
Yard were also quiet before the flu break and haven't bounced back to life yet.
9. The Two Amigos - Nicky Martin/Matt Griffiths (12-1)
A horse back on the up and this by far the toughest test he's faced to date.
Still, unexposed after a spell point-to-pointing and will stay all day. Likely this will have been his target since his win in the Sussex National.
Nicky Martin on The Two Amigos
"It's a big test for him, especially considering he was only point-to-pointing last year.
"He's got to that stage in the handicap where we haven't really got that many options.
"He'll try his best. Providing the ground does not dry out too much, he'll be fine.
"He's done everything right. Matt Griffiths (his regular jockey) came in and schooled him on Thursday morning, and he was perfect.
"Fingers crossed - if it rained I'd be a little but happier. He's only a little horse, but he'll put his all into it."
10. Ballyarthur - Nigel Twiston-Davies/Jamie Bargary (20-1)
Has been relatively consistent this season, but without winning and handicapper looks to have his measure.
Markedly up in trip though, and worth a try given how his last few runs have panned out.
Will need the gamble to pay off but yard have a better chance elsewhere.
11. Impulsive Star - Neil Mulholland/Mr Waley-Cohen (3) (9-1)
Won nicely last time at Warwick off featherweight. Should still be more to come, but this is tougher and up 6lbs.
Brave horse though, and if in the mix over the last won't be far away whatsoever.
Re-opposes stable mate Carole's Destrier who was fourth at Warwick.
Neil Mulholland on Impulsive Star
"He did well last time out in the Classic Chase. Thankfully, the handicapper didn't go too mad."
12. Carole's Destrier - Neil Mulholland/Aidan Coleman (20-1)
Ran okay at Warwick last time but will need to find more to be involved in this stronger race.
Handicapper has steadily given him a chance through this season but could do with a bit more help it seems.
Stamina no issue and I guess it's worth a check in the betting with stablemate Impulsive Star also running.
Neil Mulholland on Carole's Destrier
"He's meeting Impulsive Star 6lb better off. He's run well on his last couple of runs - and the ground drying out all the time will be in his favour."
13. Bishops Road - Kerry Lee/Mitchell Bastyan (5) (33-1)
Not getting any younger and the handicapper is showing no sign of letting up.
Throws in a few stinkers but combined with some bold shows.
Five pound claimer will help, but would be a surprise to see him in the mix when push comes to shove.
14. Ah Littleluck - Thomas Gibney/David Mullins (16-1)
The only Irish challenger and comes into this completely unexposed.
Has good form on quick ground and will be hoping Haydock continues to firm up.
David Mullins is a good jockey booking and worth a market check or two.
Thomas Gibney on Ah Littleluck
"It's a big ask. It's his first run in a handicap, a competitive handicap at that, and it's his first time over the distance - but we're going to give it a go and see how we get on.
"There's good money on offer."
15. Pobbles Bay - Evan Williams/Leighton Aspell (12-1)
Soft ground specialist won't enjoy this unless the clerk of the course leaves the hose on overnight.
Has dropped down the weights though and Leighton Aspell gets the leg up to ride off 10'1.
Evan Williams on Pobbles Bay
"His season revolved around the Welsh National, and he didn't get in there.
"I'm been trying to find the ideal opportunity since. I wanted to run him in a good staying handicap race with a good prize and a feather weight. I'm very happy with the horse."
16. Chef D'Oeuvre - Sam England/Jonathan England (16-1)
Has done well to sneak into this and definitely a horse going places in the staying division.
This might come a bit quick but he beat two good horses last time and is certainly going places.