Blaklion
Blaklion

Randox Health Grand National fact files Aintree April 8


The essential Randox Health Grand National fact files continue with another 10 contenders including Blaklion.

Cause Of Causes (USA) 9-10-12


Breeding: b g Dynaformer - Angel In My Heart (Rainbow Quest)
Breeder: Flaxman Holdings Limited
Born: February 17, 2008
Owner: J P McManus
Trainer: Gordon Elliott IRE
Form: F22/17126131107/6403372220/7518/0051P-5P051

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*Became only the fifth horse to win three different chases at the Cheltenham Festival when capturing the 2017 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, following on from victories in the four-mile National Hunt Chase in 2015 and Kim Muir Handicap Chase in 2016.

*He was ridden on each occasion by Irish amateur Jamie Codd.

*Stayed on when eighth behind Many Clouds in the 2015 Grand National, his only start to date at Aintree.

"Bought by present owner, J P McManus, in 2013.

*Runner-up in 2012 Galway Hurdle before winning what used to be The Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot later the same year.

*Fell on his first start over jumps in February, 2012, when coming down at the last in a Gowran Park maiden hurdle, but has not fallen or unseated his rider since in 37 starts, with his only non-completions being two pulled-ups in 2016.

*Sold to Highflyer Bloodstock for €52,000 on behalf of the Timeform Betfair Racing Club at the Arqana Autumn Sale in France that year and joined trainer Gordon Elliott in Ireland

*Started his racing career with Pascal Bary on the Flat in France and won first time out in a three-year-old 11-furlong event at minor track in October before finishing sixth of seven at Longchamp.

*Closely related to 2003 Derby winner Kris Kin - the son of Dynaformer is out of Rainbow Quest mare Angel In My Heart, who won a G3 race on the Flat and was also the dam of Kris Kin.

* Bred by the Niarchos family's Flaxman Holdings

Jump race record: Starts: 38; Wins: 8; 2nd: 6; 3rd: 3; Win & Place Prize Money: £352,789

Sportinglife verdict: Eighth last year off 4lb lower mark when was left with plenty to do after being held up in the rear. In great nick again but hard to argue his case from a handicapping point of view and feeling is this race doesn’t suit his style.

SLife Rating (out of  5* * * * *): 2* *

Just A Par (IRE) 10-10-08


Breeding: b g Island House - Thebrownhen (Henbit)
Breeder: Sean Whelan
Born: April 5, 2007
Owner: Paul Barber & the late Graham Roach
Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Form: 122/21476/5P42031/09202-4P1

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*Finished 15th in last year's Grand National.

*Made £260,000 when offered for sale as a five-year-old, with wins in a point-to-point and a Punchestown maiden hurdle under his belt.

*Has delivered three victories for his current connections, most notably in the 2015 Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown Park, and was beaten a short-head in the same prestigious handicap chase a year later by fellow Randox Health Grand National contender The Young Master.

*Stayed on strongly to win three and a quarter mile veterans' handicap chase at Newbury on March 4, 2017.

*Has never fallen or unseated, his two non-completions being pulled-ups.

*Set to be sold after racing at Aintree on the first day of the Randox Health Grand National Festival, Thursday, April 6, during the Goffs UK Aintree Sale. 

Jump race record: Starts 23; Wins 4; 2nd 6; 3rd 1. Win & Place Prize Money: £197,272

Sportinglife verdict: Won the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown in 2015 and was second in the same race last year. Got round the National course last year in 15th and is 4lb well-in this time after recent victory at Newbury. Patchy record and difficult to predict, though.

SLife Rating (out of 5 * * * * *): 2* *

Lord Windermere (IRE) 11-10-09


Breeding: 11 b g Oscar (IRE) - Satellite Dancer (IRE) (Satco (FR))
Breeder: Edmond Coleman
Born: March 11, 2006
Owner: Dr Ronan Lambe
Trainer: Jim Culloty IRE
Form: F11418/221231/8761/373PP-205

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*Reached the pinnacle of Jump racing when the 20/1 winner of the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup by a short-head in March, 2014. 

*Won the G1 RSA Novices' Chase at the 2013 Cheltenham Festival. 

*Winless since his Cheltenham Gold Cup success, including when pulled up under top-weight in the 2015 Grand National.

*Missed all of 2015/16 campaign.

*Best effort from three outings this season came when the head runner-up to Champagne Fever in a Listed contest at Thurles in November.

*Last seen out when a distant fifth behind fellow Randox Health Grand National contender Pleasant Company in G3 Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse on February 25.  

Jump race record: Starts: 24; Wins: 6; 2nd: 4; 3rd: 3; Win & Place Prize Money: £491,164

Sportinglife verdict: Probably the best-handicapped horse in the race on his 2014 Gold Cup win but was beaten 70 lengths in the Bobbyjo Chase last time. His trainer won the Gold Cup and the National as a jockey but even though he’s a stone lower than when pulled up last year he makes limited appeal.

SLife Rating (out of 5* * * * *): 2* *

Pendra (IRE) 9-10-07


Breeding: ch g Old Vic - Mariah Rollins (Over The River)
Breeder: Paul Murphy
Born: April 16, 2008
Owner: J P McManus
Trainer: Charlie Longsdon
Form: 1/1120/11730/45/150-2

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*Finished 13th behind Rule The World in 2016 Grand National.

*Made his first appearance since then when the 16/1 runner-up, beaten three quarters of a length, behind Domesday Book in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival on March 16, 2017, after looking the likely winner.

*Enjoyed the latest of six wins in October, 2015 at Ascot where he beat Double Ross in a valuable three-mile handicap chase and finished fifth over the same course and distance in December of that year.

*He has never fallen or been pulled up, completing the course on all his 16 starts.

*Bred by Staffordshire-based Paul Murphy, who acquired the dam towards the end of her racing career for 140,000 guineas. She was a high-class jumper, with a Grade One chase victory at Leopardstown to her credit, and third place in the Grade One Melling Chase in 2006 at Aintree.

*His sire Old Vic has an outstanding Grand National record, with winners Comply Or Die and Don't Push It (both also placed) and two runners-up in Black Apalachi and Sunnyhillboy.

*He was bought privately by his present owner, J P McManus, after he ran second in the Grade One Tolworth Hurdle in January, 2013. Unplaced when favourite for the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival on his first outing in the new colours.

Jump race record: Starts 16; Wins 6; 2nd 2; 3rd 1. Win & Place Prize Money: £107,494

Sportinglife verdict: Looked all over the winner of the Kim Muir at Cheltenham last time on his first start for 11 months before Domesday Book got to him up the hill. The first-time blinkers had a galvanising effect that day and much will depend if they work for a second time. Is 3lb well-in on the back of that but was only 13th off similar mark last year.

SLife Rating (out of 5* * * * *): 3* * *

Saint Are (FR) 11-10-09


Breeding: b/br g Network (GER) - Fortanea (FR) (Video Rock (FR))
Breeder: Jacques Cypres
Born: April 5, 2006
Owner: David Fox
Trainer: Tom George
Form: 7/53172F31/02524U01/F43090/84PF/33312-671P0-53F2

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*Has contested three Grand Nationals, with his best effort at Aintree coming when second to Many Clouds in 2015. He finished ninth of the 17 finishers in the 2013 renewal (when trained by Tim Vaughan) and was pulled up before the last fence on testing ground after leading at the start of the second circuit in 2016.

*Has also raced over the Grand National fences three more times in the Betfred Becher Handicap Chase in December, falling at the first in 2016, finishing seventh in 2015 and coming home third in 2014.

*He was moved to Tom George's Gloucestershire yard during the summer of 2014.

*Dual winner over Aintree's Mildmay Course during the Randox Health Grand National Festival, capturing the Grade One Sefton Novices' Hurdle in 2011 and the Listed Betfred Handicap Chase in 2012.

* Warmed up for this year's Randox Health Grand National with a gallant head second in a veterans' handicap chase at Doncaster on February 22, 2017.

Jump race record: Starts: 41; Wins: 5; 2nd: 5; 3rd: 7; Win & Place Prize Money: £389,695   

Sportinglife verdict: Good record over these fences including when second to Many Clouds in the 2015 National off 4lb lower. Pulled up in the race last year and then fell at the first in this season’s Becher, but looked in good heart when narrowly beaten at Doncaster in his prep race in February. One of the more interesting outsiders if he gets some good ground.

SLife Rating (out of 5* * * * *): 4* * * *

Click here for Sky Bet's odds on the Randox Health Grand National (Non Runner No Bet, FIVE places on each-way bets 1/4 odds)

The Last Samuri (IRE) 9-11-09


Breeding: ch g Flemensfirth - Howaboutthis (Oscar)
Breeder: Edmond Coleman
Born: April 18, 2008
Owner: Paul & Clare Rooney
Trainer: Kim Bailey
Form: 21119/211U12-3112-532

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*Rated 12 pounds higher in the handicap than when beaten six lengths into second by Rule The World in the 2016 Grand National.

*Third, going down by a length to Vieux Lion Rouge, under top-weight in the G3 Betfred Becher Handicap Chase over the Grand National fences at Aintree on December 3, 2016.

*Runner-up to Definitly Red (beaten 14 lengths) when chasing back-to-back wins in the Grimthorpe Handicap Chase at Doncaster on March 4, 2017.

"Has never fallen in 18 starts, failing to complete once when unseating his rider at Kelso in February, 2015.

*15.3 hands high.

*Joined Kim Bailey's yard in October, 2015, after owners Paul & Clare Rooney moved over 50 horses from Cheshire trainer Donald McCain and spread them around lots of handlers.

Jump race record: Starts: 18; Wins: 8; 2nd: 5; 3rd: 2; Win & Place Prize Money: £352,035

Sportinglife verdict: Second in the race last year off 12lb lower but went some way to proving he’ll be a force off his new mark when a close third off just 2lb lower in the Becher. Ran a pleasing enough prep race when second to Definitly Red at Doncaster but nagging feeling his chance was last year.

SLife Rating (out of 5* * * * *): 3* * * 

The Young Master (GB) 8-10-12


Breeding: b g Echo Of Light - Fine Frenzy (Great Commotion)
Breeder: Brendan Boyle
Born: March 28, 2009
Owner: Dajam & The Old Masters
Trainer: Neil Mulholland
Form: 5539PP/921F11/11017/2U4631-F06

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*Finest hour to date came in G3 bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown Park in April, 2016, when he stayed on gamely to beat fellow Randox Health Grand National contender Just A Par by a short-head. 

*Stayed on in sixth on his latest appearance in G3 Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on March 14 2017. 

*Has had one outing over the Grand National fences, falling at the second last when beaten in the Betfred Becher Chase in December, 2016.

*Controversially disqualified after winning Listed Badger Ales Trophy at Wincanton in November, 2014, as he was subsequently found to be ineligible for the handicap chase, being a novice with only two chase starts to his name. 

*Due to be ridden by top amateur Sam Waley-Cohen, who has won six races over the Grand National fences and was runner-up on Oscar Time in the 2011 Grand National. 

*Bought into by The Old Masters before running in the 2015 Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury.

*Besides his seven successes over hurdles and fences, The Young Master has won two All-Weather Flat races, both over two miles, at Southwell in December, 2013 and Kempton Park in February, 2014.

Jump race record: Starts: 26; Wins: 7; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 2; Win & Place Prize Money: £186,347

Sportinglife verdict: Was beaten when falling two out in the Becher but ran an encouraging race when a running-on sixth in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. A player on his best form, including a last-gasp win over Just A Par in last year’s bet365 Gold Cup.

SLife Rating (out of 5* * * * *): 3* * *

Ucello Conti (FR) 9-10-11


Breeding: b g Martaline - Gazelle Lulu (Altayan)
Breeder: Patrick Joubert
Born: June 4, 2008
Owner: Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
Trainer: Gordon Elliott IRE
Form: 111142F11226/5312P/69/1P-6236-74724

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*Model of consistency in big handicap chases since joining Gordon Elliott, including when sixth in last year's renewal of the Randox Health Grand National off the same mark of 149, but has yet to win a race for the Irish trainer.

*Notable efforts this season saw Ucello Conti finish fourth in the G3 Betfred Becher Handicap Chase at Aintree in December and second to Champagne West in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park in January.

*Fourth in valuable Leinster National Handicap Chase at Naas on March 12, 2017

*Half-brother to multiple G1-winning chaser Silviniaco Conti.

*Bought in France, where he won eight times, in April, 2015 

Jump race record: Starts: 30; Wins: 8; 2nd: 6; 3rd: 2; Win & Place Prize Money: £331,701

Sportinglife verdict: Interesting contender for the man-who-can-do-no-wrong, Gordon Elliott, whose career took off when he won this race with Silver Birch in 2007. Ran a good race when sixth last year off identical handicap mark and on better ground he could well improve on that performance with another year and some solid recent efforts under his belt.

SLife Rating (out of 5* * * * *): 4* * * *

Vicente (FR) 8-10-09


Breeding: b g Dom Alco - Ireland (Kadalko)
Breeder: Thierry Cypres & Jean-Francois Naudin
Born: March 30, 2009
Owner: Trevor Hemmings
Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Form: 332/421P/12F0/1131451-F669

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*Stayed on strongly to win the 2016 Scottish Grand National at Ayr off a pound higher mark.

*Bought privately by three-time Grand National-winning owner Trevor Hemmings in March after finishing ninth in the G3 Betfred Grand National Trial at Haydock Park on February 18, 2017.

*Previously owned by John Hales and Ian Fogg.

*This season has also seen Vicente finish sixth in both the Listed Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster, won by fellow Aintree contender Ziga Boy, and the G3 Welsh Grand National at Chepstow.

*Said to be at his best in the spring on good ground.

*Started his career in France

Jump race record: Starts: 22; Wins: 6; 2nd: 3; 3rd: 3; Win & Place Prize Money: £188,813

Sportinglife verdict: Won the Scottish National last year off just 1lb lower but has struggled in some tough assignments since then. Still relatively lightly-raced, though, and has been purchased by Trevor Hemmings who is going for his fourth National after wins with Hedgehunter, Ballabriggs and Many Clouds.

SLife Rating (out of 5* * * * *): 3* * *

Vieux Lion Rouge (FR) 8-10-11


Breeding: ch g Sabiango - Indecise (Cyborg)
Breeder: F M Cottin
Born: March 2, 2009
Owner: Professor Caroline Tisdall & John Gent
Trainer: David Pipe
Form: 1110/11103/390-111U267-11

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*Made 10/1 favourite for the Randox Health Grand National after the second scratchings' stage (March 21).

*Now officially six pounds well-in for the Randox Health Grand National after defeating Blaklion by three and a quarter lengths in the G3 Betfred Grand National Trial Handicap at Haydock Park on February 18, 2017.

*Stayed on strongly to beat fellow Randox Health Grand National contender Highland Lodge by a short-head in the G3 Betfred Becher Handicap Chase over the Grand National fences at Aintree on December 3, 2016.

*Seventh, beaten 48 lengths by Rule The World, in the 2016 Grand National.

*Has only failed to complete the course on one start when unseating his rider at Cheltenham in a December, 2015 handicap chase.

*Bought at Arqana Sales, France, in the summer of 2012 for 42,000 euros.

Jump race record: Starts: 21; Wins: 11; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 2; Win & Place Prize Money: £191,673

Sportinglife verdict: Ran seventh last year on his first crack at the National as a seven-year-old but strenghthened up since then and is two from two this season. Won the Becher thanks to a good finishing effort in December before beating Blaklion in the Haydock National trial days after the weights were published. 7lb well-in on the back of that win and a worthy favourite.

SLife Rating (out of 5* * * * *): 4* * * *

Blaklion (GB) 8-11-00


Breeding: b g Kayf Tara - Franciscaine (Legend Of France)
Breeder: Mary Morrison
Born: April 3, 2009
Owner: Simon Such & Gino Paletta
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies
Jockey: Noel Fehily
Form: 11/112132P4/4F12113-4532 

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*Four pounds well in on official ratings after finishing an excellent second, beaten three and a quarter lengths to Vieux Lion Rouge, the pair clear of the other runners, under top-weight, in the G3 Betfred Grand National Trial at Haydock Park on February 18.

*Fifth behind Native River in Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in November and third behind Definitly Red in Wetherby's G3 Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase over Christmas.

*Career highlight so far came when defeating Shaneshill by a half-length in last year's G1 RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

*Trainer is the only current handler to have won the Grand National more than once - thanks to Earth Summit (1998) & Bindaree (2002). 

*Blaklion was the regular mount of Ryan Hatch (rode the horse in 11 races, winning four times including the RSA Chase) until he suffered fractures to his neck, vertebrae and sternum and was left with a haematoma on his spinal cord when his mount Cogry fell in a handicap chase at Cheltenham on December 9. He has left hospital and is undergoing rehabilitation as an on-site patient at Oaksey House in Lambourn.

Jump race record: Starts: 21; Wins: 8; 2nd: 4; 3rd: 3; Win & Place Prize Money: £230,899   

Sportinglife verdict: Trainer has won two Grand Nationals and has been exuding his customary confidence about making it three. Won last year's RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival so has a touch of class and ran well behind Vieux Lion Rouge at Haydock last time . No surprise to see him go well.

SLife Rating (out of 5* * * * *): 4* * * *

Definitly Red (IRE) 8-10-11

 

Breeding: 8 ch g Definite Article - The Red Wench (Aahsaylad)
Breeder: James Keegan
Born: March 5, 2009
Owner: Phil Martin
Trainer: Brian Ellison
Jockey: Danny Cook
Form: 117/1211P/2122F1-131U1

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 *10 pounds well in at the weights, the most of any horse in the 2017 Randox Health Grand National, which explains why he has been backed down to near favouritism.

*Warmed up for Aintree with an impressive 14-length victory over last year's Grand National runner-up The Last Samuri in Grimthorpe Handicap Chase at Doncaster on March 4, 2017, after the weights for the £1-million Aintree race had been published the month before.

*Previously successful this season in G3 Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby on Boxing Day.

*Also a Listed winner at Ayr in April, 2016, successful at G2 level and twice successful at Listed level in bumpers.

*Went into training with Steve Gollings and won three races before being transferred to Brian Ellison in December, 2014.

*Winning Irish point-to-pointer who was sold to owner Phil Martin for £110,000 at a sale a Cheltenham in November, 2013.

*The spelling of his name is down to it being written that way by his point-to-point handler in Ireland, Bryan Marshall, at the time of registration. He is by Definite Article out of The Red Wench.

Jump race record: Starts: 19; Wins: 10; 2nd: 4; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £189,700

Sportinglife verdict: Won four of his nine starts over fences and impressed at Doncaster last time when beating last year's Grand National runner-up The Last Samuri. Has always shaped as though he would appreciate this extra test of stamina and he's well ahead of the handicapper but he will need to step up in the face of his toughest task to date.

SLife Rating (out of 5* * * * *): 4* * * *

Double Shuffle (IRE) 7-10-11


Breeding: b g Milan - Fiddlers Bar (Un Desperado)
Breeder: A W Young
Born: April 15, 2010
Owner: Crossed Fingers Partnership
Trainer: Tom George
Jockey: Adrian Heskin
Form: 5611/24135-2P512

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*Bidding to become the first seven-year-old to win the Randox Health Grand National since Bogskar was successful in 1940.

*Went down by half a length to winner Pilgrims Bay in G3 BetBright Handicap Chase (3m) at Kempton Park on February 25, 2017.

*Scored by three and a half lengths in handicap chase over same distance at Kempton Park on December 27, 2016. 

*Third in Listed Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase (2m 4.5f) at the Cheltenham Festival in March, 2016. 

*Has never fallen or unseated, failing to complete just once when pulled up.

*Has never raced beyond three miles.

Jump race record: Starts 14; Wins 4; 2nd 3; 3rd 1. Win & Place Prize Money: £86,432

 Sportinglife verdict: Progressive chaser who relishes spring ground. Won well on his first attempt at three miles on his penultimate start and arguably ran a career best in defeat last time but has it all to do taking another big step up in trip and class.

SLife Rating (out of 5* * * * *): 2* *

Highland Lodge (IRE) 11-10-10


Breeding: b g Flemensfirth - Supreme Von Pres (Presenting)
Breeder: Margaret Treacy
Born: April 24, 2006
Owner: Bowes Lodge Stables
Trainer: Jimmy Moffatt
Jockey: Henry Brooke
Form: 114/131356/24P68/584/721P-2

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 *Bought by Patricia Thompson on March 31, only three days after she acquired another 2017 Randox Health Grand National intended runner Le Mercurey. Thompson purchased Party Politics on the eve of his Grand National success in 1992 and also tried to win the race again with other last-minute purchases, Character Building (7th in 2010) and Mumbles Head (refused 30th in 2013).

*Highland Lodge has purposefully had only one appearance so far this season, going down by a short-head to fellow Randox Health Grand National contender Vieux Lion Rouge in G3 Betfred Becher Chase over the Grand National fences on December 3. His target has always been the 2017 Randox Health Grand National and he runs well when fresh. 

*Captured the same three and a quarter mile handicap chase at Aintree in 2015, staying on well to beat Dare To Endeavour by two and a quarter lengths; also finished eighth in 2014 renewal. 

*Narrowly missed out on running in last year's Grand National, having been 47th in the final list. 

*Purchased at Doncaster Sales by previous connections as a potential Grand National contender for £22,000 in November, 2015, having previously been trained by Emma Lavelle. 

*Has never fallen or unseated his rider, but been pulled up twice.

Jump race record: Starts 22; Wins 5; 2nd 3; 3rd 2. Win & Place Prize Money: £156,538

Sportinglife verdict: Has taken to these fences like the proverbial duck and hasn't got that many miles on the clock for one of his age. Goes well fresh so the lack of a recent run is of no concern and he should run a big race for his new connections.

SLife Rating (out of 5* * * * *): 3* * * 

Le Mercurey (FR) 7-10-13

 

Breeding: Nickname - Faroe (Bulington)
Breeder: S A R L Carion Emm
Born: March 20, 2010
Owner: Patricia Thompson
Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Jockey: Sean Bowen
Form: 1F1/737/113P381-32523 

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*Was recently purchased privately by Patricia Thompson of Cheveley Park Stud fame from owners Chris Giles and Colm Donlon. Thompson acquired Party Politics on the eve of his Aintree success in 1992 and also tried to win the race again with other last-minute purchases, Character Building (7th in 2010) and Mumbles Head (refused 30th in 2013).

*No seven-year-old has won the Grand National since Bogskar in 1940.

*High-class novice chaser last season and ended that campaign with seven-length victory over Bristol De Mai in the G2 Future Champions Novices' Chase at Ayr in April, 2016.

*Best efforts this season came when second to Many Clouds in a Listed chase over the Mildmay Course at Aintree in December, 2016 and runner-up to Native River in G2 Denman Chase at Newbury in February, 2017.

Race record: Starts: 18; Wins: 5; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 5; Win & Place Prize Money: £142,925

Sportinglife verdict: Has shown much of his best form in small fields and on flat tracks so while the latter point is no problem, lining up against 39 others could be. He does have a touch of class though so if he takes to this unique test he may just surprise.

SLife Rating (out of 5* * * * *): 2* *

Maggio (FR) 12-10-12

 

Breeding: b g Trempolino - La Musardiere (Cadoudal)
Breeder: Haras Du Reuilly
Born: March 29, 2005
Owner: Douglas Pryde/Jim Beaumont
Trainer: Patrick Griffin IRE
Jockey: Conor O'Farrell
Form: 440/372F4/72235228/02231U7/112622/54127215/43230/13561-4504 

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*Missed the cut to run in last year's Grand National by four.

*Rerouted to what is now the Listed Betway Handicap Chase over the Mildmay Course on Grand National day and produced a career-best performance to beat Virak by 12 lengths when a 50/1 chance. That race has been a good pointer to the Grand National with Don't Push It, State Of Play and Saint Are among the race's recent winners.

*The horse's other six victories have all been achieved in Scotland.

*Not disgraced when 15th over hurdles in a Pertemps Qualifier at Leopardstown over Christmas before finishing last of four behind fellow Randox Health Grand National contender Saphir Du Rheu in the Ivan Straker Memorial Chase at Kelso, Scotland, on February 16, 2017.

*Brought privately by Grand National winning owners Douglas Pryde and Jim Beaumount prior to finishing 10th behind Rajdhani Express in the 2015 Topham Chase over the Grand National fences.

*The horse started his racing career when running eight times without winning for trainer Nigel Hawke, who won the 1991 Grand National as the jockey on Seagram.

Jump race record: Starts: 51; Wins: 7; 2nd: 13; 3rd: 6; Win & Place Prize Money: £113,104

Sportinglife verdict: A 50/1 winner over the regulation fences at this meeting last year and did complete the course when tackling the National fences in the Topham. He was well beaten on that occasion though and it's hard to see him improving significantly on that.

SLife Rating (out of 5* * * * *): 1*

One For Arthur (IRE) 8-10-10

 

Breeding: 8 b g Milan - Nonnetia (Trempolino)
Breeder: J P Dwan
Born: February 24, 2009
Owner: Two Golf Widows
Trainer: Lucinda Russell
Jockey: Derek Fox
Form: 22/33111P/1335243-151 

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*Bidding to become only the second Scottish-trained winner of the Randox Health Grand National after Rubstic (1979).

*Impressive winner last time out of the G3 Classic Chase over three miles and five furlongs at Warwick on January 14, 2017, scoring by six lengths from Goodtoknow.

*Shaped with promise over the Grand National fences when a staying-on fifth, beaten only three lengths, behind Vieux Lion Rouge in Betfred Becher Handicap Chase in December, 2016.

*Began this season with six-length success in a three and a quarter mile handicap chase at Kelso in October, 2016.

*Jockey Derek Fox is hoping to get back from injury in time to ride One For Arthur.

*Winning Irish point-to-pointer who made £60,000 at a sale at Cheltenham Racecourse in December, 2013.

*Has never fallen or unseated his rider. Failed to complete one race when pulled up.

Race record: Starts: 18; Wins: 6; 2nd: 3; 3rd: 5; Win & Place Prize Money: £77,638

Sportinglife verdict: Progressive, jumps and stays so there's plenty to like about Scotland's principal hope who has pleased connections in his build-up. Wasn't far behind Vieux Lion Rouge in the Becher here in December and has leading claims.

SLife Rating (out of 5* * * * *): 4* * * *

Perfect Candidate (IRE) 10-11-04

 

Breeding: b gWinged Love - Dansana (Insan)
Breeder: Hugh Suffern Bloodstock Ltd
Born: May 12, 2007
Owner: ISL Recruitment
Trainer: Fergal O'Brien
Jockey: Paddy Brennan
Form: 66374/2445/1715150/25101-02P1

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*Set to make first appearance over Grand National fences in the Randox Health Grand National.

*Warmed up for Aintree with a racecourse gallop at Newbury on March 26, 2017.

*Made all to score by five lengths on latest appearance in three-mile Exeter veterans' handicap chase on February 12, 2017.

*Boasts a fine record at Cheltenham, winning two handicap chases at the course in 2016 and going down by a nose to Theatre Guide in G3 Unicoin Group Handicap Chase (3m 2f) at The Open in November that year.

*Lives in the stable next door to Alvarado, who was fourth in both the 2014 and 2015 Grand Nationals - Fergal O'Brien describes the pair as "best of friends". 

Jump race record: Starts 25; Wins 6; 2nd 3; 3rd 1. Win & Place Prize Money: £80,792

 Sportinglife verdict: Trainer has done well with his runners in this race and has long deemed this son of Winged Love an, erm, perfect candidate for it. Made all to win a veterans' chase at Exeter last time and could go well if getting into a rhythm but likely to find this a touch competitive with handicapper taking no prisoners.

SLife Rating (out of 5* * * * *): 2* * 

Pleasant Company (IRE) 9-10-11

 

Breeding: b g Presenting - Katie Flame (Alderbrook)
Breeder: Susan Bredin
Born: April 15, 2008
Owner: Malcolm Denmark
Trainer: Willie Mullins IRE
Jockey: Ruby Walsh
Form: 134/43/3413P-141

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*Lightly-raced nine-year-old, having made just 13 starts under rules including six chase appearances. Miinnehoma (1994) was the last Grand National winner to have less than 10 chase starts beforehand (nine). 

*Heads to Aintree on the back of a half-length success over Thunder And Roses in G3 Bobbyjo Chase (3m 1f) on heavy ground at Fairyhouse on February 25, 2017. Hedgehunter, also trained by Mullins, captured the same race before winning the Grand National in 2005. 

*Fourth on first outing for almost nine months in Thyestes Handicap Chase (3m 1f) at Gowran Park on January 26, 2017.

*Ended last season by beating Regal Encore by three-quarters of a length in Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase (3m 1f) at the 2016 Punchestown Festival. 

*Has never fallen or unseated his rider. Failed to complete once when pulled up.

Jump race record: Starts 13; Wins 4; 2nd -; 3rd 4. Win & Place Prize Money: £74,808

Sportinglife verdict: Lacks experience for this test but does represent top connections and comes into this race on the back of a career best performance at Fairyhouse. Promises to be suited by this trip and could easily take a hand.

SLife Rating (out of 5* * * * *): 3* * * 

Saphir Du Rheu (FR) 8-11-04

 

Breeding: gr g Al Namix - Dona Du Rheu (Dom Pasquini)
Breeder: Claude Duval
Born: April 26, 2009
Owner: The Stewart Family
Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Form: 3310/541114/U1F121/155665-3F215 

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*Six pounds well in on official ratings after finishing fifth behind Sizing John in the G1 Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival on March 17, 2017.

*Easy 15-length winner of the Ivan Straker Memorial Chase at Kelso in February, 2017.

*Most impressive performance so far came in the 2015 G1 Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree when defeating Carraig Mor by 15 lengths. 

*Trainer won Grand National with another grey Neptune Collonges in 2012, the first grey to triumph since Nicolaus Silver in 1961.

Jump race record: Starts: 27; Wins: 9; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 3; Win & Place Prize Money: £334,499

Sportinglife verdict: Smart hurdler who had failed to live up to expectations prior to a fine run in the Gold Cup which prompted connections to take their chance here, perhaps a year earlier than originally intended. Has the class to be a factor if he can build on that but this will be a very different test to Cheltenham and not hard to have doubts.

SLife Rating (out of 5* * * * *): 2* *  

*More to follow...(this page will be updated until all the main contenders are profiled).


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