GRAND NATIONAL
Saturday 12th April, 4:00pm
Corach Rambler @ 7/1
I Am Maximus @ 15/2
Vanillier @ 10/1
Limerick Lace @ 10/1
Meetingofthewaters @ 10/1
view odds
*prices correct at time of writing.
RACE
…needs no introduction. Since 1839, the Randox-sponsored Grand National (4-00) has enthralled, throwing up champions, champion fairytales and champion shocks. In its new form with just 34 runners, I wonder what it’s got for us in 2024.
MARKET
Last year’s winner Corach Rambler is looking for a rare double (only seven have done it) off the back of an outstanding Gold Cup effort, and though higher in the weights could be still well-handicapped.
Vanillier, runner-up twelve months ago, was well held by I Am Maximus at Fairyhouse though the vibes are quite strong, while 2023’s fourth-placed Noble Yeats, then himself the defending champion, is topweight but loves the challenge.
I Am Maximus grabbed glory in last year’s Irish Grand National and is lightly-raced compared to some, so could easily improve further.
Meetingofthewaters wasn’t beaten far when third in the Ultima, traditionally a good pointer, and is of interest off this kind of mark, as is his stablemate Mr Incredible, a runner that was going well when the saddle slipped and the rider unseated at the second Canal Turn behind Corach Rambler – he made a pleasing return in the Midlands Grand National.
JP McManus’ number one rider Mark Walsh has swerved Meetingofthewaters to be on board Limerick Lace, winner of the Mares Chase at Cheltenham; she was beaten the only time she went beyond two-and-a-half miles though the pedigree has stamina in it.
Of the other main Irish contenders Panda Boy has good form with Meetingofthewaters; Mahler Mission has not run for a bit but that was when a fine second in the old Hennessy; Minella Indo, aged 11, is a former Gold Cup winner though that was a bit ago; and Delta Work, third in 2022, will relish conditions and was still in with a right chance when losing his rider just before the second Bechers last time.
Delta Work’s trainer Gordon Elliott is due to have eight runners, as is Willie Mullins and there are just eight home challengers headed by Corach Rambler.
Of the others, Kitty’s Light will stay but it could potentially be a little on the soft side; similarly, Late Night Pass is another with a question mark re the ground but he’s demonstrated a love for the obstacles; in contrast Nassalam will relish conditions, as will Chambard, the mount of Lucy Turner, winners of the Becher Chase from Coko Beach (another Gordon Elliott runner) which still put in a great performance conceding masses of weight.
THE WINNER
For me, one shortie, one longer: Meetingofthewaters and Coko Beach – what do you think?
CORNELIUS’ QUARTET
Here he comes: Caldwell Potter, purchased for a eye-watering 740,000 Euro in February out of Gordon Elliott’s operation, makes his eagerly awaited British debut (1-55).
The status of Twig and jockey Beau Morgan as poster boys for British point-to-pointing continued when they were gallant runners-up in the Ultima and another bold show (2-30) will see their standing rise again.
Flooring Porter (3-05) didn’t flourish in three chases but showed all his old zest when runner-up in the Cheltenham Stayers which he’d previously won twice.
After Il Etait Temps strolled home on day one, what do we think about his old adversary Found A Fifty (5-00)? The answer may be to put that fifty on him.
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