4m2½f (4m2f74y) (Grand National) Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (7yo+)
It’s impossible not to fancy the chances of 2024 winner and 2025 runner-up, I Am Maximus, and a somewhat unlucky third, Grangeclare West in last year’s showpiece. Both have held their form extremely well this season, particularly latter who is fancied to go close as a class runner for Mullins.
The class angle has been key in recent years and one that has that but may be just short of Grade 1 winning top-class is MONTYS STAR. Trained by former winner Henry De Bromhead, Montys Star has a rather poor looking win record overall, but when you peel that back its only because he has always been contesting top class chases throughout his career. A fourth in the 2024 Gold Cup at the age of seven and a second in a Brown Advisory to Fact To File the year before reads very well. His form this season has been low-key but pretty solid and comes here as a genuine Grade 1 performer, now getting weight from his rivals that he often meets unpenalised. That could prove to be a huge difference to him and he is a horse that has always looked liked stamina is his forte as he faces his longest trip. But he’s no slouch either and should be able to keep up with the early pace around this track. 16/1 is a very healthy price for a classy individual in this contest that should be suited by its demands.
I have had my eye on another selection for this race ever since the weights were published and that is CAPTAIN CODY who could come out best of the Willie Mullins contingent. He’s clearly been trained to the minute by his handler for this big day ever since he romped home in the Scottish Grand National last season. He has to defy a 12lb higher mark for this and his form has been only average at best this year but he has been in as good form as he was when going into the Scottish National and it would seem foolish to ignore him.
Captain Cody ran in the Bobbyjo Chase which has produced the last winners of this race and whilst his run may have seemed a little flat, I thought it was quite decent as he would have hated the poor ground and is now receiving a full stone from Grangeclare West. He has the perfect profile for this being the right age at 8, having proven himself over these staying trips and with only nine career chase starts meaning he should be peaking at the right time.
The Brits have a strong hand here with Johnnywho, Jagwar, Iroko and Haiti Couleurs all having strong chances as well but the Grand National will be staying in Ireland.
1pt each-way Montys Star @16/1, 1pt each-way Captain Cody @18/1, 16:00 Aintree, Saturday (both seven places, 1/5 odds with Skybet)
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