After giving close consideration to those horses who are sure to relish the marathon trip of the Grand National it's only right that we now turn our attention to those that are unproven over the distance and therefore doubtful stayers. I'm not saying that some of these may not appreciate the step up to this type of contest, but the stats still say that you need to have proven stamina already in the form book in order to win the Grand National.
So, it's no disrespect to the following horses - who by virtue of their rating clearly still deserve their place in the line-up - but, other than one or two that may improve over this trip, the unique test of the Grand National is unlikely to suit the vast majority who have yet to win over further than three miles.
This once again includes 40% of the field, which is a shame when you consider that horses like Secret Reprieve, who was an impressive winner of this season's Welsh National over 3m 5f, or Some Neck, a winner of the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham in the autumn over 3m 6f, have been denied their place in the line up.
I would personally prefer to see the spectacle of all top stayers competing in the race, either through a 'win and you're in' format for the major trials, by making a 3m+ win a condition of entry, or even by limiting the number of runners per owner - especially when JP McManus and Gigginstown combined account for 30% of those due to take part in this year's race.
I know other National enthusiasts don't necessarily agree with this view - it is a handicap after all - but it's a one-off race, arguably the greatest steeplechase in the world, so the best stayers (not just the top rated horses) should in my view be able to take their place in the line up on merit.
No comments:
Post a Comment