Future Focus: Aintree Grand National 2019
With 81 still entered for the Aintree Grand National as of Wednesday 20th March. We take a peak at some of the potential value and give two ante-post selections for horse racing’s blue ribbon event, taking place just over two weeks from today …..
Go Conquer – 1pt Win (40/1)
10yo – b g Arcadio (GER) – Ballinamona Wish (IRE) (Kotashaan (FR))
One of five entries in the race for two-time Aintree Grand National winning trainer Nigel Twiston Davies. Once upon a time in the hands of Jonjo O’Neill, Go Conquer ticks many of boxes required to hit the frame for his new trainer, who last won the race with Binadree back in 2002.
Off the back of victory at Doncaster in January, Go Conquer enters the Grand National fray off a career high BHA mark of 157.
Go Conquer is likely to carry more than 11 st when the final numbers are declared. His easy action and strong travelling style will see him up with the pace right throughout the race. Tom Bellamy will be allowed to let him roll safe in the knowledge that stamina is proven.
With 17 starts over fences and experience of winning around flat tracks such as Ascot and Doncaster, if you decide to go with Go Conquer for the National, you will be guaranteed an exciting spin around bar an accident at 40/1.
Mall Dini – 1pt Win (25/1)
9yo – b g Milan (GB) – Winsome Breeze (IRE) (Glacial Storm (USA))
Imagine the scenes and floods of fighting journalists scrambling for the exclusive Pat Kelly reaction following Mall Dini’s romp to victory in the Aintree National.
Labelled a training genius by many, the mysterious Galway man might well have the son of Milan chucked in!
Mall Dini enjoys his jumping and does have plenty of experience despite failing to put a chase win on the board. If reports are to be true, Mall Dini was “fat as a fool” at Gowran in January and hasn’t been properly fit for nearly two years.
Patrick Mullins was given the task of hunting the Pat Kelly trained 9yo around in the Thyestes, he stayed on well on at Gowran without ever threatening to get invloved. A recent sharpener at Limerick (2m) should leave Mall Dini spot on for fitness and jumping for Aintree. 25/1 looks fair at this stage, price could potentially be halved come the day.
By Barry Doyle – 21/03/2019