Narrow Down The Field

How to Narrow Down The National Runners Thanks to OLBG tipster KingPete for his thoughts on how to narrow down the Grand National Runners.

What is The Grand National?

The Biggest most valuable race in the UK paying out around £400,000 to the special winner. Its also the hardest race to predict as there are 40 runers all battling over 4 1/2 miles, jumping over 30 fences (some as high as 5ft 3). The thing that makes this race so exciting is that it's a bit like a lottery (which is ironic as the first aintree grand national winner was called 'Lottery' ) and it's the most popular race as people who would'nt usually bet have a few quid on. Some people choose their winner by name or lucky numbers and others look more at the form, age, weight, breed, rating, stamina and history.

Here is what I look for when choosing the Grand National Winner

Age - I tend to look at horses aged 9 - 10 (maybe 11) as this is the age when most staying chasers are at their peek. 9 and 11 year olds also have the better record in this race.

Weight - Weight is probably the most important thing to look at in this type of race. I dont like picking horses that are carrying more than 11st as there has only been one winner that has carried 11st or more in the last 22 years. That was Hedgehunter in 2006 carrying 11st 1.

Stamina - They have to have won over 3m to 3m5.Since 'Gay Trip' in 1970 their hasnt been another winnner who hasnt won over this distance.

Breeding - I always try and avoid french horse as there has'nt been a french bred winner in the last century. This is mostly due to the fact that in France very few races are run beyond three miles, so breederes have no need to install strong stamina genes into there stock. They are also trained harder at a younger age so once they get to eight or nine they are ususally past there best and will struggle to win this race. I like to stick with the Irish horses who have had a huge success in this race with six winners in the last nine.

Odds - Not the most important factor but there has only been four winning favourites in the last 26. The race is rarely won by a horse with odds of less than 10/1.(only five since 1978.

In our opinion the following fit these Grand National trends the best
Kilbeggan Blade could be very well in at the weights.

Sorry. Kilbeggan Blade is not running in the 2010 Grand National
Click Here to see the list of this years runners

Rambling Minster has shown improved form since the weights were released, fits all the key trends, looks well handicapped and has been aimed at the race.

Sorry. Rambling Minster is not running in the 2010 Grand National
Click Here to see the list of this years runners

Now take a look at the full list of Grand National Runners