Pinstickers Guide: John Smith’s Grand National Race
Synchronised
The Gold Cup winner is the class act in the race and has stamina to burn, but this is still a big ask just four weeks after his hard race at Cheltenham.
Ballabriggs
Last year's winner has been trained with a repeat in mind but will find things tougher from 10lb higher in the weights.
Seabass
Prolific winner in Ireland this season but at much shorter distances and it's a worry that Ruby Walsh has deserted him for On His Own.
Shakalakaboomboom
A commentator's nightmare and we could be hearing his name mentioned often as he's never fallen and has a realistic chance on form
West End Rocker
Out-and-out stayer who loves soft ground, so no surprise to see him well-backed after the recent rain, obvious chance.
Sunnyhillboy
Won at the Cheltenham Festival and could finally fulfil his potential.
Giles Cross
Dour stayer and sound jumper too, but his tendency to pull himself up in front could leave backer's nerves in shreds.
Becauseicouldntsee
Only got as far as the second fence last season but he's a sound jumper in the main and ran a cracker when second at Cheltenham last time, place prospects.
Killyglen
Was going well when falling 12 months ago and was a winner last time, so he's a big danger to all.
Weird Al
Very inconsistent chaser with something to prove after pulling up early in the Gold Cup, hard to fancy.
Calgary Bay
Has been in good form this season but didn't get round in last year's National and stamina is a big worry.
Neptune Collonges
Not getting any younger but classy on his day and is a sound jumper in the main, so no surprise to see him go close.
Planet of Sound
Retains plenty of ability as he showed when running second in the Hennessy but will need the ground to dry out and, even then, he's an unlikely stayer.
Black Apalachi
Second in the 2010 race and while he's pushing 13 now, he should give a good account without being quite good enough.
Deep Purple
Proved he stayed marathon trips when winning at Sandown earlier in the season but has something to prove after a crashing fall last time out
Junior
Is bidding for a unique hat-trick having won at Royal Ascot and the Cheltenham Festival and preparation has gone well, leading chance if he stays on his feet.
Chicago Grey
Stays all day but does get well behind in his races and his jumping is not always fluent either.
Tatenen
Best form has been at Ascot and this is a world apart, impossible to fancy.
According To Pete
Has been in great form this season, winning two big handicaps, and his trainer was in double form at Cheltenham, interesting outsider.
On His Own
The more rain the better for him and he looks to be peaking at the right time, so Ruby Walsh's decision to ride him could be inspired.
Always Right
Third in the Scottish National last season so we know he stays without being perhaps good enough to win.
Cappa Bleu
Has a touch of class, jumps well and stays, so looks to have all the ingredients to make him a winner.
Rare Bob
Hard to fancy on current form and he's a doubtful stayer too.
Mon Mome
The 2009 shock winner has shown glimpses of his old form this season but not enough to suggest he can win turn the clock back at the age of 12.
Organisedconfusion
Lacks experience over fences but he did win the Irish Grand National and could give Nina Carberry a great ride.
The Midnight Club
Was sent off favourite last season only to trial in a distant sixth and his form this season suggests a similar scenario this time round.
Treacle
Trainer is convinced he's better than ever at the age of 11 and he should run a big race off what looks a nice weight, definite chance.
Arbor Supreme
Has failed to get round on two previous attempts, hat-trick is on the cards.
Sunnyhillboy
Cheltenham winner last time and well weighted for his first National run, jumping needs to improve though.
Quiscover Fontaine
Placed in the Irish National but his form overall leaves a lot to be desired and he's hard to fancy seriously.
Tharawaat
Well beaten on his last three starts and is quite rightly a big price.
State of Play
Fourth consecutive attempt having finished in the frame for the past three seasons, but his trainer has even better prospects with Cappa Bleu.
Swing Bill
Has got round these fences before but, on overall form, the chances of him becoming the first grey winner since Nicolaus Silver in 1961 look slim to non-existent.
Postmaster
Looks out of his depth here and is a suspect stayer, so easy to discount.
Hello Bud
A regular visitor here although he's far to old at 14 to win and he will get round in his own time.
In Compliance
Former classy chaser but looks on the downgrade now and needs a Foinavon-style miracle to win.
Midnight Haze
Trainer won this race in 1990 with Mr Frisk but that's the only thing to recommend him.
Vic Venturi
Would have had a chance in his prime but is too old now.
Viking Blond
Likes plenty of space in his races which he's not going to get here, big outsider.
