Grand National 2009: This year’s frontrunners (Part 2)

15 of the last 18 winners have started at 20/1 or less. That means there are eleven major contenders: My Will, Butler’s Cabin, Rambling Minster, State of Play, Black Apalachi, Comply Or Die, Hear The Echo, Parsons Legacy, Irish Invader, Kilbeggan Blade and the chickendinner pick Darkness…

» Just one horse in the last twenty years has carried eleven stones or more to victory - Hedgehunter (2005) - which doesn’t bode well for My Will, State of Play, Black Apalachi, Comply or Die and Hear The Echo, who were all dealt with harshly by the handicapper.

» Rambling Minster and Parsons Legacy are hampered by the fact only two horses aged eleven or older have won in the last 13 years.

Posted: April 3rd, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Why Diamond Harry is good value at 5/1 with Paddy Power

Wednesday’s 2.05pm could be one of the week’s most open races

Hopefully you followed our advice for the festival’s opening race and backed Go Native at a massive 12/1. Wednesday’s Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle could be the most open race so far and third-favourite Diamond Harry is generously available at 5/1 with Paddy Power.

PROMISING TRENDS!
Diamond Harry, who is unbeaten in six races, has all the key attributes that past winners of this race have possessed. He is in the first six of the betting at under 12/1, he finished first or second on his last outing and is aged five or six.

The two other frontrunners also meet these specifications but there are reasons to write both off. Only one jockey has retained since 1988 and last year’s winner Ruby Walsh rides favourite Mikael D’Haguenet while Karabak’s jockey Tony McCoy hasn’t won this race in twelve attempts.

Click here to claim a free £25 bet with Paddy Power

Paddy Power are paying an extra place e/w in the 4pm and 5.15pm races

Posted: March 10th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment