2YO Early Season Winners

The Flat racing season has started in earnest. So what are we to make of the two-year-old winners seen so far this season 2018? 

Sixteen races:

Mick Channon's Izzer won the Brocklesby Conditions Stakes and then won under a penalty at Bath, making almost £20,000 in prize money. Looks a determine juvenile although prone to others if those penalties act like a millstone round his neck. Channon always found a winner in Jungle Inthebungle. He was found out second start, running on, as if six furlongs would suit. 

A couple of Brocklesby Conditions Stakes runners - behind Izzer - have come out since and won boosting the form. 

David Evans' Lihou battle well to win at Kempton. Bill Tuner's Arthur's Spirit disappointed on debut and showed ability when runner-up to Mr Buttons as Southwell. Arthur's Spirit led all the way at Kempton with the likes of Bungle Inthejungle outpaced.

Star Performers seen so far.

Charlie Fellows doesn't have too many juvenile and rarely two-year-olds out so early in the season. Snazzy had trouble in running but finished with plenty of appeal at Newcastle. This Class 2 race had very good prize money suggesting it was decent. 

Mark Johnston has sent out a few two-year-olds with his classic easy winner or poor loser routine. One horse who was very well backed at Windsor is Blown By Wind. A good-looking colt, he took his time to get going but flew clear of the filed to win by a number of lengths. I get the feeling the placed horses were expecting to win so that speaks well for the victor who will not have any problems stepping up to 6f. Looks the type to keep in mind. 

Charlie Appleby, for Godolphin, was a real force last season and String Of Life won nicely at Newmarket. The stable said this Irish-bred daughter of Slade Power would improve a lot for this debut and earmarked for Royal Ascot. 

Tom Dascombe has a couple of smart types in Jackstar who won nicely at Newmarket and Light My Fire. The former was clearly expected by the stable and the owner, Mrs Caroline Ingram was almost bursting at the seams with pride and future ambition.  

3:00 Newmarket Racing Tips (17th April)

An EBF Novice Stakes race over 5f on good to soft going. 

Eight two-year-old colts take part: two with race experience. 

Both I Am A Dreamer and Ynys Mon shaped with promise on their racecourse bow. 

The former trained by Mark Johnston was a beaten favourite and third of three when failing at even money on testing ground at Musselburgh. This son of Dream Ahead cost 62,000G at the yearling sales. Worth noting he was the only horses entered for the Brocklesby Conditions Stakes. Musselburgh saw heavy going that day, which is far from ideal. Time may tell it was a decent race even with such a small field. The betting on debut and Brocklesby entry encourage me to think I Am A Dreamer has ability. 

The first thing that struck me about Ynys Mon, he is a good-looking colt. This son of Olympic Glory drifted to huge prices on the exchanges before being backed down to 13/2 SP.  That was a decent Class 2 race, with very good price money of £12,000+ to the winner. Izzer won under a penalty after taking the Brocklesby Stakes. The second that day, John Betjeman, wasn't disgraced on his second start. Ynys Mon is an early runner for Charlie Hills. He doesn't have too many out this time of year and it is often a sign they have ability. The ground that day at Bath was horrendous being over ten seconds slow. This bay colt cost 85,000G. He was slow away from the stalls and playing catch up thereafter. True, on form he didn't show a great deal but there were reasons to forgive that performance and on better ground and experience on side, he isn't without hope. 

Aidan O'Brien fields the well bred debutante Van Beethoven. The stable have the ability to win at leisure with their talents. However, this colt doesn't look to be value at short odds although respected. 

Tom Dascombe sent out his first two runners the other day but neither achieved a great deal, unfancied in the betting and struggling with wide draws. Jackstar is a grey son of Dark Angel and costly yearling purchase at £120,000. The mare won and contested Group class. If priced 13/2 & less SP should be respected. 

Brian Meehan isn't usually one to start the season so early with his two-year-olds. Treasure Quest is a son of Sepoy and cost £30,000 at the yearling sales. The stable can win at speculative prices. Would have more appeal if backed. 

Pesci hails from Richard Fahey's stable. He is a superb trainer when it comes to readying a debutante although each horse is best judged on its merits. This son of Elzaam cost £35,000 at the yearling sales. 

The first two-year-old of the campaign for Kevin Ryan in Aloysius Lilius. This Irish-bred son of Gregorian cost 46,000 euros at the yearling sales.The stable can win on debut and worthy of respect. 

Robert Cowell is a capable trainer who can pop up with a decent juvenile. Vikivaki was far from disgraced on debut at Newcastle. Owner, Mrs Fitri Hay wasn't holding back when this son of Kodiac was purchased for 180,000 euros. Ballistic is out of a twice-winning mare who raced over sprint distances and rated about 90. The betting suggests others are more fancied but could be backed. 

Conclusion: A difficult race to assess. A few of these are fancied by connections ,while others cost good money. I Am A Dreamer is likely to have ability. Ynys Mon has something to prove but a good-looking colt who may shine brighter here. Difficult to know what to think about the favourite. I wouldn't be betting at short odds but respect the stable.It means you have bigger odds to play with for an each way bet if that is your angle. The two form horses have valuable experience but this looks a tough race to call. 

Royal Ascot 2018: Coventry Stakes Trends

Who doesn't love a bit of royal ascot hospitality. It's an occasion of exceptional horse racing, pomp, ceremony and opportunity for Ladies & Gentleman to dress up to the nines in all their finery and swagger about the course. 

From the 19th - 23rd June, Royal Ascot comes alive. 

For those who enjoy two-year-old horse racing there is plenty to get your teeth into. 

The Coventry Stakes (Group 2) 3:05 Tuesday 20th June 

A Brief History

Open to two-year-old colts and fillies run over 6f. It was first inaugurated in 1890 by the 9th Earl of Coventry. However, the Coventry took its Group 2 status in 2004, previously given Group 3 rating from 1971. A number of exceptional horses have won this race over the years. 

In 1970, Mill Reef shone brightly for trainer Ian Balding. He went on to win 10 high-profile races including the Epsom Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe among other noted victories. Other winners talents include: Red Clubs (2005), Canford Cliffs (2009) & Carravaggio (2016). 

Last year say trainer Richard Spencer prevail with Rajasinghe (pictured), ridden by Stevie Donohoe. 

Trends

This usually goes to one of the bigger stables. Aidan O'Brien has been successful four in the last eleven races. As regards the betting, in the last sixteen years the biggest priced winner was War Command 20/1 (2013), trained by O'Brien, ridden by Seamie Heffernan. However, this was very much an anomaly. In fact, thirteen of the last fifteen races have gone to horses priced 8/1 & less. Nine priced 5/1 & less. This data illustrates that even though the Coventry Stakes often features a large field, very few horses have a fighting chance. The major fancies are worthy of respect and especially Aidan O'Brien. 

Other notable two-year-old races at Royal Ascot include: 

Windsor Castle (Listed) 
Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) 
Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) 
Albany Stakes (Group 3) 
Chesham Stakes (Listed)

A Guide to Surviving Early Season Betting

So, the Flat turf season 2018 is underway. 

Those preseason nerves, excitement and anticipation transformed to focus on the here and now. 

The two-year-old season started with the Brocklesby Conditions Stakes, just like the good, old days. Testing ground conditions have made the turf even more problematic. 

Those first few weeks, if not months, can be difficult for any age of horse but especially two-year-olds. Considering most early juveniles will be cantering over the winter period the weather can impact on their progress. Also, the going, if running on the turf. It may be a positive if they have soft-ground breeding or a negative if not. Most trainers will not take a chance with a debutante because they want them to have a pleasant introduction. For many, travelling, a change of routine, different environment and hustle and bustle of the racecourse can be a frightening experience. 

But how do we consider betting early season?

I would suggest you take care. The enthusiasm for wanting to bet can be strong (and not always a bad thing). The difficultly being you don't want to look for bets but neither do you want to miss gilt-edge chances. That is the difficulty of guidelines because they need that element of flexibility which says: ''You should bet even when you normally wouldn't''. 

Reasons why you should be careful when betting early season:

1) Even trainers need time to assess the merit of their two-year-old string. Sure, they have older horses to run against and gauge the standard of, perhaps,  their most precocious juvenile. They need a few runners to appreciate their worth. It's a time even the best of the best hold their breath and hope. 

2) Assessing form. Early season form horses can be very deceiving. A horse finishes second and it feels natural to think it has ability. That may be correct or a big mistake. Many of these early form horses will start favourite on their second start and often poor bets with little value. In fact, many will be horrendous bets. Beaten out of sight.

3) Going concerns. As detailed above, these early months can see testing ground conditions on the turf. This makes life difficult on the day and assessing horses when making their second start, which may see them go to race on the all-weather. 

4) Betting on debutantes. Even after years of betting, I am fearful of betting on debutantes. You just never know how they will handle the day. As all the early races are over 5f, a slow start, running awkward on a bend or just very inexperienced may leave you with a mountain to climb. It is a strange fact, but often the best horses have terrible debut runs. I take note of favourites who trail home in last because they often fly next start. 

So what can we look for as positive pointers?

1) Listen to what horse trainers say. All trainers love to get in front of the camera especially when their horses are running well. Mick Channon was buoyant in his view that because Izzer won the Brocklesby Conditions Stakes, they have a decent two-year-old string. It has proven correct with winners and big runs following.

2) Experience counts for a lot. That first start gives a big advantage when opposing debutantes, especially on a turning course. 

3) The intention of the trainer. Trainers are creatures of habit. How do they train their two-year-olds? When do they usually win? You will find that certain trainers never win on debut. Others place their horses to go well on their second start. While most of their chances are price driven. They need to be fancied in the betting. That is true for many but not all. I know trainers who go much better with outsiders than favourites. You simply need to have an understanding of what makes trainers tick. 

4) Keep an eye on significant entries. If there is one pointer which helps identify a talented juvenile it is their race entries. Group Horse Daily details all this information for free this season. We work hard to detail the best two-year-old horses in training. You can take a look at previous year's analysis to appreciate how good this information is. It is exceptional. 

My personal opinion is to be careful betting early season. You should enjoy what you are doing and be confident in your ability which comes from hard work or attaching yourself to people who do the work for you. The best bets always stand out. The only exception I would make about chancing your luck is if you have an inkling a big priced horse could win. You need so few of these selections to win to be in profit that I wouldn't let them pass by without a small bet. 

Group Horse Daily - Why Pay £500?

Just a quick note to say we have a cracking race preview placed on Group Horse Daily. This two-year-old race at Kempton is worth noting today as a few form horses contest this Stakes race. In addition, there is a number of debutantes of some interest. Readers know that when it comes to horse racing we are going the extra mile to keep you informed. Group Horse Daily is free for all this year. Remember, this cost about £500 per year when part of our subscription service. Basically, we should be charging £10 per week for this service. It is all about value. Follow our information for this season and you will see what we mean. Exceptional. 

2018 Grand National: Leading Contenders For Aintree Glory

One of the true highlights of the National Hunt season, the Grand National is an incredibly prestigious event. With prize money of £1 million up for grabs in 2018, the biggest and most successful trainers, owners and jockeys will be competing for one of racing’s top purses.

In 2017, Lucinda Russell’s One For Arthur romped home under a superb ride from Derek Fox but the defending champion was ruled out of the Aintree showpiece after suffering a season-ending injury. Despite that obvious disappointment, the race must go on.

However, there are still plenty of top-class horses in the mix and it would take a brave man to rule anybody out at this moment in time. All 40 competitors have made the cut on merit and chief handicapper Phil Smith has judged entries well this year.

But enough chitchat; it is time to look at a few of the market principles ahead of the 2018 event. We have narrowed down the field to six prime contenders but who is YOUR Grand National winner? Check out our thoughts on this year's race below.

Fresh Legs Could Help Minella Rocco

Last year’s Gold Cup runner-up was originally aimed at a second bite at that particular cherry but the ground was of some concern at the Festival. Instead, Minella Rocco will go for the Grand National and he could feature prominently. Stamina is no issue for this horse; he won the four-miler at Cheltenham back in 2016 and that is a key box ticked on your Aintree checklist.

The form behind this horse is very strong indeed. He has finished before Native River on two separate occasions and Colin Tizzard’s mount has just won a Cheltenham Gold Cup. He will have to contend with carrying top weight but Minella Rocco has the class, stamina and speed to romp home in this famous Merseyside event.

Total Recall Travelling Well When Falling In Gold Cup

According to the latest odds and tips from over at Timeform, Total Recall is the current ante-post favourite for the 2018 Grand National. He was travelling well in fifth when falling at the third last fence in the Cheltenham Gold Cup but was never going to catch Might Bite or eventual winner Native River on that day. Total Recall could go close at Aintree, though, if he has a safe trip around.

Prior to that Gold Cup run, Total Recall had won three races in a row – all three had fields of 16 runners or more. His ability to compete against a lot of opponents should stand him in good stead here and that may be why he heads the betting at 11/1. Plenty of tipsters will be backing him to go all the way this year and he could lead off as favourite on April 14^th.

Bellshill Heading To Aintree?

Fifth in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, Bellshill could set his sights on Aintree. Willie Mullins’ mount was leading at the final fence but appeared to be distracted and eventually finished fifth – beaten by one and a half lengths in a dramatic finish. 29^th in the weights, Bellshill is well placed to push his rivals close on the other side of the Irish Sea.

Ruby Walsh will not feature in this year’s race after suffering an injury at Cheltenham but his loss is Paul Townend’s gain. Townend has ridden Bellshill a few times, as has David Mullins and it could be a difficult jockey choice for connections. On paper, Townend is arguably the more gifted rider and his experience in a race of this magnitude could be telling.

Ucello Conti Well In At The Handicap

Gordon Elliott has kept Ucello Conti fresh specifically with this race in mind and he could be there or thereabouts at the business end of the race. Doubts remain over his ability to stay, especially with no prep run before this year’s event, but he stayed when finishing a gallant sixth in this race back in 2016. You could argue that he is arguably better placed to challenge now.

Treated quite kindly by the handicapper, Ucello Conti has the quality to go close – it would be foolish to write him off. He is available at 25/1 with most high street bookmakers and is a sure-fire thing to go off at a much shorter price on the day. With a bit of luck, connections may be celebrating at Aintree come next weekend.

Anibale Fly Capable Of Another Big Run

There weren’t many tipsters backing Anibale Fly to place in this year’s Gold Cup but that is exactly what happened. After a low-key ride under Barry Geraghty, he finished quickly but was never able to challenge the two leaders. However, finishing third in such a prestigious race is no easy feat and Anibale Fly must be respected for that result.

Based on that performance, stamina should not be too much of an issue. He has won and placed in two separate races of three miles or longer and he can perform on different types of ground. Versatility is needed to shine in big-field races like this one and he could be the next Grand National winner. At 14/1, he is certainly backable for another positive effort.

Last Chance For The Last Samuri?

You’d be hard pressed to find a more well-received winner than Kim Bailey's charge. An agonising second to Rule The World in this race two years ago, The Last Samuri headed back to Aintree last year and finished a respectable 16th after carrying top weight. Now fourth in the handicap, his trainer believes that he is talented enough to challenge near the front once again.

Unfortunately, he will have to reverse the form with Gordon Elliott’s Tiger Roll, winner of the 2018 Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Tiger Roll is much better off at the weights and The Last Samuri may find this one a stretch too far. It would be the stuff of dreams if he can give connections one more memorable day out.

2:20 Bath Racing Tips (30th March)

A Conditions Stakes (Plus 10) race over 5f 10y on soft going. 

Eight two-year-olds take part, all unraced bar Mick Channon's first time out winner, Izzer, who took the Brocklebsy Conditions Stakes in good style. 

Izzer was very well backed at Doncaster. This son of Clodovil seemed to enjoy the testing conditions and after looking weak in the betting was seriously backed from 14/1 - 4/1. There was some confidence behind this horse. Experience counts a lot at this time of year and this grey colt looks a professional horse who should know his job. A four pound win penalty isn't too extreme although it is a burden of some sort.Should go well but there could be opposition. 

With this race being a Class 2 and very good prize money there will be a few trainers sending their better early type to battle this out. 

Mark Johnston can set the standard early season. He has proven that in previous years with some very smart horses who have won impressively on debut and progressed to go well at Group class. 

Deep Intrigue is a well bred son of Dark Angel and costly yearling purchase at £200,000. The dam was Listed class. A potentially smart juvenile for this time of year. Johnston's horses seem to fall into two camps: easy winners or poor losers. 

Bill Turner's Brocklesby runner, Arthur's Spirit, did little on his first start. He fields John Betjeman, who is a son of Poet's Voice. This £4,500 yearling may be fit and ready but the stable's two-year-olds are not the force of old.  

Richard Hughes seemed to struggle with his two-year-olds last season although getting his act together later in the season. Owner Jaber Abdullah often buys cheap purchases and some go well. Wolf Hunter is a chestnut son of Sir Prancealot who has done fairly well as a sire. Probably best watched. 

Charlie Hills isn't the type of trainer to send out early juveniles for no reason so it is interesting to see Ynys Mon who is a son of Olympic Glory. An 85,000G yearling is a respectable sum of money for this time of year. May have claims especially if backed.

Mark Johnston has stolen the glory from Richard Hannon in the last few years. Certainly early season, the stable have lost out to a stronger team. Hannon is no stranger to a good juvenile and *Dixieland is worthy of respect. This April foal is sired by Red Jazz and a £60,000 yearling buy. Definitely one of the major hopes. 

Nakakande is best watched. 

Arbuckle is unlikely to figure. 

Conclusion: These early season two-year-old races can be tricky to call. Izzer ran well to win on debut and a four pound penalty isn't a huge weight to carry. A professional type, he could go well. The downside is trying to assess the level of form, which is difficult to know. Sets a decent level but could be vulnerable to a smart opponent. Deep Intrigue hails from a class stable who have proven they can win well early season and often very talented juveniles. A price tag of £200,000 is a lot of money and Clipper Logistics know a good horse when they see one. Interesting, but not sure I would jump in at short odds because any sign of inexperience can be costly. Dixieland has claims. Ynys Mon may have a chance if well backed. I would have to take a watching brief. 

* NR: Dixieland

4:10 Doncaster Racing Tips (24th March)

The Brocklesby Conditions Stakes (Plus 10) (Class 4) (2yo). 

Thirteen two-year-olds making their debut on soft ground bar the once-raced Eviya Rose who raced at Saint-Cloud on the 17th March. The first two-year-old race of the season. A race that has seen a number of highly talented horses go on to achieved group success. You may remember Mind Games, trained by Jack Berry. Another star for Pat Eddery was Hearts Of Fire won at Group 1 in France. 

Take a look at this list of Brocklesby Winners.  

Last year saw the Brocklesby split into two divisions. Declan Carroll's Santry won and proved a class performer when finishing second in the Norfolk Stakes (Group 2). Sadly, Santry was fatally injured on the gallops later that year. 

Today we see a field which consists of Langholm, who is trained by Carroll. This bay colt is a son of Dark Angel and 100,000 euro purchase. Trainers are often creatures of habit and it might be the case he comes back here with Santry in mind. Interesting to see this debutante who has a relatively wide draw in stall 12. 

One other trainer who needs little introduction when it comes to the Brocklesby is Bill Turner. A handler who is synonymous with this race. A number of winners and talents including The Lord. Another gallant horse who started his long career in the Brocklesby was Indian Spark. It is often the case, Turner sends his best juvenile to contest this race. It is a shame that his string has been weakened over the past few years which slightly tempers enthusiasm. However, you would never doubt the chance of a Turner runner here. Arthur's Spirit is owned by E A Brook which may be significant because a number of Brocklesby stars have been in his colours. This son of Swiss Spirit cost just 5,000 G at the yearling sales so not expensive by any standard. It is actually Arthur's Spirit's birthday as he was born on this day two years ago. Turner can ready a debutante and his record in the race says they are here to go well. Drawn next to the favourite may be a good place to be. 

Richard Fahey, who excels with debut winners, has won the Brocklesby a few times. It is true that a number of his horses starting here have needed the race. The betting is the best guide. Wasntexpectingthat must be respected. This 28,000G yearling purchase is a son of Fox Wedge. 

Lihou hails from David Evans stable. He is a trainer who doesn't let the grass grown under his feet. In previous years, the stable had seen very little in the way of success here but Last Page ran a storming race behind Santry, losing by a head, in 2017. This chestnut son of Mayson is priced 10/1 in the betting. Another horse with a wide draw (13) which may be a blessing although if the going is faster on the lower rail it may be a negative. Money talks with this stable. 

Mick Channon has gone well in this race but the betting is the key indicator. If Izzer is priced 8/1 and less it would give greater hope. If weak in the market, I would take a watching brief.

John Quinn doesn't have too many early juveniles so it is intriguing to see Carey Street starting on the first day of the Flat. The betting suggests others are more fancied although worthy of respect.   

Others to note: Geography Teacher.

Conclusion: Always an intriguing race which often goes to those more fancied in the betting. With the ground being soft, it may be a plus or minus to be drawn high or low. The earlier races may help bring some light. Certainly, those more fancied in the betting are drawn high. Langholm is interesting. Considering Carroll won a division with Santry, it is a pointer. One of the more expensive two-year-olds to have run in this race. Arthur's Spirit could bring a smile to Bill Turner's face. He loves this race but sadly things have not gone so well over the last couple of years with a depleted string. It is a plus this juvenile being owned by E A Brook. Definitely high on the shortlist. Wasntexpectingthat hails from a stable who can win on their racecourse bow. Although a few of Fahey's Brocklesby runners in previous years have needed the run. Lihou is worth noting although David Evans is tricky to get right with debutantes. They either win well or fail to shine. 

I'd give Langholm and Arthur's Spirit the best chance. The favourite is not much value at 2/1. Bill Turner's charge may be the answer although his string has been weakened in recent years which makes life a bit more difficult. A watching brief. 

Tom Dascombe the Man in Shades

A busy day. Always lots to think about. Uploading websites, my records, to be fair I work much too hard with all this stuff. 

Three two-year-old races today. I'm writing post race because I'm not detailing much about giving tips or info for free because the whole issue of people taking is an irritant I really don't need these days. I won't go on about it else I will never stop...

Tom Dascombe. He makes me smile. I sometimes think the racing channels shouldn't actually bother with a ''new, exciting, inside-info, let's hear all about it'' interview and press play on something he spoke about ten years back. Generic. I'm speaking live but I may as well be dead kind of utterance. Or which wall of the drying paint should I talk about this afternoon? It makes me smile really but kind of annoys. Not that I can blame him for protecting his interests or those of his connections as to why give free stuff (worth money) for the takers. 

If anyone was watching the racing today you will realise I am talking about the 4:10 Newmarket. 

Formidable Kitt was well backed to return 11/8f. Bred by Chasemore Farm, this bay filly is a daughter of Invincible Spirit out of the very talented mare Ceiling Kitty who readers may remember won the Queen Mary Stakes Group 2 at Royal Ascot in 2012. She had taken the Marygate Fillies' Stakes Listed race at York before proving something of a surprise winner at Ascot at odds of 20/1.    

Dascombe spoke of a similar plan for Formidable Kitt. Clearly, she is held in some regard illustrated by today's starting price and tidy victory from the hard ridden Take Shelter who was one of three horses fielded by James Tate.

Dascombe spoke in his generic, almost metallic, tone of being much wiser after the event and stating she was ''well backed'. I get the feeling that Dascombe is a big gambler somewhere along the line because he talks with the passion of a man whose heart is pumping ten to the dozen while thinking about the win. Good luck to this little filly. She certainly is small and compact. A nippy sort who is likely to be a bold front-runner and I wouldn't think she will be going much over 5f. 

A couple of races at Beverley. Richard Fahey winning both divisions. This was at a lower grade being auction races which by nature have some limitation. Not to say very good horses don't come from auctions. 

The first division made me smile in ways. Clive Mulhall's Mount Hellvelyn was made 200/1 by bookmakers and I noticed on Betfair someone had decided this gelding couldn't possibly win and laid it at 999/1. They were correct as he was beaten into sixth place just over five lengths. Mount Hellvelyn led for a while only tiring in the closing stages. He ran better than 200/1 (999/1) for a few furlongs. 

2018 Grand National – Betting Guide

Love the Grand National? You're not alone.

The biggest, most famous, steeplechase in the world. It is one of just a handful of races which the everyday punter looks to place a bet. Four long miles, two furlongs, two circuits and finish that still reminds race fans that you haven't won until you cross the line. To this day I can still see Red Rum chasing down the weight-burdened Crisp in the shadow of the post. This race is built on emotions: blood, sweat and tears. Fate, fortune, twists and turns, dotted with formidable jumps which man nor beast want to depart.

With millions of TV viewers from across the world and wheelbarrow loads of money on the result it is a race which few are their to make up the numbers. Even horses with seemingly little chance have proven even horse has its day. Remember 1967 when Foinavon not only won a race at 100/1 but had a fence name after his because sometime you just need a little bit of luck.

The Grand National has always been a race owners, trainers, jockeys and punters want to win. With prize money worth over £1m those to hit the frame especially the winner taking £500,000 it is a day to remember and be part of the history of the great steeplechase of them all.

The Randox Health Grand National.

14^th April - 5:15 Aintree

Who doesn't like a bet on the Grand National. Whether you are a big player or bet 50p each-way we all have the ethos of saying: ''Winning is winning''.

When you consider the horses which have won the Grand National there is not real logic to the result. When four favourites have won in the last 20 years and five horses have won at odds of 100/1 in the history of this great race you may fancy a bet.

At the time of writing, let's review the ante-post market.

Let's take a look at the Grand National Betting Guide. Blaklion trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies. Total Recall has been very well backed for Willie Mullins for the Slaneyville Syndicate. This son of Westerner is the type to hold each-way claims. It's worth noting that favourite are not known for their luck at this course with a number falling at the first fence.

Betting Guide 14/1 – 20/1

A price range which has proved positive for winners over the years. Let's take a look at a few of the major fancies. Balla Briggs (2011) & One For Arthur (2017) both won at 14/1.

Definitely Red had a disaster last year when hampered and pulled-up. Brian Ellison will be hoping for some luck this time round. Cause Of Causes went well in fourth place in 2017. This gelding is worthy of respect for Gordon Elliot. Gold Present, Minella Rocco & The Last Samuri.

Betting Guide 25/1 – 33/1

Anibale Fly is an Irish raider for Tony Martin. He needs to find his confidence after falling Leopardtown. Other horses in this price bracket include Gas Line Boy, Ucello Conti, Vicente & Bellshill.

As we stated earlier, punters shouldn't be afraid of betting on big prices although yiu may want to stop at 100/1. No horse with conventional bookmaker has won at bigger odds which goes back to 1839. In fact, in recent years, a number of speculative-priced winners have led the way:

2012 – Neptunes Collonges 33/1

2013 – Auroras Encore 66/1

2014 – Pineau De Re 25/1

2015 – Many Clouds 25/1

2016 – Rule The World 33/1

2017 – One For Arthur 14/1

Good luck to all who bet.

Ante-post Betting: Blaklion 10/1, Total Recall 11/1, Cause Of Causes 16/1, The Last Samuri 16/1, Definitely Red 20/1, Gold Present 20/1, Minella Rocco, Anibale Fly 25/1. 33/1 Bar.