Grand National 2010 - A Return To Form

Unlike last year, I was totally satisfied after the race and this review will have a totally different feel to that of last year's.

A truly run race meant that any chinks in armours were fully exposed, there was nowhere to hide after Becher's this year, you were not allowed to creep into contention due to an inconsistent pace. It was a furious gallop, those racing in front rank were benefitted (as has been the case many times in years gone by), ignoring Conna Castle who was never going to stay, the 1-2-4-5 where the front four from the twenty-fence mark. For the most part there were no flattered performances - this is reliable form and it reminded me of the Nationals of old and why, at an early age, I fell in love with this race, and ultimately horse racing overall.

The finishers...

Don't Push It
I have to say, this horse was not anywhere near my final short-list. It seemed to be that AP was merely picking the best of an average bunch. He was a top novice, running Denman close and was going well when falling in the Arkle, however that is why I overlooked him, he seemed to show too much pace in his early career to be considered a National type. Looking back, the clues were there, Jonjo protected his handicap mark prior to winning at this meeting last year and he clearly did the same this year. However I just felt there were possibly better treated rivals and that stamina was a concern, plus the fact that a McCoy mount was likely to be overbet. I was wrong, the horse come of age and must go down as one of the classiest winners in recent times. No one deserves this success more than the jockey and owner, McCoy will obviously fill the headlines but for J-P McManus, one of the game's biggest supporters, this is a deserved day in the sun.

Black Apalachi
You have to feel for this fella, twice a faller in previous years including when in contention at Becher's in 2009, he hit the front at the run up to Becher's and run his heart out all the way to the line. Horses and rider did everything right, they just ran into a better rival .

State Of Play
His finishing position is slightly flattering considering he past the tired Hello Bud and Big Fella Thanks in the run-in. He definitely wasn't third best on merit but deserves plenty of credit for finishing placed two years running, especially considering they were totally different races in how they were run.

Big Fella Thanks
Such was the level of my confidence behind my main ante-post fancy, advised each-way at 20/1, I went in again at 10/1 the evening before the race, still believing him to be the best each-way value on offer. Although Ruby Walsh's injury, and the imminent jockey change, was a concern, Barry Geraghty gave him fine ride and there can be no complaints. I whispered to myself the most famous of all punter's mid-race Grand National prayers; "just get over Becher's" as barring accidents he looked booked for at least a place a long way from home. However despite holding a share of the lead two out, he didn't get home. He finished fairly tired and although he weakened into fourth place, he was third best on merit.

Hello Bud
For me he looked one of the few outsiders who was capable of running a big race and one I decided to advised each-way (40/1 five places) on the day. He was backed down to 20/1, a price more idicative of his chances and given he has all the attributes needed for Grand National success it was no surprise to see him run well. He looked certain to play a part in the finish but weakened going to the second last. For a real stayer it was surprising to see him fall away tamely but perhaps

Snowy Morning
Run the race many thought he would, completed but never looked like winning. A third, ninth and now sixth place finish in the race but never going to win it.

Character Building
Nina Carberry gave the grey a very patient ride, perhaps too patient as she seemed happy to sit 25l off the pace at halfway. He made late headway and a placing looked probable as he jumped the last in a share of fifth, however as usual he failed to finish his racing. Connections must surely attempt to re-apply some form of headgear in the future.

Cloudy Lane
Not surprised to see Cloudy Lane complete for the second time in three years, he made up some late ground, as he was tailed off as late as four out, but was never in contention.

Tricky Trickster
This year's National was always going to be a tough ask on just his seventh chasing start and he was never on terms. He was badly hampered by fallers at the 20th but was already struggling. I suppose one so inexperienced deserves credit for getting around and he will be stronger next season, that said, he didn't run anywhere near as Big Fella Thanks did last year.

Joe Lively
Completed in his own time after getting left behind at halfway.

The other of the finishers; Cerium, Comply Or Die, Piraya and Preists Leap were all tailed off.

Of those who didn't complete...

King Johns Castle hasn't been right since finishing second two years ago, campaigned extensively at shorter trips before and after the 2008 race obviously took plenty out of him. How big a mark did that run make on King Johns Castle? I think the old boy remembered, realised where he was and said "No thanks, find another mug!"

Niche Market was probably the biggest disappointment of the race. He didn't travel front rank as expected, was never in contention, and was eventually pulled up after the third last.

Vic Venturi was badly hampered at least twice before he was so again at the 20th, this time cruicially. Nothing went right for him and it's probably not fair to judge his performance in any way.

Last year's winner, Mon Mome, was in rear throughout but started to creep into just before falling at the 26th. He was thankfully none the worse for a horrible looking fall. Given his stamina it's probable he would've brought home some prize-money.

Backstage, Arbor Supreme, The Package, Maljimar, Ballyfitz and Madison Du Berlais comments to follow...