09.04.10 - THE GRAND NATIONAL

News from Day Two of the John Smith's Grand National

TWO IN - TWO OUT ON THIS MORNING

THE 2010 JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL

Class 1, Grade 3, £925,000 total Prize Fund. 4.15pm, Aintree, Saturday, April 10, 2010, four miles and four furlongs. For six-year-olds and upwards which are allotted a rating of 110 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including February 14, 2010. Horses which are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain or Ireland at February 2, 2010, may also be entered. Such horses may be eligible for a weight providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse's racecourse performances to February 14, 2010, would merit a minimum rating of 110. To qualify horses must have run at least three times in Steeple Chases run under the Rules of Racing of the same Recognised Turf Authority up to and including February 14, 2010. At the Handicapper's discretion such horses may be allocated a rating. The decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final. No penalties after publication of the weights. Highest weight 11st 10lb. Entries closed February 2, entries revealed February 3 (112 entries. 1 subsequently scratched), weights revealed February 16, first scratchings deadline March 2 (98 remain), second scratchings deadline March 23 (75 remained). Five-day confirmation stage April 5 (65 confirmations), final declaration stage 10.00am, April 8 (40 declarations and 4 reserves), Friday, April 9 (Two reserves utilised) Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Wednesday, April 7. Maximum 40 runners

Form                           Horse                                       Age/Wgt Owner       Trainer/Jockey

1) 01-3244  MADISON DU BERLAIS (FR) 9-11-10 Roger Stanley & Yvonne Reynolds II David Pipe/Tom Scudamore

2) 1-P3463 MON MOME (FR)  10-11-07 Vida Bingham   Venetia Williams/Aidan Coleman

3) 211501  VIC VENTURI (IRE)  10-11-06 James Dunne   Dessie Hughes IRE/Paddy Flood

4) 151U-02  BLACK APALACHI (IRE) 11-11-06 Gerard Burke           Dessie Hughes IRE/Denis O’Regan

5) 5-50030  JOE LIVELY (IRE)  11-11-06 Richard Dimond  Colin Tizzard/Joe Tizzard

6) 01-423P  DON'T PUSH IT (IRE)  10-11-05 J P McManus       Jonjo O'Neill/Tony McCoy

7) P002-00  COMPLY OR DIE (IRE) 11-11-05 David Johnson            David Pipe/Timmy Murphy

8) 121-210 TRICKY TRICKSTER (IRE) 7-11-04 Chris Giles      Paul Nicholls/Barry Geraghty

9) 1-03520 NICHE MARKET (IRE)  9-11-04 Graham Regan     Bob Buckler/Harry Skelton

10) 2404P2 MADE IN TAIPAN (IRE) 8-11-04 Frances Duffin/Sean Corby  Tom Mullins IRE/Niall Madden

11) UPP/-21P DREAM ALLIANCE  9-11-03 The Alliance Partnership  Philip Hobbs/Tom O’Brien

12) FU-3644 CLOUDY LANE  10-11-03 Trevor Hemmings             Donald McCain Jnr/Jason Maguire

13) 1P00-60 NOZIC (FR)   9-11-03 Coral Racing Ltd     Paul Nicholls/Liam Treadwell

14) 53-2057 MY WILL (FR)   10-11-02 The Stewart Family    Paul Nicholls/Nick Scholfield

15) 3606-4F  PABLO DU CHARMIL (FR) 9-11-02 Joe Moran      David Pipe/Danny Cook

16) 6-51110  BALLYHOLLAND (IRE) 9-11-00 Cathal McGovern    Colin McBratney IRE/Andrew McNamara

17) 123130  BACKSTAGE (FR)   8-11-00 MPR & Capranny Syndicate         Gordon Elliott IRE/Davy Condon

18) P-1P1PP  BEAT THE BOYS (IRE) 9-11-00 New Club Ladies             Nigel Twiston-Davies/Brian Hughes

19) 0-000U0  PREISTS LEAP (IRE)  10-11-00 John O'Donohue & Tom O'Leary Tom O'Leary IRE/Philip Enright

20) 103223  SNOWY MORNING (IRE)  10-10-13 Quayside Syndicate    Willie Mullins IRE/David Casey

21) 14F-016  CAN'T BUY TIME (IRE)  8-10-13 J P McManus         Jonjo O'Neill/Richie McLernon

22) 136-2U1  BIG FELLA THANKS    8-10-12 Maggie Findlay & Paul Barber  Paul Nicholls/Ruby Walsh

23) 60/144-P  STATE OF PLAY    10-10-11 William & Angela Rucker  Evan Williams/Paul Moloney

24) 3301-00  CHARACTER BUILDING (IRE) 10-10-11 Patricia Thompson    John Quinn/Miss Nina Carberry

25) 0-12100  ELLERSLIE GEORGE (IRE) 10-10-10 Guy Henderson    Nick Mitchell/Christian Willlams

26) 2P5-011  ERIC'S CHARM (FR)   12-10-09 Martin St Quinton & Peter Deal         Oliver Sherwood/Wayne Hutchinson

27) 2/0-0000 KING JOHNS CASTLE (IRE) 11-10-09 J P McManus   Arthur Moore IRE/Paul Carberry

28) 43545U  CONNA CASTLE (IRE)   11-10-09 Kings Syndicate          Jimmy Mangan IRE/Sean Flanagan

29) 4P1540 BALLYFITZ      10-10-09 Fred & Wayne Mills         Nigel Twiston-Davies/David England

30) 305467  OLLIE MAGERN    12-10-09 Roger Nicholls     Nigel Twiston-Davies/Tom Molloy

31) 30-30U2  ARBOR SUPREME (IRE)  8-10-08 J P McManus     Willie Mullins IRE/Paul Townend

32) 02P-253  MALJIMAR (IRE)    10-10-08 Jane Williams     Nick Williams/Daryl Jacob

33) 3-02312  THE PACKAGE    7-10-07 David Johnson               David Pipe/Graham Lee

34) 0-33010  PIRAYA (FR)      7-10-07 Terry Neill      David Pipe/Johnny Farrelly

35) U01-4U5  IRISH RAPTOR (IRE)    11-10-07 Caroline Beresford-Wylie  Nigel Twiston-Davies/Paddy Brennan

36) 0PP/05-0 CERIUM (FR)     9-10-05 Judith Wilson                Paul Murphy/Davy Russell

37) P6-1420  PALYPSO DE CREEK (FR)  7-10-06 Alan Halsall      Charlie Longsdon/Tom Siddall

38) 035U00  HELLO BUD (IRE)    12-10-06 Seamus Murphy   Nigel Twiston-Davies/Mr Sam Twiston-Davies

39) P63/52-P  FLINTOFF (USA)    9-10-05 Andrew Flintoff & Paul Beck  Venetia Williams/Andrew Tinkler

40) 56/-33P5  ROYAL ROSA (FR)    11-10-05 Andrea & Graham Wylie  Howard Johnson/Wilson Renwick

Two reserves utilised at 9am today, Friday, April 9, Cerium (no 36) and Royal Rosa (no 40)

NR MR POINTMENT (IRE)   11-10-07 Judith Wilson              Paul Murphy

NR ABBEYBRANEY (IRE)   9-10-05 Andrea & Graham Wylie            Howard Johnson    

NR SILVER BIRCH (IRE(was first reserve) 13-10-05 Brian Walsh (Co. Kildare) Gordon Elliott IRE NON-RUNNER - RUNS TODAY

Reserve four did not get in KNOWHERE (IRE)12-10-04 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies

LAST GASP ENTRIES FOR CERIUM AND ROYAL ROSA

Last minute negotiations this morning between trainers ensured that Cerium and Royal Rosa will take their place in the starting line-up for tomorrow’s John Smith’s Grand National.

In the minutes prior to this morning’s 9am deadline, Gordon Elliott withdrew the first reserve Silver Birch - who will now run in today’s John Smith’s Topham Chase - which allowed Paul Murphy to withdraw Mr Pointment in favour of the second reserve Cerium, which in turn allowed Howard Johnson to withdraw Abbeybraney in favour of the third reserve Royal Rosa.

“It was all done in the last 10 minutes and I’ve got grey lines and look about 70!” said Murphy. “I’ve been talking to Gordon over the past few days and it was down to him that we could do it. We left it to the last minute in case anything else pulled out of the race,” he added.

Cerium, who was fifth in last year’s race, will be ridden by Davy Russell who rang the trainer seeking the ride on the nine-year-old. “It’s hard on Ken [Whelan], who was down to ride Mr Pointment, but Davy is a class rider,” said Murphy.

Like Murphy, Johnson had made it clear all week that, if circumstances provided him with the opportunity he would withdraw Abbeybraney in favour of Royal Rosa.

“We were fortunate to get Royal Rosa in as Abbeybraney didn’t eat a crust last night,” said Johnson, who added that Wilson Renwick would be aboard Royal Rosa.

The official reasons given for withdrawal were: Mr Pointment - vet’s certificate; Abbeybraney - self-certificate, not eaten up.

COLEMAN PASSES DOCTOR

As he expected, Aidan Coleman was passed fit by the doctor at 1pm at Aintree and can take up his three rides at the course this afternoon. He is also set to partner last year’s winner Mon Mome in tomorrow’s John Smith’s Grand National.

Coleman said earlier: “I feel fine, a bit sore but I’m absolutely okay and really looking forward to tomorrow.”

AIDAN COLEMAN: ‘I FEEL FINE’

Jockey Aidan Coleman, who took a nasty tumble from the Venetia-Williams trained Double Handful yesterday, has to pass a doctor’s inspection this morning but feels it is a formality that he will be riding at Aintree today and fulfilling his appointment with last year’s winner Mon Mome in the John’s Smith’s Grand National tomorrow.

Speaking at 11.30 am, Coleman said: “I’m just on my way from the hotel but I’d be very surprised if I don’t pass the doctor.

“I’m feeling fine, a little bit sore but I’m absolutely okay and really looking forward to tomorrow.”

NICHOLLS: ‘ EVERYONE WANTS TO WIN THE NATIONAL’

Looking ahead to Saturday’s big race, the John Smith’s Grand National, Champion trainer Paul Nicholls, the winner of four Cheltenham Gold Cups, admitted: “Everyone wants to win the Grand National and it would be great for the whole team at home, it would mean a lot to them. We’re really looking forward to tomorrow.”

Nicholls indicated that Big Fella Thanks, who finished fifth last year under Christian Williams and will be partnered by Ruby Walsh tomorrow, has been campaigned with the National specifically in mind unlike previous years, saying: “This season has been all about the Grand National for him.”

Walsh rode My Will to third place in 2009 and this time around the Stewart Family’s ten-year-old will be ridden by Nick Schofield. Aon Chase winner Tricky Trickster is the mount of Barry Geraghty  while Nozic has the services of last year’s wining rider Liam Treadwell.
 
Nicholls said: “My Will’s been a bit out of form lately but that’s down to the ground. He needs to jump a lot better than he did last year. Ruby came back looking even greyer than he usually does. Liam Treadwell’s a good lad and obviously he won the race last year. Forget Nozic’s run in the Welsh National - he didn’t go in the ground but he will love this ground and he’ll have an outside chance. Tricky Trickster was disappointing in the Gold Cup but we did not find anything wrong with him afterwards. He is a horse who keeps a bit to himself but on AON form has a good chance.”

Najaf, who is entered in Saturday’s G2 John Smith’s Mersey Novices’ Hurdle, steps back in trip after his run in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.

“Three miles was a bit far for him last time,” said the trainer. “Two and a half miles will suit him well but he had a hard race at Cheltenham and, as we saw yesterday, that can take its toll.”

Nicholls also has Tataniano in tomorrow’s John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase and said of his chances: “He was bitterly disappointing last time at Newbury but he loves this time of year and this ground. He’s got to improve on that form but he definitely has a chance and this ground is perfect for him.”

Champion Hurdle fourth Celestial Halo makes what may be his last appearance over hurdles in the John Smith’s Dick Francis Aintree Hurdle tomorrow and will be aimed at novice chases next season.

Nicholls said: “He won’t mind the ground but he ran a shocking race here last year. I haven’t done a lot with him since Cheltenham, just kept him fresh and we’ll ride a normal race with him tomorrow, he won’t charge off in front.”

TOTESPORT PREDICT A RACEDAY PLUNGE

Totesport spokesman George Primarolo, expecting a bonanza betting day in tomorrow’s glorious (predicted) sunshine, is convinced that all the cards have not yet been played in the John Smith’s Grand National betting.

“We’ve seen a number of serious gambles already, but you can be sure on the morning of the race there will be a few surprises in store. This week Flintoff has been supported from 100/1 to 50/1 and, with Freddie sure to be at Aintree, the money could keep coming. But it could easily be another outsider that punters have not even considered,” said Primarolo.

In the history of the betting for this year’s John Smith’s Grand National, the consistent factor has been Big Fella Thanks, who was sixth in last year’s race and is now carrying three pounds less. He has been fancied to give champion trainer Paul Nicholls his first success in the race almost since the betting opened. The eight-year-old, now a solid 15/2 with totesport, has seen off all contenders at the head of the market.

The Dessie Hughes-trained Black Apalachi, who tipped up at the 22nd fence last year, was vying with Big Fella Thanks for favouritism in the early markets, but is now joint second favourite at 12/1 alongside last year’s winner Mon Mome. The Venetia Williams-trained Mon Mome was on offer at 25/1 with totesport until he powered up the Cheltenham hill to snatch third place in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The Package and Arbor Supreme have both been well supported even though discarded by Timmy Murphy and AP McCoy respectively. They are 14/1 joint third favourites with totesport.

A victory for Character Building, from the John Quinn yard, would delight new owners, David and Patricia Thomson of the Cheveley Park Stud, who recently bought the horse. They bought Party Politics shortly before his victory in 1992 (also an election year). Character Building was popular with totesport before Nina Carberry was named as the rider on Wednesday and that support has continued, with the horse just 16/1 now.

They are the market leaders with totesport, but discount the rest at your peril. Last year, Mon Mome was 100/1 on the book and paid £158.40 on the tote. Another Mon Mome could be lurking.

STAR SIGNS OF THE 2010 JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL RUNNERS

Taurus (April 21 - May 21)

Beat The Boys (April 23)

Big Fella Thanks (April 28)

Can’t Buy Time (April 29)

Character Building (April 23)

Comply Or Die (May 11)

Conna Castle (April 30)

Hello Bud (April 24)

Irish Raptor (April 22)

King Johns Castle (April 26)

Madison Du Berlais (April 28)

Maljimar (May 5)

Mon Mome (April 29)

Niche Market (April 25)

Palypso De Creek (May 3)

Vic Venturi (May 18)

Aries (March 21 - April 20)

Backstage (April 17)

Black Apalachi (April 13)

Dream Alliance (March 23)

Ellerslie George (April 15)

Eric’s Charm (March 23)

Flintoff (March 28)

My Will (March 31)

Nozic (April 14)

Ollie Magern (April 12)

Piraya (April 6)

Snowy Morning (April 17)

The Package (March 22)
 
Gemini (May 22 - June 21)

Ballyfitz (May 27)

Don’t Push It (June 6)

Joe Lively (June 2)

Pablo Du Charmil (May 28)

Tricky Trickster (June 14)

Pisces (February 20 - March 20)

Arbor Supreme (March 5)

Ballyholland (March 15)

Cerium (February 24)

Aquarius (January 21 - February 19)

Cloudy Lane (February 18)

Made In Taipan (February 10)

Royal Rosa (February 19)

State Of Play (February 12)

Cancer (June 22-July 23)

Preists Leap (June 26)

2010 JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL TRIVIA

Oldest horse: 12yo Ollie Magern (born April 12, 1998, 12 days before Hello Bud).

Youngest horse: 7yo Tricky Trickster (born June 14, 2003)

Most experienced horse: Ollie Magern 53 races (12 wins)

Least experienced horse: Tricky Trickster - 9 runs (4 wins)

Fewest victories: Niche Market - 2 wins (19 races)

Biggest money spinner: Comply Or Die (career winnings of £798,008)

Still paying his way: Backstage (career winnings of £77,169)

Most expensive horse (bought at public auction): Royal Rosa 340,000gns (May 2003, Doncaster Bloodstock Sales)

Horses trained in Ireland: 10

Former winners: Comply Or Die 2008. Mon Mome 2009.

Greys: Beat The Boys, Character Building, King Johns Castle, Piraya

Mares: None

Aiding and betting: Cheekpieces - Madison Du Berlais, Black Apalachi, Dream Alliance, Ellerslie George. Blinkers - Comply Or Die, Preists Leap, Flintoff. Tongue-strap - Nozic, Pablo Du Charmil, Piraya, Hello Bud

Googling a runner: King Johns Castle; a castle, built on the orders of King John and completed around 1200 on the southern bank of the River Shannon in County Limerick. It was severely damaged in 1642 by Garret Barry, leader of an Irish confederate force, who laid siege to the castle, not with artillery, but by undermining a wall which collapsed.

John Smith’s Grand National virgin jockeys: Danny Cook (Pablo Du Charmil), Brian Hughes (Beat The Boys), Sean Flanagan (Conna Castle), Richie McLernon (Can’t Buy Time), Tom Molloy (Ollie Magern), Tom Siddall (Palypso De Creek), Harry Skelton (Niche Market), Sam Twiston-Davies (Hello Bud)

Oldest John Smith’s Grand National virgin jockey: Tom Siddall (32). Born Aug 13, 1977

John Smith’s Grand National virgin trainers: Bob Buckler (Niche Market), John Quinn (Character Building), Charlie Longsdon (Palypso De Creek), Colin McBratney (Ballyholland), Nick Mitchell (Ellerslie George)

Longest trying trainer: Arthur Moore (first runner 1982: 14 runners, no winners)

Good bet to get round: Niall Madden - three rides, three completions (1st, 6th, 8th). Rides Made In Taipan.

Most experienced John Smith’s Grand National jockey: Tony McCoy 14 rides (no wins)

100% record: Liam Treadwell - one ride, one win (Mon Mome 2009)

Past winners: Paul Carberry (1999, Bobbyjo), Ruby Walsh (2000, Papillon, 2005 Hedgehunter), Barry Geraghty (2003, Montys Pass), Graham Lee (2004 Amberleigh House), Niall Madden (2006, Numbersixvalverde), Timmy Murphy (2008, Comply Or Die), Liam Treadwell (2009, Mon Mome)

Amateur riders: Nina Carberry, Sam Twiston-Davies

Oldest rider: Paul Carberry (36). Born Feb 9, 1974

Youngest rider: Sam Twiston-Davies (17years and 146 days). Born 15/10/1992. Youngest Grand National winner Bruce Hobbs (born 27/12/1920) was 17years and 88 days.

Siblings: Paul & Nina Carberry

Cousins: Paul Townend & Davy Condon

Notable absentees: jockeys Richard Johnson, Choc Thornton, Sam Thomas (injured)

GOING NEWS AT 1PM

The going remains:

Grand National course - Good to soft

with a GoingStick reading of 5.6

Mildmay & Hurdle courses - Good

with GoingStick readings of 6.6 and 6.0 respectively

Andrew Tulloch, Aintree’s Clerk of the Course, said: “We are likely to water the Mildmay & Hurdle courses after racing today as well as around fences 13 and 14 of the Grand National course to maintain the ground because the waether is forecast to be fine for the rest of today and tomorrow.”

Following a dry night, the going ahead of day two of the John Smith’s Grand National meeting has changed to

Mildmay and Hurdle Courses - Good

Grand National Course - Good to Soft 

The going has changed from Good, Good to Soft in Places, on the Mildmay and Hurdle Courses and Good to Soft, Soft in Places, on the Grand National Course.

All bends were moved in on the Mildmay and Hurdle Courses to provide fresh racing ground and they will be moved in again after racing tonight.

If required, the Mildmay and Hurdle Courses will be watered later.

Today’s forecast is to be dry overnight with cloudy periods in the afternoon and a temperature of 14/15 degrees.

Saturday is set to be dry with sunshine and a temperature of 15/16 degrees.

MARKET MOVERS

The JP McManus-owned La Sarrazine has been the subject of early morning support ahead of the mare’s appearance in the John Smith’s Top Novices’ Hurdle at 2pm today with totesport, Coral and Paddy Power having cut the five-year-old to 4/1 from 5/1.  William Hill and Ladbrokes report interest in Dan Breen in today’s opener with William Hill and Skybet quoting the David Pipe trainee at 14/1 in from 18/1 and Ladbrokes have him at 16/1 from 25/1.

Irish raider Lenabane is also proving popular for the matalan.co.uk Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase at 2.35pm. William Hill have trimmed Dessie Hughes’ charge to 8/1 from 12/1, while totesport and Boylesports go 8/1 from 11/1 and Paddy Power, Skybet and Ladbrokes both have him at  9/1. Ogee, successful at this meeting last year, has been trimmed to 4/1 (from 5/1) by Coral.

In the 3.10pm, the John’s Smith’s Melling Chase, Tartak has been brought in to 16/1 (from 25s) with both Labrokes and Paddy Power while Boylesports report interest in the great grey, Monet’s Garden, who is 15/2 from 9/1.

Frankie Figg is also shortening in the betting for today’s race over the big fences, the John Smith’s Topham Chase. The Graham Wylie-owned eight-year-old is now 14/1 (from 16/1) with Coral, Paddy Power and Wiliam Hill, while there has also been support for Always Waning (33/1 from 50/1 with Paddy Power and 28/1 from 40/1 with Wiliam Hill) and Offshore Account (7/1 from 9/1 with Coral and Boylesports, 8/1 from 17/2 with Skybet).

Skybet have cut the Evan Williams-trained Phidippides to 17/2 (from 10/1) for the John Smith’s Sefton Novices’ Hurdle in which the same firm has Midnight Tuesday now at 33/1 (from 50/1) and Paddy Power quotes Lord Generous at 12/1 (from 14/1) and Chamirey at 12/1 (from 14/1).

Bob ‘N’ You and Carsonstown Boy are both in to 14/1 for the John Smith’s smithythehorse.com Handicap Hurdle with William Hill, while Skybet holds Bob ‘N’ You at 16/1 (from 20/1) and also has Carsonstown Boy at 14/1 (from 18/1).

The mares bring the curtain down on Ladies’ Day in the John Smith’s Standard Open NH Flat Race. Araucaria is now 2/1 from 3/1 with Boylesports and 5/2 from 3/1 with Paddy Power while William Hill has seen support for Lifestyle, now 5/1 from 6/1 and Natural Spring, in to 14/1 from 20/1.