UK Horse Racing Tips

The 2014 Crabbie’s Grand National is just around the corner and here at horseracingtips.org.uk we join the rest of the UK and those across the world in feeling the  excitement as this prestigious event approaches. Whether you’re planning a big bet or are simply declaring your mystic meg-esque predictions to your legions of Facebook friends, this is an event that captures the interest of us all, more so than any other racing occasion. Let’s waste no time in having a run through of some of the favourites and outsiders covering the course this year.

With the Grand National set to be run on 5^th April, many have already placed their bets and the market is giving clear indications of where the money is heading. Current favourite Teaforthree – trained by Rebecca Curtis and already favourite for quite some time – has now shortened to 8-1 with some bookmakers and looks set to put in a good performance. A few days back the Paul Nicholls trained Tidal Bay was second favourite, but now many bookies have 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Long Run in that position. Trained by Nicky Henderson and Owned by Robert Waley-Cohen, Long Run is a class horse with every chance.

At the other extreme of the betting odds you can get close to 1000-1 on Betfair, and 200-1 with bookies for Gullible Gordon, Merlin’s Wish, Sir Du Bearn and Sergeant Pink. However, as much as we like a big winner at the National (last year Aurorasa Encore won at an impressive 66-1, and Mon Mome was 100 – 1 in 2009) it’s a bit of a stretch to hold out much hope for this motley crew. Instead we should probably look at the 30-1 – 40-1 range for an ambitious but well priced horse or two to cause a minor upset. Peter Maher believes that his horse Big Shu is in with a good chance, “If ever there was a National horse it’s him. He’s brave, he stays” says Maher. Balthazar King at 33-1 with Ladbrokes is also in with a chance. He jumps well, stays well and as the Cheltenham cross-country winner is very much proven.

With so many betting options available and terrain that can test the best of them there’s always an element of pot luck at the Grand National. Forced to go with a selection, this time around I would perhaps go with the not so courageous choice of Teaforthree. You won’t exactly get generous odds but the ten year old, who finished third in last year’s race, has had a fine series of runs of late and is the one to beat in this field.

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