Punters must be kicking themselves, as just a few weeks ago they could have backed Tiger Roll for the 2019 Grand National at 20/1 with most bookmakers. The 2018 winner was already among the favourites for the big race on 6th April, but events over the last couple of months have put him way out on his own. The best price available seems to be the 4/1 coming from William Hill and Betway, but some are as low as 4/1 on Gordon Elliott’s long-distance maestro.
The markets really started to get rattled when Tiger Roll won the Boyne Hurdle at Navan in mid-February. It’s not really his type of event, and you get the feeling that Elliott was using as a means to give Tiger Roll, but he won it anyway against some very strong opposition. However, it was the manner of his victory in the Glenfarclas Chase at Cheltenham – his fourth win at the Festival – that really caught the eye of punters. A remarkable performance that just underlined his chances to emulate Red Rum and win consecutive Grand Nationals. He is going to be hard to beat.
Anibale Fly has the quality to challenge
But if you are looking for some quality opposition – and remember you can choose a free grand national bet from lots of top bookies if Tiger Roll’s form is scaring you off – look no further than Anibale Fly, who comes with the credentials of finishing second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup a couple of weeks ago. Boylesports and William Hill go 12/1 on Anibale Fly, who is trained by Tony
Martin and owned by J.P McManus. Anibale Fly was fourth in last year’s Grand National, albeit a considerable distance behind Tiger Roll.
Rathvinden is a similar price, coming in at 12/1 with Ladbrokes and 888sport. At 11-years-old, he is on the upper end of the age bracket for the National, but he does bring plenty of experience and has a couple of big wins under his belt. Best of all, Rathvinden shows remarkable consistency – placing in around 70% of all races, winning about half, – and there is a fair chance he will be saddled by either Ruby Walsh or Gold Cup-winning jockey Paul Townend.
Vintage Clouds and Lake View Lad respected
Vintage Clouds and Lake View Lad also performed well at Cheltenham, finishing second and third respectively in the Ultima Handicap Chase. Odds of 16/1 can be found for Vintage Clouds, who does look the sort to do well at Aintree, whereas Ladbrokes and William Hill both have the best price for Lake View Lad at a tempting 20/1.
Earlier in the season, a lot was expected from 2017 Grand National winner One for Arthur, who made in his comeback in the autumn after a 20-month hiatus. Things really haven’t gone to plan though, with One for Arthur throwing his jockey from the saddle in both races this season. 33/1 is now quoted for him by most bookmakers, but he seems like one to avoid unless some very positive signals start coming from his connections.
Indeed, there are some very good horses sitting at big prices, worth a look if your bookie is paying bets back for non-runners. Bristol De Mai is still in there at 33/1 with Marathon Bet, whereas General Principle, Pleasant Company, Blaklion and Step Back can be found at the same price. In the end, it’s difficult to look beyond the 2018 champion, but there are plenty of options to back each-way for some value punting.
