Dive into the Waters for the Randox Grand National. MEETINGOFTHEWATERS (4.00) was seventh in the iconic Aintree contest 12 months ago but there’s plenty of reasons to think he’ll do better this time around.
He’d had a fairly hard season 12 months ago. His excellent third behind Chianti Classico in the Ultima Chase at the might have taken the edge of him. He also lost momentum when getting in close to the last fence when throwing down a strong challenge in the National.
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His trainer – who has another five runners in the National field – looks to have trained him specifically for this race and he is entitled to be stronger this time. Have 2pts each-way at 22-1.
National day kicks off with an incredibly-competitive handicap hurdle. KAMSINAS (1.20) was a Grade 2 novice hurdle winner last year and he has always looked likely to improve when stepped up to 3m.
His second place on his first try at the longer distance at Doncaster last month came in a slowly-run race and he’ll be much better suited by today’s bigger field.
He looks well treated on his earlier form, including a comeback victory on good ground at Aintree in October. Have 2pts each-way at 16-1. Sky Bet is paying out on seven places.
LE MILOS (2.30) got round in the National behind Corach Rambler on this day a couple of years ago but he’s mostly run over much shorter distances this season.
He got away with the 2m4f trip when winning a Warwick veterans’ chase in February but he couldn’t cope with it in a more competitive race for the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury.
A prominent ride on decent ground over 3m1f suits him and that’s what Dan Skelton’s 10-year-old gets today. Have 1pt each-way at 16-1.
JETARA (3.05) shaped like a strong stayer when successful at the first attempt at 3m in a Grade 2 for mares at Doncaster in January.
The drop to 2m4f was against her in the Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival but she still ran an excellent race to finish fourth behind Lossiemouth.
The Liverpool Hurdle doesn’t look the strongest of staying hurdles for Grade 1 level and she should be very competitive. Have 1pt each-way at 40-1. Several firms are offering four places.
