The Unique Grand National

Here are some interseting facts that make the Grand National such a unique horse race and why so many sports betting dans like to place free bets on the race that stops a nation!

• No other race has so many horses lining up
• No other race is run over such an extreme distance
• No other race has the Aintree fences (with the exception of races at the track of course)
• No other race offers such much prize money and kudos (attracting some very classy horses)
• No other race is guaranteed to be run at a frantic pace from the outset
• No French race is run over anything like this distance (French breds don't stay the trip!)

The stats angle for the race says to follow the logic. This means that we're looking for:

• A proven stayer (won over 3m+)
• A reliable jumper (less than two falls in 2 seasons), and at least into his third season jumping
• A horse that has won in a field of at least 12
• A horse mature enough to win the race, but not past his best (aged 8-12)
• A horse in the handicap proper
• A horse with proven class (placed in a Grade 3 chase or better)
• A horse who was not bred in France (some have run close, none have won...)
• Pay special attention to the Irish (especially if they've been hurdling!)
• Favour horses who have jumped the Aintree fences

There, its not rocket science is it!

So, by using these Grand National tips, we quickly cut the field of 119 down to size.

Actually, at this stage of the season, I usually allow one of the above form criteria to be broken.

So a horse can still win in a field of 12+ say before April. However, a horse will still be 7 if he is now, so misses the cut; a French bred will still be a French bred, so misses the cut, etc.).