prominent when fell 2nd
held up behind, ridden 4 out, headway when badly blundered 2 out, not troubled leaders
in touch until lost place 9th, soon behind, kept on one-paced from 2 out
mid-division, hit 15th and soon behind
towards rear, hampered 2nd, fell 9th
behind when unseated rider 1st
mid-division, hit 8th (water jump), headway 15th, ridden to chase winner approaching 2 out, kept on, no impression
prominent, mistake 9th, hampered and fell 11th
led, mistakes, headed 12th, weakened 5 out
held up mid-division, headway 9th, blundered badly 13th, soon behind, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway 12th, in 4th when fell 3 out
prominent, mistake 13th, ridden and lost place 15 (beaches)
always prominent, led 3 out, driven clear approaching last, easily
held up, headway and badly hampered 3 out
prominent, led 12th, ridden and headed 3 out, soon weakened
Ginger McCain, who guided the legendary Red Rum to three Grand National victories in the 70s, has few peers when it comes to preparing a chaser for these daunting fences and can follow up last year's success in this event with Amberleigh House. The son of Buckskin jumped well throughout to land this prestigious prize from the re-opposing Smarty twelve months ago and, with fitness guaranteed, the 10-year-old looks sure to give another solid account off a fair mark so gets the TEAMtalk vote. There are plenty of dangers such as this year's National hero Bindaree who will be sharper for a recent return over an inadequate trip and has the class to shoulder top weight. Blowing Wind failed to last home when third in the world's greatest steeplechase in April and will pose a big danger if back to the form of his victory in the Mildmay Of Flete in March despite a subsequent 7lb rise. Village King and Moor Lane, who wears visors for the first time, are others to consider having had recent pipeopeners. However, recent Wetherby winner (now 5lb higher) Goguenard needs to erase the memory of a first fence fall in this year's National and Irish challenger Shannon Gale races from 3lb out of the handicap on his seasonal return.
