Accrington Web - Grand National Sweepstake 2008

1 9-P572 HEDGEHUNTER 12 11-12
Ruby Walsh Willie Mullins
The 2005 winner has to lump a massive weight these days, and rarely enjoys it, but the booking of double Grand National-winning jockey Ruby Walsh may ease some of the burden.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 25-1

2 625142 HI CLOY 11 11-12
Tom Doyle Michael Hourigan
Solid jumper and a classy sort on his day but does most of his racing over significantly shorter trips and will struggle to stay.
Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1

3 135P16 KNOWHERE 10 11-11
Joe Tizzard Nigel Twiston-Davies
Did not make it far round the course last year and his jumping looked off-key in the Cheltenham Gold Cup (he finished sixth). Huge weight scarcely helps matters.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 40-1

4 22-416 MR POINTMENT 9 11-11
Sam Thomas Paul Nicholls
Fell foul of the handicapper after winning over the National fences in last November's Becher Chase and will probably face too tough a task now.
Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1

5 P-P123 TURKO 6 11-10
Richard Johnson Paul Nicholls
Trainer extremely bullish about this one's chances, although despite some fine form he looks too young when carrying a big weight to stand more than a slim outside chance.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 33-1

6 3-4425 MADISON DU BERLAIS 7 11-9
Tom Scudamore David Pipe
Once so consistent and a sound jumper, he has not been at his best this season and is likely to be outclassed.
Rating: 5/10 Odds: 50-1

7 F-52U4 SIMON 9 11-7
Dominic Elsworth John Spearing
An untimely late fall in this race last year dashed his hopes after he had travelled so well. Expected to be a prominent runner again, although high weight might prove a hindrance.
Rating: 8/10 Odds: 12-1

9 16F5PP IRON MAN 7 11-5
Christian Williams Peter Bowen
Eighteen months ago was one of the most progressive chasers in training but has been dismal since. Avoid.
Rating: 4/10 Odds: 66-1

10 412183 FUNDAMENTALIST 10 11-4
Paddy Brennan Nigel Twiston-Davies
Doughty competitor with little to fault him but ran two hard races at the Cheltenham Festival in March and may be tired.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1

11 11-373 BUTLER'S CABIN 8 11-3
Tony McCoy Jonjo O'Neill
Irish National winner in 2007 began the season as favourite for this but has had some unfavourable results of late. Trainer is likely to have invested time and effort in getting him right.
Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1

12 3-62S5 SLIM PICKINGS 9 11-3
Barry Geraghty Tom Taaffe
Third last year when he seemed not to stay the final half-mile. Has had a decent campaign this season and has attracted support. Arguably best of the Irish hopes.
Rating: 8/10 Odds: 10-1

13 3F6514 CHELSEA HARBOUR 8 11-2
Davy Russell Tom Mullins
Won under a big weight at Punchestown before staying on nicely over an inadequate trip last time out. Arrives in good shape but will not want the ground to dry out too much.
Rating: 8/10 Odds: 14-1

14 -01105 VODKA BLEU 9 11-02
Paul Moloney David Pipe
Blinkers have worked wonders for this horse, netting two wins on the bounce this season, but punters must note there will be some major doubts about him getting the trip.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 40-1

15 -63003 L'AMI 9 11-1
Mick Fitzgerald Francois Doumen
Ran well for a long way last year before finishing 10th. After dropping down the ratings, showed his well-being when third to An Accordion in the William Hill Trophy. One for the shortlist.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 33-1

16 -F1133 SNOWY MORNING 8 11-1
David Casey Willie Mullins
A one-time second to Denman at Cheltenham and backed into about 10-1 at one stage but a poor performance at Fairyhouse and some iffy jumping since then.
Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1

17 29F-2P BEWLEYS BERRY 10 11-0
Denis O'Regan Howard Johnson
Regarded as an Aintree specialist, so a surprise that he should fall at Becher's Brook 12 months ago. His weight has gone up again amid fears his best days may be behind him.
Rating: 7/10 Odds: 14-1

18 459-0P CONTRABAND 10 11-0
Keith Mercer Paul Murphy
A horse in apparent terminal decline, having achieved nothing of note for more than three years. Don't back it!
Rating: 2/10 Odds: 500-1

19 612-80 MCKELVEY 9 11-0
Tom O'Brien Peter Bowen
Bravely chased home Silver Birch for second place last year, despite going lame in the last 100 yards. Something of an unknown quantity this year, with only two races over hurdles.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 20-1

20 -20030 JOAACI 8 10-13
Johnny Farrelly David Pipe
Trainer gave him time off after a poor run in a hurdle race at Bangor in December. Massive improvement required.
Rating: 4/10 Odds: 66-1

21 080403 POINT BARROW 10 10-13
Tony Dobbin Pat Hughes
Former Irish National winner fell at the first in 2007 when sent off co-favourite. Has not enjoyed a consistent season, and cannot be backed with any great confidence.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 20-1

22 2-P014 D'ARGENT 11 10-12
Robert Thornton Alan King
An out-and-out stayer who goes well in long-distance slogs but has seen his overall record marred by some erratic jumping. Unlikely to be improving that discipline at the age of 11.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 25-1

23 -434P2 NO FULL 7 10-12
Shay Barry Eoin Doyle
Has never fallen in 16 starts over fences, so may complete a circuit or two. Little else to recommend it.
Rating: 4/10 Odds: 66-1

24 F176P0 BAILY BREEZE 9 10-11
Paddy Flood Mouse Morris
Not a noted stayer but connections are bullish and stable is in form after winning Irish National at 33-1.
Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1

25 2-360P BOB HALL 7 10-11
Noel Fehily Jonjo O'Neill
Form has declined worryingly over the course of the season, and nothing indicates he will stay the trip.
Rating: 4/10 Odds: 100-1

26 U-5111 CLOUDY LANE 8 10-11
Jason Maguire Donald McCain
With outstanding recent form, this horse is well ahead of the handicapper and has exceptional claims. Trainer's father saddled Red Rum, and the only negative is that he is unraced at Aintree.
Rating: 8/10 Odds: 5-1

27 P-2221 KING JOHNS CASTLE 9 10-11
Paul Carberry Arthur Moore
Definitely one for each-way hunters, with six seconds from 11 starts and the right weight and age balance for the race. Irish trainer has canny record in handicaps.
Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1

28 34-P36 MON MOME 8 10-11
Aidan Coleman Venetia Williams
Enjoyed a long lay-off before returning to racing in February and then ran well enough when sixth to An Accordion at Cheltenham. Given decent running, he should complete the race.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 28-1

29 26-2P8 CORNISH SETT 9 10-10
Mr Nick Scholfield Paul Nicholls
Has three wins in 15 starts over fences but has never seen an Aintree obstacle. Not a major contender.
Rating: 4/10 Odds: 100-1

30 104329 NAUNTON BROOK 9 10-10
Andrew Tinkler Nigel Twiston-Davies
Solid stayer who led for a while on the first circuit last year. Right credentials and could snatch a place.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1

31 -57626 TUMBLING DICE 9 10-10
Tom Ryan Tom Taaffe
An inconsistent sort who simply does not stay this trip. Don't be tempted - invest your cash elsewhere.
Rating: 4/10 Odds: 100-1

32 4/0-14 BACKBEAT 11 10-9
Wilson Renwick Howard Johnson
The surprise winner of a 3m chase in January, he remains desperately inconsistent. Not one to recommend.
Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1

33 /-0P21 COMPLY OR DIE 9 10-9
Tommy Murphy David Pipe
Top weight did not stop him winning the Eider Chase, following a second place to Cloudy Lane when he gave away weight. Now gets two pounds from the same horse; connections are bullish.
Rating: 9/10 Odds: 10-1

34 28U575 IDLE TALK 9 10-9
Brian Harding Donald McCain
It would be idle talk to big up this one's chances. A very iffy jumper, he rarely inspires even when his jockey stays in the saddle.
Rating: 4/10 Odds: 50-1

35 4300F2 KELAMI 10 10-09
Barry Keniry Francois Doumen
Finished second in the Racing Post Chase (Kempton, 3m) when he looked the likely winner and is likely to get the good ground he needs to be most effective. Clearly warrants consideration.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 40-1

36 85-547 MILAN DEUX MILLE 6 10-9
Tom Malone David Pipe
Strung together four wins on the trot last season, and is regarded as a National type. Recent form uninspiring.
Rating: 4/10 Odds: 100-1

37 -713P7 NADOVER 7 10-9
Robbie Power Charlie Mann
Trainer admitted last December this horse doesn't stay even three miles, let alone four-and-a-half, and needs soft ground.
Rating: 3/10 Odds: 100-1

38 564420 BLACK APALACHI 9 10-8
Andrew McNamara Dessie Hughes
Usually confined to Irish handicaps, this is a dour stayer prone to errors and is likely to struggle.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1

39 /84-2B PHILSON RUN 12 10-8
Daryl Jacob Nick Williams
Gained each-way backers a big pay-day by snatching fourth at 100-1 last April and has sound each-way claims again after having been earmarked for the National all season.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 25-1

40 1P-062 DUN DOIRE 9 10-07
Richard McGrath Tony Martin
Irish trainer is one of the shrewdest in the business at handicaps, so it may be best to ignore some patchy recent form. Was excellent as a seven-year-old, less good last year.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 25-1