Grand National

Grand National Tissue - 11 April
Eurotrek 12/1
Idle Talk 16/1
Point Barrow 16/1
L'Ami 20/1
Numbersixvalverde 20/1
Bewleye Berry 20/1
McKelvey 20/1
Joes Edge 20/1
Hedgehunter 25/1
Monkerhostin 25/1
Billyvoddan 33/1
Simon 33/1
Ballycassidy 33/1
Dun Doire 33/1
Bothar Na 33/1
Homer Wells 33/1
Clan Royal 50/1
Slim Pickings 50/1
Zabenz 50/1
Silver Birch 50/1
Jack High 50/1

The tissue is based on quickish ground.

I had no trouble giving the winner last year - spraying points around on Irish raiders wasn't exactly contrarian. But paid out all the same.

Usually the secret to the National is to back four or more, win only. Only three times in the last years have I had a strong feeling for one horse in the National and bet accordingly.

1. Young Hustler - Carl Llewellyn steps off him at the third fence, something I've yet to forgive him for.

2. What's Up Boys - my favourite horse, set to make my 40th birthday, but came too soon under a typically asinine ride from Dickie Johnson and then gave up the running rail to Bindaree for an agonising second.

3. Clan Royal - when Liam Cooper headed the wrong way after the last and was swallowed up accordingly.

As you can see my record on these good things is terrible. So be careful when I say I have a similar feeling this year, even if I have only given him c7% of the book.

Step forward Eurotrek.

Touch of class, jumps, stays, and ran a great trial in the Bechers. Most bookies are non runner no bet and 16/1 looks worth taking. Unless Ruby switches to him I can't see him being overly popular though and 20/1 could well be freely available (that's the price on betfair this morning). I've been topping up all winter but for here let's keep it modest.

Eurotrek 6pts win at 20/1

I'll look at the race again Saturday morning.