Ruby Walsh is hoping Big Fella Thanks‘ previous run in the John Smith’s Grand National will not have an adverse effect on his prospects when he returns to Aintree on Saturday.
Ruby
The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding ran a tremendous race for a novice when sixth to Mon Mome last April and is ante-post favourite following his recent victory at Newbury.
That success prompted Walsh to choose him over stablemate Tricky Trickster after the latter disappointed in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The Irish ace already has two National victories to his credit with Papillon (2000) and Hedgehunter (2005).
“He was only a novice when he ran last year. If he hadn’t run in the race last year, I’d be fancying him even more,” Walsh told At The Races.
“Some horses go back and are brilliant and some go back and don’t like it at all. That’s the one question you’d be worried about with him – would he take it to the second time?
“But his form this year is good. He was impressive at Newbury when he showed a bit of pace over two and a half (miles) and he stays.
“He might just be wanting better ground. The way the weather forecast is it could suit him.
“Tricky Trickster was a bit disappointing in the Gold Cup. You had to go on the performance in front of you and that’s why I’ve gone for Big Fella Thanks.
“It was a hard decision. There are pros and cons for every horse. I’ve come down on the side of Big Fella Thanks but the one worry I would have is he ran in the race last year.”
Cloudy Lane was put through his paces on Saturday ahead of a third tilt at the big race.
The Donald McCain-trained 10-year-old was sixth in 2008 when sent off joint-favourite but unseated his rider at the Chair last year.
“The National has been his aim all year and we are looking forward to it,” said McCain.
Ballyholland also completed his serious preparation with a weekend workout, much to the delight of his trainer Colin McBratney.
“He’s in great form. I just hope the weather is going to dry out a bit this week. I think we’re supposed to have a better forecast and I’d like to have nice ground for him,” said the County Down handler.
“If Aintree gets two or three nice days it can make some difference to it.
“He’s done plenty of work and Andrew McNamara rode him round Navan two Saturdays ago. They jumped five fences over a mile and a half and Andrew said he felt great.
“He did his last piece of work on Saturday, so all’s going well with him.”
Evan Williams has similar ground reservations for State Of Play.
The 10-year-old was fourth to Mon Mome 12 months ago and is said to be in fine form after just the one run this season, in the Hennessy at Newbury in November.
“State Of Play is very well and we’re happy with his preparation,” said the Llancarfan trainer.
“At this time of year things dry very quickly and fingers crossed we can get two or three dry days next week before the weekend.
“You are always hopeful that you can build on what you did in the race last year. The statistics suggest it is always helpful to have had a bit of experience of the Aintree fences.”
Davy Condon rides Backstage for Gordon Elliott, who was successful with Silver Birch in 2007.
“All is well with him. I was at Gordon’s on Wednesday. The horse is in great form and came out of his race in Navan very well,” he said.
“He just didn’t like the ground there, it was heavy. He’s a good ground horse and I’m hoping we’ll get that in Aintree.
“He jumped round there in the Fox Hunters’ so he’s been over the fences and got a clear round.
“He’s a nice ride to get and Gordon’s been there before and done it, so he knows what it takes.”
Daryl Jacob is looking forward to riding Maljimar for Nick Williams.
“He seems in great form and we’ve deliberately kept him fresh. He’s a better horse for it. He jumped round Cheltenham’s cross-country course on his last run in December and is a good jumper,” Jacob said.
“Nick thinks he’ll stay the trip. He’s stepping up massively on what he’s done before. He likes better ground so we’re hoping for a good run.”
Conditions at Aintree have improved a little with the going on the Grand National course described as good to soft, soft in places.
Although up to four millimetres of rain could fall on Monday, the forecast for the rest of the week is pretty favourable.
