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/ Paul Nicholls / 05 February 2011 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet View Market
How many of the ten will make the final line-up?
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls is yet to win the sport's biggest handicap prize, the Grand National, but this year he has made 10 entries in a bid to end that hoodoo. Here is Paul's assessment of all his current Grand National entries
The Grand National entries were out this week, with the announcement of the weights to follow on February 15.
You can read my comments on Neptune Collonges elsewhere, but I have 10 still in the race, and I would say that I am likely to have about five runners at this stage.
Here is my brief assessment of my other entries:
Gullible Gordon: Only a tentative entry at this stage. Hopefully will run in the Cross Country race at the Festival.
Just Amazing: Will run in Hunter Chases prior to a tilt at the Cheltenham Foxhunters, possibly starting off next Friday at Bangor. But Aintree is a long way off for him.
Meanus Dandy: A definite possible at this stage, though he needs fast ground. Could go to Doncaster on March 5.
Niche Market: Is probably our number one hope at the moment. Had a breathing operation after his fifth in the Hennessy and is back in full work. Will go to Newbury for the race we won last year with Big Fella Thanks on March 5, where the intention is for Ruby to ride him, and may even have a run in a 3m novices' hurdle at Bangor on Friday to sharpen him up.
Ornais: Had his first run after two and years off the track at Wincanton on Thursday, and will improve enormously for the run. I suspect we will find another Hunter Chase in three or four weeks time.
Taranis: Is being aimed at what was the William Hill Chase on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival. It is fair to say that his owner Angela Yeoman is not that keen on going for the race, so a charm offensive may be needed when we travel over together to see her Pride Of Dulcote run at Leopardstown on Sunday!
The Tother One: Was disappointing last time but had earlier run well when fourth in the Hennessy and is the type of horse to go well in the race. Runs next in a Graduation Chase at Exeter next Sunday. Actually, he may be for sale and would make a good National runner for someone.
Tricky Trickster: Is a possible, especially on soft ground. Has had a breathing operation since his last run but could possibly go for something like the Midlands National or Scottish National instead of Aintree, but the ground could be key to where he goes.
What A Friend: Is a very unlikely runner at this stage. His current plans are the Aon, the Gold Cup, then the Martell at Aintree.
To see the latest odds for the 2011 Grand National click HERE!
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