always in rear, tailed off when pulled up before 21st
held up, headway 17th, effort after 3 out, went 2nd approaching last, stayed on same pace
in touch, ridden and weakened 25th (Valentines)
mid-division, weakening when hampered 22nd (Bechers Brook) tailed off, when pulled up before 3 out
mid-division, blundered and unseated rider 15th (The Chair)
towards rear, mistake and unseated rider after 2nd
mistakes in rear, behind when refused 22nd (Bechers Brook)
behind, blundered and unseated rider 2nd
mid-division, behind from halfway
towards rear, struggling from halfway
held up in touch, mistake 10th, blundered and rider lost iron briefly 21st, left in lead 22nd (Bechers Brook), drew clear after 2 out, comfortably
mid-division, fell 20th
chased leaders until lost action and pulled up quickly before 13th
mid-division, fell 22nd (Bechers Brook)
held up towards rear, headway and in touch 20th, chasing leaders 3 out, weakened approaching last
led 1st until 16th, weakened 25th (Valentines), tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
held up towards rear, headway and prominent 5 out, stayed on one pace from 2 out
pulled hard in touch, breast plate broke and saddled slipped early, headway 10th, led 16th (Water), carried out by loose horse 22nd (Bechers Brook)
mid-division, headway and effort approaching 3 out, stayed on same pace
held up towards rear, headway 17th and in touch, effort 3 out, weakened next
soon behind, tailed off when pulled up before 19th
unseated rider 1st
towards rear, blundered 1st, never dangerous
held up towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, disputing 2nd 2 out, weakened approaching last
chased leaders, blundered badly and unseated rider 21st
mid-division, headway and in touch 6th (Bechers Brook), effort after 3 out, kept on same pace
in touch, mistake 19th, weakened 22nd (Bechers Brook), tailed off when pulled up before 27th
mid-division, headway 17th and in touch, chasing leaders 3 out, effort 2 out, weakened last
led to 1st, soon dropped rear, never dangerous
chased leaders, left 2nd 22nd (Bechers Brook), ridden 2 out, faded run-in
chased leaders, blundered 1st, mistake and lost place 16th behind after
always behind
fell 1st
towards rear, sprawled badly 6th (Bechers Brook), never dangerous
mid-division, fell 10th
mid-division, headway 23rd (Foinavon), pushed along 3 out, soon ridden and effort, kept on under pressure
towards rear, never dangerous
towards rear, mistake 8th (Canal Turn), blundered and unseated rider next
towards rear, stuggling when hampered and unseated rider 22nd (Bechers Brook)
towards rear, never dangerous
A strong renewal of the biggest betting event of the year can go to It Takes Time, who is well weighted and has the touch of class that is required to figure strongly in this race these days. There are numerous dangers and the utmost respect is given to the likes of Hedgehunter, Clan Royal and Amberleigh House, who are back for another crack at these daunting fences. There are also the likes of Strong Resolve and Forest Gunner to consider, while Irish hopes can be further boosted by Colonel Rayburn, for whom the ground should be ideal and he should make a bold bid with Paul Carberry back in the saddle. The gelding ran a blinder in the National Trial at Punchestown in January before acquitting himself as well as could be expected over an inadequate trip in a Grade Two at Gowran Park a fortnight later. Each-way support for him looks assured. Forest Gunner already has experience of the fences, having won the Sefton Chase last November. A subsequent defeat of the likes Double Honour at Haydock confirmed that the eleven-year-old is thriving this season and, as another with the ground in his favour, he should not be underestimated. Much has been made of the fact that his rider, Carrie Ford, is bidding to become the first woman to ride the winner of the National. But the simple fact is, if the partnership can stay out of trouble, they have every chance of making history today. Strong Resolve can also do the ladies proud, as he represents Lucinda Russell, a trainer having her first runner in the race. 10st-6lb is a very attractive weight for this battle hardened nine-year-old and, as a bold jumper that acts well with plenty of give underfoot - he too is capable of giving them all something to think about. However, he does like to make his own running and it will take a mammoth effort from him to stay at the head of affairs over four and a half miles. Amberleigh House has been give a chance of landing back-to-back victories from only a 7lb higher mark than he was on last year. Still, as he is due to drop 8lb in further handicaps, there has to be the suspicion that his improving has reached a plateau. Similar comments apply about the 2002 winner Montys Pass, who has failed to sparkle this season and is still on a 10lb higher mark than for his National success. Clan Royal was a brave runner up last year and has always had this as his seasonal highlight. He would have been a solid favourite were it not for the doubts about his stable. His jockey, Tony McCoy, also seems fated with his bids to claim this big-race scalp and he is reluctantly passed over again. Hedgehunter, who had made most of the running until he fell at the last in 2004, showed his well being when winning at Fairyhouse in his latest start. He act well on the ground and, with Ruby Walsh now doing the steering, he is sure to be in the thick of it if he can stay on his feet. His owner has long held an ambition to win this illustrious prize and looks to hold his best chance for quite some time. However, It Takes Time also represents connections that can never be overlooked and, with the likelihood of much more attractive odds, he gets our vote today. The fact that Timmy Murphy prefers him over Lord Atterbury, who races in the same colours, is also a significant pointer towards his chance. The form of It Takes Time's victory in Grade One Ascot Chase underlined that he can still rise to the occasion and, with the ground not expected to pose him any problems, we fancy the challenge of this trip will bring the best out of Martin Pipe's main hope for glory when it really matters.
Le Coudray (FR) 25-1 Tracked leaders on inner, 3rd approaching halfway, weakened before 15th and pulled up in race won by Numbersixvalverde at Fairyhouse 3m 5f hcp chs Grd 1 sft in Mar, 26 ran.
Royal Auclair (FR) 40-1 Held up in touch, short of room and lost place 10th, headway under pressure approaching 3 out, jumped left 2 out, stayed on one pace, 4th of 15, 13l behind Kicking King at Cheltenham 3m 2f chs Grd 1 (A) gd in Mar.
Monty's Pass (IRE) 12-1 Mid-division, 8th 6 out, no impression from 4 out, 10th of 16, 16l behind An Culainn Beag at Limerick 2m 7f hcp hdl sft in Mar.
Fondmort (FR) 9-1 Prominent, led 2nd to 3rd, led again 8th, ridden approaching 2 out, headed close home, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Thisthatandtother at Cheltenham 2m 5f chs Grd 2 (A) gd in Mar.
Take The Stand (IRE) 25-1 Held up towards rear, blundered 1st and 2nd, headway 16th, every chance 2 out, soon ridden, kept on flat, 2nd of 15, 5l behind Kicking King at Cheltenham 3m 2f chs Grd 1 (A) gd in Mar.
Ballycassidy (IRE) 80-1 Tracked leader, mistake 9th, losing place when not fluent 16th, mistake 4 out, soon weakened, 8th of 15, 38l behind Kicking King at Cheltenham 3m 2f chs Grd 1 (A) gd in Mar.
Ballybough Rasher (IRE) 33-1 Behind, hampered 12th, behind when pulled up at the 14th in race won by Kelami at Cheltenham 3m hcp chs Grd 3 (A) gd in Mar, 20 ran.
Risk Accessor (IRE) 25-1 Always behind, hit 14th, no chance when fell at the last in race won by Thisthatandtother at Cheltenham 2m 5f chs Grd 2 (A) gd in Mar, 12 ran.
Bindaree (IRE) 7-1 Led until after 1st, mistake 7th, chased leaders until lost place approaching 11th, soon struggling, tailed off, 6th of 7, well behind Lord Transcend at Haydock 3m hcp chs Grd 2 (A) hvy in Jan.
Amberleigh House (IRE) 20-1 Held up, ridden and outpaced 12th, weakened 5 out, 7th of 10, 48l behind Run For Paddy at Doncaster 3m hcp chs 0-145 (B) gd in Mar.
Hedgehunter (IRE) 3-1 Led, mistake 13th, joined 4 out, ridden to regain lead before next, kept on under pressure from 2 out, eased near finish, won at Fairyhouse 3m 1f chs Grd 3 (A) sft in Feb beating Pizarro by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
Foly Pleasant (FR) 20-1 Held up in touch, steady headway 15th, went prominent 4 out, chased winner before 2 out, challenged last, kept on under pressure flat, 2nd of 24, 3/4l behind Sleeping Night at Cheltenham 3m 2f hts chs (B) gd in Mar.
Astonville (FR) 500-1 Held up, no chance from 16th, tailed off, 10th of 15, well behind Kicking King at Cheltenham 3m 2f chs Grd 1 (A) gd in Mar.
Ad Hoc (IRE) 12-1 Prominent until lost place 13th, soon well behind, 10th of 12, well behind Innox at Sandown 3m hcp chs 0-145 (B) gd in Feb.
Heros Collonges (FR) 10-1 Prominent until lost place 10th, soon well behind, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Kelami at Cheltenham 3m hcp chs Grd 3 (A) gd in Mar, 20 ran.
Glenelly Gale (IRE) 3-1 Tracked leaders, 3rd and ridden before 4 out, no impression from next, 3rd of 5, 16l behind Mossy Green at Thurles 2m 2f chs gs in Mar.
It Takes Time (IRE) 11-1 Held up, switched left approaching 4 out, steady headway from 3 out, hit 2 out, no extra final 150 yards, 7th of 15, 5l behind Supreme Prince at Newbury 2m 4f lst hcp chs (A) gs in Mar.
Clan Royal (FR) 7-2 Held up in rear, headway approaching 3 out, ridden after next, kept on from last, 4th of 9, 7l behind Tanterari at Bangor 3m hcp hdl 0-135 (C) gd in Dec.
Nil Desperandum (IRE) 4-1 Tracked leaders on outer, close 3rd halfway, led approaching straight, drew clear 2 out, easily, won at Down Royal 3m 2f chs gs in Mar beating Kadoun by 20l, 6 ran.
Joly Bey (FR) 13-2 Held up in rear, hampered 12th, behind when pulled up 5 out in race won by Kelami at Cheltenham 3m hcp chs Grd 3 (A) gd in Mar, 20 ran.
Jakari (FR) 25-1 Tracked leaders, led 6th, not fluent and headed 4 out, outpaced after 3 out, stayed on again flat, 5th of 20, 6l behind Kelami at Cheltenham 3m hcp chs Grd 3 (A) gd in Mar.
Frenchman's Creek 10-1 Not fluent and never going well in rear, tailed off before 4 out, 13th of 20, 40l behind Kelami at Cheltenham 3m hcp chs Grd 3 (A) gd in Mar.
Iznogoud (FR) 9-1 Raced in mid-division, ridden 11th, soon behind, 14th of 22, well behind Liberthine at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (A) gd in Mar.
Polar Red 20-1 Always rear, 16th of 22, well behind Liberthine at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (A) gd in Mar.
Double Honour (FR) 10-1 With leader, hit 5 out, ridden approaching 2 out, every chance last, not quicken, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Forest Gunner at Haydock 3m 4f hcp chs Grd 3 (A) sft in Feb.
Forest Gunner 12-1 Made all, pecked 4th, ridden after last, stayed on gamely, won at Haydock 3m 4f hcp chs Grd 3 (A) sft in Feb beating Double Honour by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Colnel Rayburn (IRE) 11-2 Tracked leaders on outer, close 2nd from halfway, challenged 3 out, weakened after 2 out, eased from last, last of 5, 30l behind Rathgar Beau at Gowran Park 2m 4f chs Grd 2 (A) hvy in Feb.
Just In Debt (IRE) 20-1 Held up towards rear, weakened 8th and pulled up 2 out in race won by Broken Knights at Ayr 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gd in Mar, 11 ran.
Spot Thedifference (IRE) 4-1 Prominent from the off, lost place 9th, slightly hampered 21st, headway next, pushed along 26th, led last, stayed on well, won at Cheltenham 3m 7f hcp chs (B) gs in Mar beating Luzcadou by 2 1/2l, 16 ran.
Innox (FR) 9-2 With leader, led 10th, clear 2 out, stayed on strongly, won at Sandown 3m hcp chs 0-145 (B) gd in Feb beating Lou Du Moulin Mas by 9l, 12 ran.
Strong Resolve (IRE) 4-5fav Led, ridden 2 out, headed flat, one pace under pressure, 2nd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Haut de Gamme at Kelso 2m 6f hcp chs 0-130 (C) sft in Mar.
Shamawan (IRE) 7-2 Held up in rear, headway after 7th, went 2nd 3 out, soon ridden, edged right approaching last, weakened flat, 4th of 8, 7l behind Rosemauve at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-120 (D) hvy in Nov.
Lord Atterbury (IRE) 4-1 Chased leaders, blundered 3rd, went 2nd 8th, hit 11th, left in narrow lead 4 out, ridden and headed before 2 out, 4th and weakened when blundered last, 4th of 24, 21l behind Sleeping Night at Cheltenham 3m 2f hts chs (B) gd in Mar.
Europa 20-1 Held up in rear, hampered and brought down at the 11th in race won by Liberthine at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (A) gd in Mar, 22 ran.
Merchants Friend (IRE) 12-1 Tracked leader, led 4th, soon clear, headed after 3 out, weakening when mistake 2 out, 13th of 14, well behind Chamoss Royale at Kempton 3m hcp hdl (B) gd in Jan.
Simply Gifted 14-1 Held up in rear, not fluent 9th, headway under pressure approaching 2 out, stayed on approaching last, 3rd of 22, 10l behind Liberthine at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (A) gd in Mar.
Arctic Copper (IRE) 16-1 Held up, lost touch from 5 out, 6th of 7, more than 23l behind Ground Ball at Fairyhouse 2m 1f hcp chs sft in Mar.
Native Emperor 25-1 Mid-division, ridden and struggling 10th, tailed off when pulled up at the 14th in race won by Kelami at Cheltenham 3m hcp chs Grd 3 (A) gd in Mar, 20 ran.
Marcus Du Berlais (FR) 9-1 Held up, improved into 9th 6 out, 4th 2 out, stayed on well from last, 3rd of 26, 2 1/2l behind Numbersixvalverde at Fairyhouse 3m 5f hcp chs Grd 1 sft in Mar.
L'Aventure (FR) 12-1 Prominent, pushed along 8th, ridden 16th, outpaced after 20th, rallied after 2 out, kept on flat, 4th of 18, 12l behind Philson Run at Uttoxeter 4m 1f lst hcp chs (A) gs in Mar.
