‘The Steeple Times’ examines the tipsters’ selections and offers 5 each way bet options for Saturday’s crowded Grand National 2022; we hope to repeat or improve on our 11/1 win last year
Last year, The Steeple Times selected the winner in the Grand National 2021 when the first female jockey to win the race Rachael Blackmore romped home by six-and-a-half lengths on Minella Times (pictured top) at odds of 11/1.
A National Hunt race of 4-miles and 2½ furlongs held at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, the Grand National is the most valuable jump race in Europe and its most famous participant ever was Red Rum, winner in 1973, 1974 and 1977.
Of the 40 runners in this year’s 30-fence race at 5.15pm on Saturday 9th April in which Ladbrokes are paying out 6 places on, today we’re joining those hoping to see Blackmore repeat her success.
We choose also four other each way bet selections in a tough and tenacious race where frankly it must be remembered that absolutely anything could happen:
Minella Times at 15/2 from 7/1 earlier (Oli Bell and Ben Linfoot for Sporting Life)
Rachael Blackmore – Henry De Bromhead combo.
Racing Post remarks: “The starting point in calculations is usually last year’s winner but something has been badly missing with Minella Times in his two runs this winter… So smooth when winning this last year; up 15lb and major concerns based on this season.”
At The Races more enthusiastic: “Minella Times had plenty in hand when winning 12 months ago and it would be no surprise to see him make the frame once again, despite being 15lb higher this year.”
Santini at 60/1 from 66/1 earlier (The Sun ‘Longshot’)
Nick Schofield – Polly Gundry combo.
The Sun states: “He will love this stamina test and has a touch of class. Look for a bookie that pays extra places – lots do.”
Racing Post adds: “2nd in the 2020 Gold Cup; not so good now but still has potential as an out-and-out stayer.”
De Rasher Counter at 80/1 from 50/1 earlier (Racing Post ‘Dark Horse’)
Adam Wedge – Emma Lavelle combo.
Jake Aldrich for Racing Post remarks: “Solid reappearance in the Denman Chase after 16 months off. Won the 2019 Ladbrokes Trophy from his current mark and has previously shaped as if he will suited by this extreme test.”
Racing Post offers: “Won the 2019 Ladbrokes Trophy (3m2f); absent 489 days before a satisfactory reappearance.”
Kildisart at 45/1 from 40/1 earlier (The Sun ‘Each-Way Thief’, Andrew Asquith for Sporting Life and Paul Kealy for Racing Post)
James Bowen – Ben Pauling combo.
Paul Kealy for Racing Post enthuses: “If it wasn’t for Covid, Kildisart would have run in the Grand National two years ago and been well fancied after his Cheltenham Festival second in the Ultima.”
“He has had his problems since finishing seventh in last season’s Ladbrokes Trophy, but he put in a really eyecatching performance when fourth over a trip way too short on his return to action at Newbury last month. He’s a classy performer on a good mark now and looks set to run a big race.”
The Sun suggests: “Has the right blend of good jumping and staying power for the big race.”
Racing Post concludes: “Stays 3m1f well (untried beyond 3m2f); absent 462 days before a satisfactory reappearance.”
And finally, we join all those ultimately plucking for our longtime favourite:
Fiddlerontheroof at 15/1 (WEST COUNTRY, Dan Barber and Matt Brocklebank and Ed Chamberlain and Ben Linfoot and David Ord and Phil Turner for Sporting Life)
Brendan Powell – Colin Tizzard combo.
Racing Post finishes: “Another to note… Sound jumper who rallied strongly when close second in the 3m2f Ladbrokes Trophy.”
Happy racing and do remember, whatever happens, this is one of racing’s truly remarkable spectacles.
Tipping from The Steeple Times
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