1. Nine-year-olds have proved the most successful age group in recent years, producing nine of the last 30 winners: Lucius (1978), Grittar (1982), West Tip (1986), Rhyme 'N' Reason (1988), Lord Gyllene (1997), Bobbyjo (1999), Papillon (2000), Hedgehunter (2005) and Comply Or Die (2008).
2009 - My Will (10/1 Blue Square), Butler's Cabin (12/1 Ladbrokes), Character Building (14/1 Stan James) and State Of Play (20/1 Boylesports), to name but four, give that age group a strong presence.
2. Silver Birch in 2007 was the seventh winning 10-year-old since 1978, joining Rubstic (1979), Hallo Dandy (1984), Rough Quest (1996), Earth Summit (1998), Monty's Pass (2003) and Numbersixvalverde (2006).
2009 - Last year's winner Comply Or Die (20/1 William Hill), Black Apalachi (12/1 general), King John's Castle (25/1 Betfred) and Kilbeggan Blade (33/1 Coral) will be flying the flag for 10-year-olds.
3. There have been seven winning 11-year-olds in the last 30 runnings: Aldaniti (1981), Last Suspect (1985), Maori Venture (1987), Mr Frisk (1990), Seagram (1991), Minnehoma (1994) and Red Marauder (2001). There have been four successful 12-year-olds in the same period, but no horse older than 12 has prevailed.
2009 - Rambling Minster (14/1 Ladbrokes) is the most strongly-fancied 11-year-old, while 2007 winner Silver Birch (50/1 Stan James) has the best credentials amongst the 12-year-olds. Realistically, the only teenager with a chance is rank-outsider Eurotrek (100/1 bet365).
4. There have been two French-trained winners: Huntsman (1862) and Cortovolin (1867), and three bred in France: Alciade (1865), Reugny (1874) and Lutteur (1909). In recent years, plenty have tried and failed.
2009 - French-breds are again well-represented with the likes of My Will and Butler's Cabin. With more and more French-breds running in the race in recent times, it's surely a question of time before one of them finds the winner's enclosure?
5. Only two greys have won: The Lamb (1868 and 1871) and Nicolaus Silver (1961). The last grey to go close was What's Up Boys, who finished runner-up in 2002. before him, Suny Bay was second in 1997 and the following year.
2009 - Character Building is bidding to become the first winning grey since Nicolaus Silver who, like Character Building, also won the Kim Muir.
6. Nickel Coin in 1951 was the last mare to triumph.