My Will is Timeform’s top-rated contender
Much attention on the Grand National may have centred on Denman’s possible participation, but even with the reigning Gold Cup winner an absentee, Timeform still think his trainer Paul Nicholls has good claims of ending his Aintree hoodoo.
My Will is Timeform’s top-rated horse for the 2009 race and Nicholls also has chances with Star de Mohaison, who is also in Timeform’s top ten for the race. Last year’s runner-up, King Johns Castle, comes out second best according to the Halifax number-crunchers, although he remains a doubtful runner.
Timeform spokesman Kieran Packman commented: “The Grand National is as tricky as ever, but it’s notable that My Will hasn’t been seen since the Hennessy, presumably in a bid to preserve his National mark and that ploy appears to have served connections well.
“Last year’s 1-2, Comply Or Die and King Johns Castle, again have to be respected, whilst we’d also mention State Of Play, who could well be a contender if he goes to Aintree fresh.”
Top Timeform Ratings for Grand National 2009 (adjusted to weights carried)
My Will 185
King Johns Castle 182
Darkness 182
Comply Or Die 181+
Exotic Dancer 181
Madison Du Berlais 181
Star de Mohaison 181
Cloudy Lane 181
Southern Vic 181
Air Force One 180
War Of Attrition 180
Roll Along 180
State of Play 180
To win the John Smith’s Grand National – Betfair bet: 15-1 Hear The Echo, 17-1 Butlers Cabin, 18-1 Black Apalachi, 22-1 Comply Or Die, 23-1 Snowy Morning, 25-1 Character Building, 27-1 Notre Pere, 31-1 Cant Buy Time, Cloudy Lane, 33-1 Big Fella Thanks, My Will.