Grand National Tips: Denman a Sight to Behold at Aintree

Weather permitting, we'll get to see both Denman (Aon Chase) and Master Minded (Game Spirit Chase) strut their stuff at Newbury this weekend, and you don't need me to tell you that both are likely winners, albeit at short odds - 1.51 and 1.55 respectively on Betfair at the time of writing.

Certainly, the likely testing ground won't trouble Denman one bit and, if he returns to his best after being treated for a fibrillating heart last September, he will win easily - fact. And the signs are encouraging that the son of Presenting has made a full recovery, because he went really well in a 2m gallop with his stablemate Neptune Collonges last Friday. However, I'd want to see him prove his well-being on the racecourse before I'd consider backing him either on Saturday or in the current ante post markets.

Of course, I hope he puts in an awesome performance on Saturday as that will set up another mouth-watering clash with his stablemate Kauto Star in next month's Gold Cup, and it would also increase the chances of him taking part in the Grand National. I think most jumping fans would drink to that and can you imagine the excellent publicity it would generate for racing?

His trainer Paul Nicholls has suggested that the entry for Aintree is more of a precaution against a mishap at the festival. The bookmakers are taking no chances, though, and have him as short as 7/1 favourite. However, should he run, he's sure to carry top weight of 11st 10lb and, as good as he is, it would take a monumental performance to give nearly two stone to the likes of Irish National winner Hear The Echo and Becher Chase winner Black Apalachi, although in my heart of hearts I don't think he'll run.

Latest Gold Cup best prices: Denman (13/8 Blue Square); Kauto Star (3/1 Coral); Neptune Collonges (10/1 Sportingbet); Albertas Run (16/1 Ladbrokes); Exotic Dancer (16/1 Victor Chandler).

Latest Grand National best prices: Denman (10/1 Blue Square); Hear The Echo (16/1 bet365); Butler's Cabin (20/1 Coral); Black Apalachi (20/1 Skybet); Notre Pere (25/1 Ladbrokes).

 

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Tags: Aintree,  Black Apalachi,  Denman,  Grand National,  Hear The Echo,  Paul Nicholls