Grand National NAP – Dan James Racing
The pinnacle of British racing with its blend of tradition and unpredictability with a global audience!
When analysing such a race, it is essential to evaluate motivating factors such as form, trainer and jockey form, track analysis, and jumping ability given how demanding these unique obstacles are, stamina, and previous experience.
From long odd winners to underdog comebacks, to fairytale endings, the Grand National really has it all. For example, with Rachel Blackmore on Minella Times etching her name into history as the first female jockey to come out victorious in this Grand event.
This narrows my selection to a horse who won the Irish National, jumps well, proven at the trip, has a nice weight and has been campaigned nicely for this race.
Intense Raffles isn’t short of pace, the dam was a flat horse who loved good ground, and it will be best good to soft on the day, so I don’t have any concerns there.
Proven ability over the distance and the ability to handle this demanding course makes him a very strong candidate. If this horse was to be reassessed, I think the handicapper would put him up a further few lbs.
*Information correct at time of writing. 18+ only. GambleAware.
