Pros and Cons of Fancied Runners for the 2019 Grand National

July 19, 2022

The Grand National at Aintree has a global profile that transcends the sport of horse racing. It’s estimated that around two-thirds of UK adults place a bet on the world’s most famous steeplechase each year.

It’s an event that still captures public attention as 40 horses run around two circuits of spruce-covered fences over an extended four-and-a-quarter miles. What are the pros and cons of supporting some of the fancied runners in the 2019 race which takes place on Saturday, 6 April?

With a market containing all the latest odds Grand National betting is hotting up on Paddy Power. Who is prominent with this popular bookmaker and why? As with any race, potential runners tick certain boxes.

Tiger Roll (10/1)

Pro: Last year’s winner has consistently produced his best form in the spring for trainer Gordon Elliott.

Con: Red Rum is the only horse in modern times to have won back-to-back Grand Nationals, so history is against Tiger Roll retaining his title.

Rathvinden (12/1)

Pro: Willie Mullins-trained veteran proved stamina when winning the four-mile National Hunt Chase at last year’s Cheltenham Festival. Rathvinden scored again in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse when back in action.

Con: Only five 11-year-olds have won the race since 1994 and he’s no previous experience of the Aintree fences.

Minella Rocco (14/1)

Pro: Another previous National Hunt Chase winner has no stamina concerns for Jonjo O’Neill and leading Irish owner JP McManus.

Con: That victory at the 2016 Cheltenham Festival was Minella Rocco’s only chase success to date. His form has tailed off since finishing runner-up to Sizing John in the Gold Cup the following year.

Elegant Escape (14/1)

Pro: Improving horse has put in some fine displays in staying chases this season, including when landing the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow.

Con: This might be too much, too soon for Colin Tizzard’s charge as the last successful seven-year-old in the Grand National was Bogskar way back in 1940.

Anibale Fly (16/1)

Pro: Placed in both the Cheltenham Gold Cup (third) and Grand National (fourth) last season, and lightly campaigned with an eye on similar targets this season.

Con: As shrewd as handler Tony Martin is, he might not get the same cut in the ground to run Anibale Fly on this time around. He’s also high in the weights.

Rock The Kasbah (20/1)

Pro: Philip Hobbs-trained horse won a similar Grade 3 staying handicap chase at Cheltenham earlier in the season and has good form in endurance tests.

Con: Jumping has let Rock The Kasbah down at times and there is no margin for error at Aintree when trying to clear obstacles like the Chair and the Canal Turn.