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John Duggan's Preview and Tips for the Grand National at Aintree

It's a race that was first won in 1839 by a horse called Lottery, but John Duggan hopes to give y...



John Duggan's Preview and Tips...
Racing

John Duggan's Preview and Tips for the Grand National at Aintree

It's a race that was first won in 1839 by a horse called Lottery, but John Duggan hopes to give you the winner of the Aintree Grand National.

It's been a good couple of days tipping wise at Aintree, with winners Me Too Please (11/1), Abacadabras (4/1) and Chantry House (13/8) all advised.

It means I would have got back just over €45 from the €24 I wagered 'virtually'.

Let's spend another €20 virtually today and see where it lands.

The feature race - the Grand National - is at 5.15 and I think the Willie Mullins trained Burrows Saint has a big each way chance in the hands of Willie's son Patrick Mullins.

He's the main selection.

Burrows Saint has been prepared for this race since winning the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse two years ago.

Now 8 years of age, he should be peaking for the biggest day of his life. To me, all his preparatory runs have been just that - dress rehearsals.

He'll improve for better ground, he has a nice weight of 10 stone 13 and Patrick won over the fences on Friday. We know the distance should be fine and I can definitely see him hitting the frame for a famous family victory.

Owner Rich Ricci has invested a lot in the game and this might just be his day.

With 40 runners, luck in running is important.

This betting game is also about profit, nothing else. So I don't have any issues with picking another couple. In 2013, my second pick, Auroras Encore, won the race at 80/1.

Therefore, I can't help putting a small each way bet on the Colin Tizzard trained Mister Malarky.

This horse can be inconsistent, but if he takes to the fences, he could run a massive race. He's bred to stay and I think the better ground will suit him. He was fourth in the big novice chase at the Cheltenham Festival two years ago and carries 10 stone 12. All the talk is about the favourite, the Jonjo O'Neill trained Cloth Cap, but maybe it will be Jonjo O'Neill junior that's the story.

The other horse I like in the National is a front runner, Acapella Bourgeois. I do stick by the old piece of advice I once received that last time out winners often win again.

This Willie Mullins trained 11 year old won the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse last time out. Acapella Bourgeois is an exuberant front runner and the unique challenge of the Grand National may suit him. Third in an Irish National, he could be in the top rank at a decent price under Danny Mullins.

Also on the final day card at Aintree, I fancy the Noel Meade trained Diol Ker each way in the Stayers Hurdle. This horse beat Monkfish earlier in his career and has reverted to the smaller obstacles. I think he has a touch of class.

I also like the each way claims of Johnbb in the handicap chase just before the National. His trainer Tom Lacey has won this race before and this lightly weighted horse is expected to go well fresh.

Enjoy the National, whether you pick one of mine or trust your own judgement!

Aintree Saturday - Virtual money advice - €20: 

Grand National

5.15 - €4 each way Burrows Saint 8/1 (1/5 odds the first 7 places)

5.15 - €2 each way Mister Malarky 20/1 (1/5 odds the first 7 places)

5.15 - €2 each way Acapella Bourgeois 28/1 (1/5 odds the first 6 places)

Stayers Hurdle

3.35 - €1 each way Diol Ker 12/1 (1/5 odds the first 4 places)

Handicap Chase

4.15 - €1 each way Johnbb 12/1 (1/5 odds the first 4 places)

Please gamble responsibly, never bet more than you can afford, and good luck!

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