Tiger Roll will bid to become the first horse since Red Rum in 1974 to win back-to-back Grand Nationals at Aintree when he lines up in the world’s most famous steeplechase next month.
Last year’s winner is now as short as +300 in the betting on the latest renewal which means he could be set to go off as the shortest priced favourite in the modern era.
Gordon Elliott’s runner has been very popular for the four miles and two furlong contest ever since his wide margin victory in the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. The Irish horse finished 22 lengths of his nearest rival, Josies Order, when he crossed the line.
Tiger Roll – so good he can walk on air! pic.twitter.com/FxZqa1lPHQ
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) February 17, 2019
Tiger Roll showed how gutsy he was last season when he held off the late challenge from Willie Mullins’ Pleasant Company in the closing stages at Aintree. The popular chaser also proved how versatile he was earlier this year by winning the Grade Two Boyne Hurdle at Navan, beating some top class hurdlers over the shorter trip of two miles and four furlongs.
This season didn’t start well for the reigning Grand National champion as he put in a poor showing at Cheltenham in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at the Open Meeting. Since the Grand National weights were announced in February though, his performances have been much better which gives encouragement for those who are backing him to add his name to the history books in the prestigious National Hunt contest.
Bristol De Mai Scratched From Race Leads To Adjustment In Weights
One of the most notable scratchings from the Grand National at the latest entry stage was Bristol De Mai who was set to carry top weight of 11 stone and 10 pounds. The Betfair Chase winner from earlier in the campaign will now run in the Aintree Bowl Chase which takes place two days earlier.
The elimination of Bristol De Mai from the race means the rest of the field will need to all carry four pounds more. Tiger Roll who had been assigned 11 stone and two pounds (two pounds more than in 2018), is now set for 11 stone and six pounds.
Anibale Fly is the top rated horse in the latest field ahead of Alpha Des Obeaux who is the lead selection in the tips for Grand National 2019 from Betting.Betfair. Those two horses are rated 164 and 162 respectively.
Former Winner One For Arthur Back For Another Shot At Glory
Why One For Arthur may not be a spent force yet and four other things we learnt this weekend👇https://t.co/sxkzM6yUwd pic.twitter.com/3WvGcsQIrM
— The Jockey Club (@TheJockeyClub) March 24, 2019
2017 Grand National winner One For Arthur is returning to the place he had his greatest success as he bids to regain his crown. The Scottish horse was off the track for 609 days before returning to action back in December in the Becher Chase.
Unfortunately for his connections, the 10-year-old has failed to finish in both of his two starts this season but they will be hoping he can shine once again on his return to the showcase event in Liverpool.
