AFTER a strong Cheltenham for us, we asked The Voice Of Value (@TheVoiceOfValue) for his Grand National thoughts as the big race approaches.
Grand National 2015 | 11th April 2015 | Channel 4
I'm a big fan of the Grand National. Many see it as a bookies benefit, but if you are shrewd enough and don't put all your eggs in one basket I am convinced there is a whole lot of fun to be had and a bit of cash to be made along the way.
I usually back around five horses in the race, thankfully over the last few years those selections have included winners Mon Mome (100/1), Auroras Encore (66/1) and Pineau De Re (25/1).
In addition, in 2013 I permed my final five selections in exactas and trifectas with the Tote and won about £3,500 for a £28 total stake as Auroras Encore, Cappa Bleu and Teaforthree obliged.
Last year the same approach yielded a forecast in the shape of Pineau De Re and Balthazar King. The other selections were Teaforthree (unseated), Mountainous (fell) and Shakalakaboomboom (pulled up).
I don't claim to be able to find the winner every year but I think there are a lot of myths about this great race that can be dispelled quite quickly. Copies of my guides for the last two years for racing geeks are available free gratis – just ping me an email to thevoiceofvalue@outlook.com.
Anyway, on to this year…
I've had an eye on Soll for a while now. He's been in the notebook as a potential Aintree horse since he finished seventh in the race back in 2013 when I thought he had no chance.
He is undoubtedly a better horse now judged on his last two wins, the second of which came after the weights for the National we're announced so he is ahead of the handicapper. He is a no brainier for me at this price. A strong each way chance.
There is some talk that Al Co might go for the Scottish National again so make sure you get non-runner no bet with Bet365, Stan James or Betfair if you are having a punt but he seems a good price to me given that he has now proven his stamina with the win at Ayr.
He had a spin over the National fences in the Becher Chase in December and although he was pulled up he looked ok over the unique fences.
I tipped Raz De Maree last year when he only managed to finish eighth but he was a big price then and he comes here 5lbs lower in the handicap and in my opinion in better form than last year – his recent staying on second in the Midlands National was solid form.
The concern for me is that he doesn't have a great cruising speed and he might be left behind a little bit when they bomb off at the start. At the current prices though I still think he is good each way value.
Best Bets
Grand National 2015 – Soll each way (25/1 Bet365)
Grand National 2015 – Al Co each way (33/1 BetVictor)
Grand National 2015 – Raz De Maree each way (66/1 888 Sport)
Non-Runner No Bet
At this early stage it's crucial to think about the Non-Runner No Bet concession when you approach the Grand National.
With three weeks to go, Bet 365, Betfair and Stan James are the only firms with this vital offer.
