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Soft Ground Form and Proven Stamina Likely to be Key for the 2010 Grand National 08/04/10

The Grand National 2010 looks as though it will be run on testing ground meaning there will be more of an emphasis on stamina than in previous years. You will need a horse that not only handles soft ground but also a horse that stays every yard of the four and a half mile trip.

The last time the Grand National was run on softer than good to soft was in 2001 when just four horses finished in a National run on heavy going. The ground shouldn’t be that bad but even in 1998 on soft ground there were only six finishers. This means if it continues to rain, each way bets might as well be win and to finish, rather than win and place.

It is no surprise that Black Apalachi is once again one of the favourites this year. He may have fallen or unseated in the Grand National in the last two years but the last time he faced the Grand National fences on heavy ground he won the Becher Chase by seventy four lengths!

Snowy Morning
© racing-images.co.uk

Previous Grand National winners have certainly proven their stamina for the race so it is no surprise that Mon Mome, last year’s surprise winner, is amongst the favourites and it would be no surprise if 2008 winner Comply Or Die also ran well once again, having finished second last year.

Another horse who seems to have gone under the radar somewhat this year is Snowy Morning. He finished third in 2008 carrying 11-1 on his back but in 2009 11-8 proved too much weight and he could only finish ninth. This year he is set to carry 10-13, is in good form, and handles a variety of ground so he must have each way chances at the very least.