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Tanya's Blog - Saturday 14th April 2012

A day when dreams come true, history is rewritten and at 4.15pm for many it is a “I remember when" moment. John Smith’s Grand National day always has a magical place in my heart. Aintree lights up as the window to racing opens and the world looks in.
It is not a race I have had any success in, but for most of my life I have been on the dark side; yes, working for a bookmaker at Aintree. On the course, there is a whole different perspective taken. The first priority is to win, second is to cover expenses, third is to get the coffee in and then there is only a slight hope that a profit will be shown!

The last time I was there field books were still in existence and I was the clerk. I loved to work out the liabilities, just not when we lost!!!

When it rained it added to the amusement with the pen refusing to work and the pencil ripping through the wet paper. All, though, added to the ambience and treasured memories which always make me smile when the year comes round to Aintree again.

Treacle is cursed by my selection this year. He caught my eye at Leopardstown when running on stealthily behind Quel Esprit. If that is not enough, the added bonus has been the fourth, Follow The Plan, won Thursday’s Betfred Bowl.

As a saver I will back Giles Cross as staying chases are generally won by horses who are up in contention from the start and that is how Victor Dartnall’s chaser races.

As for Helium, when I might be throwing good money after bad, but his penultimate fifth to Bourne and Smad Place reads very well. He didn’t cover himself in glory at Ayr, but at a huge price I’m up for anything to try and recoup some hefty losses. Go each-way to be safe.

I have to give a big mention to Malcolm Jefferson, who has sneaked under the recognition radar with the media yet luckily those emailing in are full of praise for his awesome achievements with Attaglance and Cape Tribulation winning at both Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals, good luck to According To Pete.

Always Waining we are not worthy, it is hard enough to complete over the big spruce fences let alone win the Topham three years on the bounce!

TIPS

4.15pm Aintree: Treacle

5.05pm Aintree: Helium (each way)