Grand National - Innox To Strike For France

GRAND NATIONAL - INNOX TO STRIKE FOR FRANCE
by Betting Zone

Innox is currently on a roll and can continue that by landing the John Smith's Grand National for France.

Francois Doumen's charge ran well in the race last year, jumping accurately and travelling strongly for a long way before weakening into seventh.

Robert Thornton felt he made too much use of his partner that day but there is no doubt he goes into the 2006 renewal in much better heart. He is fresh too which is another crucial factor in his favour.

Last year's winner Hedgehunter must be shortlist material again despite the welter-burden of 11st 12lb. He fairly flew home in 2005 and showed he is at the top of his game when chasing home War Of Attrition in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup last time.

However that was a hard race and while he has had three weeks to recover, he hasn't been laid out for the National this year. That is a worry.

Favourite at this stage is Clan Royal who has a fine record over the Aintree fences. He was leading the field a merry dance last year when brought to a halt by a loose horse at Becher's Brook on the second circuit but he was very keen even at that stage.

There must have been doubts over whether he'd have got home there and he will need to settle better for Tony McCoy on Saturday. At 5/1 he is readily passed over.

Ireland have a fine record in the great race and Numbersixvalverde, Jack High and Garvivonnian are all fine staying chasers who are at the right end of the handicap. All will run well but they have been well backed in recent weeks and the value has long gone.

Ross Comm is progressing along the right lines but may need more rain to be at his most effective while Juveigneur took a crashing fall over these fences in the Becher Chase last November. He hardly cut any ice in the Topham last year either, giving the distinct impression he didn't enjoy the experience.

Joes Edge and Cornish Rebel fought out the finish to last year's Scottish National and can go well again here.

I am in danger of following the latter over a cliff this season but he has long appealed as an ideal type for this race.

He was thundering along in the Gold Cup last time when making a mistake three out which ended his challenge, connections feeling his jumping suffered from the application of first-time blinkers.

They are left off on Saturday and his style of racing means he should have plenty of time to find his rhythm.

He has plenty of weight to carry but has a touch of class and should give us a good run for our money at around 25/1.

Ginger McCain bids to win the race for the last time and has three runners. Ebony Light somehow got round in this season's Becher Chase despite a catalogue of mistakes and looks a risky proposition while Amberleigh House will get round, but in his own time and some way adrift of the principals.

New purchase Inca Trail is potentially interesting. He is closely related to Cornish Rebel and a certain Best Mate and has won his last two starts.

He is very quirky and will test all of Brian Harding's skills in the saddle but if there is to be a fairytale farewell from the King of Aintree it will be via him. Not for me though.

Innox can benefit from last season's experience of the fences and win for France with Cornish Rebel running a big race at an each-way price.

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