mid-division, headway 22nd (2nd bechers), chased leaders 3 out, outpaced before next, ridden and kept on from last, never getting to leaders
mid-division, mistake 23rd (2nd canal turn), outpaced 3 out, weakened next
held up in mid-division, tracked leaders 22nd (2nd bechers), pecked 26th, close 3rd going well 3 out, soon poised to challenge, led last, pushed clear before elbow, ridden out, stayed on well
towards rear, mistake 8th (canal turn), mistake 14th, headway 22nd, (2nd bechers), outpaced 3 out, never threatened leaders
prominent to 15th (chair), soon behind, tailed off 25th (2nd valentines)
led to 3rd, remained prominent, lost place 24th (2nd canal turn), weakened before 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before next
always behind, tailed off when pulled up after 3 out
in touch on outside, lost place when blundered 20th, pulled up before next
mid-division on outside, lost place after 16th (water), soon behind, no danger after, pulled up after 27th
mid-division, headway and in touch 7th (foinavon), led 10th to 16th (water), remained prominent, close up when blundered and unseated rider 27th
tracked leaders, under pressure and lost place when fell 27th
mid-division, headway 22nd (2nd bechers), struggling 27th, weakened after 3 out, behind when pulled up before next
always prominent, led 7th to 10th, led again when blundered 16th (water), headed 21st, led again next (2nd bechers), blundered and headed 25th (2nd valentines), outpaced by front pair 2 out, ridden and stayed on dispute 2nd flat, no impression with winner
held up behind, headway 3 after out, driven to chase leaders after next, ridden after last, kept on same, unable to get on terms, weakened closing stages
always behind, fell 19th
mid-division, lost place after 16th (water), soon behind, pulled up before 27th
in touch, driven to chase leaders after 3 out, outpaced when hit next, no impression
always prominent, blundered 15th (chair), led narrowly 25th, hard pressed 2 out, blundered and headed last, soon ridden, no impression with winner before elbow, stayed on when strongly pressed for 2nd flat
always towards rear
hampered 1st, behind, headway into mid-division 14th, blundered and unseated rider 20th
tracked leaders on inside, lost place 18th, soon behind, tailed off when pulled up before 27th
always behind, lost touch when mistake 7th (foinavon), tailed off when pulled up after 16th (water)
never better than mid-division, struggling before 3 out, weakened and pulled up before next
always behind, tailed off after 3 out, pulled up before next
always towards rear, tailed off when pulled up after 3 out
in touch, led 3rd to 7th, jumped right, remained prominent on outside until lost place before 22nd (2nd bechers), behind when pulled up after 24th (2nd canal turn)
mid-division, outpaced 3 out, never a threat
behind, short lived effort and headway on outside after 13th, lost place 15th (chair), in rear and reminders after next, lost touch when mistake 18th, pulled up before next
blundered and brought down 1st
behind, headway into mid-division 22nd (2nd bechers), outpaced after 3 out, ridden after next, never near leaders
in touch on outside, dropped to mid-division 9th (valentines), headway 20th, never reached leaders, weakened after 3 out
chased leaders, driven and outpaced after 3 out, weakened from next
in touch, fell 1st
chased leaders to 18th, lost place when fell next
mistake 2nd, prominent, disputed lead 19th to 22nd (2nd bechers), with leaders, every chance 3 out, ridden and weakened after next
tracked leaders, led narrowly 21st to next (2nd bechers), chased leaders ridden after 4 out, stayed on into 4th passing elbow, no impression with front trio
never better than mid-division, weakened after 3 out
hampered 1st, mid-division, tracked leaders on inside, 6th (becher), outpaced before 2 out, weakened last
behind, headway into mid-division 22nd (2nd bechers), ridden after 3 out, never near leaders
mid-division, pushed along 4 out, never able to challenge, weakened and pulled up before 2 out
Responsible for more than a quarter of this 40-strong field, Gordon Elliott will hope to have all bases covered. Seven of his team carry the familiar Gigginstown colours with his raiding party led by last year’s winner, Tiger Roll, lauded by many as the nearest thing we’ve seen to another Red Rum in 40 years. The nine-year-old is a four-times Cheltenham Festival winner and is set to start the shortest-priced favourite for the National in a century but he was being reeled in by Pleasant Company in last year’s race and carries 9lb more, though has probably improved. Possibly just as interesting as his stablemate is General Principle, who is reunited with JJ Slevin for the first time since he threaded the eye of a needle to land last year’s Irish National at Fairyhouse. This has been his target since and he could be a cracking each-way bet. Rathvinden won the 4m National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham last year and has only run twice since, comfortably taking a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse in February. He’s the choice of Ruby Walsh, successful in 2000 and 2005. Anibale Fly was fourth last year but again has a big weight to carry and 2017 winner One For Arthur has had jumping problems lately. Step Back and Rock The Kasbah finished 1-2 in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown last year and would have claims on that form while Walk In The Mill won the Becher Chase here in December. VINTAGE CLOUDS has finished fourth in a Welsh National and third in a Scottish National, just behind Joe Farrell. He ran a cracking trial for this following wind surgery when placed again in the Ultima at Cheltenham. He’s generally a safe conveyance and is a strong stayer - owner Trevor Hemmings’ colours have already been carried to victory three times in this famous race so he gets the vote. The progressive Lake View Lad runs in the same colours and recent rain has boosted his chances while Ballyoptic, though disappointing this term, is on a decent mark. Ultragold is an Aintree specialist but stamina could be an issue and there are also doubts on that score regarding the in-form Jury Duty.
Anibale Fly (FR) 22-1 (11-10) Held up towards rear, headway bypassing normal 3 out, went 3rd last, stayed on well and went 2nd final 100 yards, unable to trouble winner, 2nd of 16, 2 1/2l behind Al Boum Photo (11-10) at Cheltenham 3m 2f (1) gs in Mar.
Valtor (FR) 6-1 (11-4) Not always fluent, travelled strongly in last pair, hit 8th, weakened after 4 out, jumped right next and soon pulled up, at Cheltenham 3m 1f (1) gs in Jan.
Tiger Roll (IRE) 5-4fav (11-4) Mid-division, took closer order 7th, went 2nd at 22nd, led after 4 out, drew easily clear from next, in no danger after, impressive, won at Cheltenham 3m 6f (2) sft in Mar beating Josies Orders (11-4) by 22l, 15 ran.
Outlander (IRE) 9-1 (11-10) Tracked leader in 2nd, slight mistake 9th, ridden in 2nd before 4 out, dropped to 4th 3 out, weakened, 4th of 6, dist behind Rathvinden (11-8) at Fairyhouse 3m 1f (1) Good - Yielding in Feb.
Don Poli (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Held up, pushed along in rear before 3 out, left moderate 4th and no impression 3 out, moderate 3rd from next, 3rd of 5, 34 1/2l behind Jury Duty (11-10) at Down Royal 3m 2f sft in Mar.
Go Conquer (IRE) 8-1 (11-10) Led, jumped right 1st, headed 3rd, tracked leader, led travelling well 2 out, good jump to assert last, stayed on strongly run-in, won at Doncaster 3m hcp lst (1) gd in Jan beating Monbeg River (10-6) by 6l, 11 ran.
Mala Beach (IRE) Evensfav (11-0) Led and disputed, headed 4th and chased leader, pushed along before 3 out where left in lead, joined and pushed along 2 out, ridden before last where narrowly headed, no extra run-in and kept on same pace, 2nd of 5, 6 1/2l behind Jury Duty (11-10) at Down Royal 3m 2f sft in Mar.
Minella Rocco (IRE) 14-1 (11-9) Always towards rear, pulled up after 8th, at Cheltenham 3m 1f hcp (1) sft in Mar.
Lake View Lad (IRE) 25-1 (11-12) In touch, pushed along after 4 out, one pace 2 out, went 3rd and ridden after last, kept on, not reach front pair, 3rd of 24, 3 1/4l behind Beware The Bear (11-8) at Cheltenham 3m 1f hcp (1) sft in Mar.
Pleasant Company (IRE) 25-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders, headway to lead 5th, headed 12th, pushed along and lost place before 3 out, soon no extra, 11th of 18, dist behind Invitation Only (11-6) at Gowran Park 3m 1f hcp sft in Jan.
Ballyoptic (IRE) 12-1 (11-11) Behind, under pressure 10th, soon struggling, pulled up before 14th, at Haydock 3m 4f hcp (1) gd in Feb.
Dounikos (FR) 12-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, close 2nd 4 out, ridden in 4th 2 out, 3rd entering straight, improved to dispute lead at last, led after last, stayed on well, won at Punchestown 3m 5f hcp Good - Yielding in Feb beating Wishmoor (9-11) by 4 1/4l, 16 ran.
Rathvinden (IRE) 10-3 (11-8) Tracked leaders in 4th, left 3rd at 11th, went 2nd 3 out, pushed along to lead before last, ridden and stayed on well run-in, won at Fairyhouse 3m 1f (1) Good - Yielding in Feb beating Alpha Des Obeaux (11-8) by 3 1/2l, 6 ran.
One For Arthur (IRE) 25-1 (11-4) Held up in rear, pushed along after 5 out, never near leaders, blundered and unseated rider next, at Haydock 3m 2f hcp (1) gs in Jan.
Rock The Kasbah (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Pressed leader until 10th, mistake 18th, weakened after 3 out, 6th of 9, 23 1/4l behind Cogry (10-12) at Cheltenham 3m 2f hcp (1) gd in Dec.
Warriors Tale 14-1 (11-11) Held up towards rear, 10th of 16, 27l behind San Benedeto (11-5) at Newbury 2m 4f hcp (1) gs in Mar.
Regal Encore (IRE) 14-1 (11-3) Held up in last pair, closer tracking leaders 8th, 4th when blundered 14th, 3rd approaching 4 out, stayed on same pace from 2 out, 3rd of 8, 9 1/4l behind Calipto (10-8) at Ascot 3m hcp lst (1) gs in Feb.
Magic Of Light (IRE) 25-1 (11-8) In touch, outpaced 3 out, never able to get on terms, 7th of 24, 11 1/4l behind Beware The Bear (11-8) at Cheltenham 3m 1f hcp (1) sft in Mar.
A Toi Phil (FR) 20-1 (11-10) Held up towards rear, headway after 3 out, close up when switched left before last, 5th and no extra final 75 yards, 5th of 24, 8l behind Sire Du Berlais (11-9) at Cheltenham 3m hcp (1) gs in Mar.
Jury Duty (IRE) 3-1 (11-10) Held up, closer in 3rd 3 out where left 2nd, pushed along before 2 out, disputed 2 out, narrow lead last, ridden and kept on well run-in, won at Down Royal 3m 2f sft in Mar beating Mala Beach (11-0) by 6 1/2l, 5 ran.
Noble Endeavor (IRE) 14-1 (11-7) Mid-division, outpaced 3 out, never threatened leaders, 10th of 24, 16 1/2l behind Beware The Bear (11-8) at Cheltenham 3m 1f hcp (1) sft in Mar.
Monbeg Notorious (IRE) 10-1 (11-5) Mid-division, jumped right 2nd and reminder, 6th halfway, pushed along early straight and no impression approaching last, kept on one pace run-in, 6th of 14, 16 3/4l behind Pairofbrowneyes (11-0) at Naas 3m hcp Yielding - Soft in Mar.
Ramses De Teillee (FR) 8-1 (11-5) In touch, headway 5 out, soon chasing leaders, led before 3 out, headed after last, kept on well under pressure, 2nd of 15, 3/4l behind Robinsfirth (11-4) at Haydock 3m 4f hcp (1) gd in Feb.
Tea For Two 12-1 (11-4) Held up behind, headway into mid-division when mistake and unseated rider 21st, at Cheltenham 3m 6f (2) sft in Mar.
Just A Par (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Mid-division, hampered 6th, remote 9th 3 out, well beaten next, 7th of 18, 35 1/4l behind Walk In The Mill (10-3) at Aintree 3m 2f hcp (1) sft in Dec.
Step Back (IRE) 6-1 (11-3) Jumped right at times, prominent, led before 16th, headed after 3 out, weakened 2 out, 6th of 12, 27 3/4l behind Impulsive Star (10-1) at Warwick 3m 5f hcp (1) gd in Jan.
Ultragold (FR) 14-1 (11-4) Mid-division, lost place and behind from 23rd, tailed off when pulled up before 26th, at Cheltenham 3m 6f (2) sft in Mar.
Blow By Blow (IRE) 10-1 (10-10) Mid-division, headway before 7th and 4th halfway, pushed along and dropped to rear 5 out, soon detached, weakened, pulled up before 2 out, at Naas 3m hcp Yielding - Soft in Mar.
Up For Review (IRE) 8-1cfav (11-3) Mid-division, headway when hit 12th, every chance when mistake 3 out, outpaced next, weakened last, 8th of 24, 14 3/4l behind Beware The Bear (11-8) at Cheltenham 3m 1f hcp (1) sft in Mar.
Singlefarmpayment 10-1 (11-3) Always behind, weakened 3 out, hampered last, tailed off, 13th of 24, dist behind Beware The Bear (11-8) at Cheltenham 3m 1f hcp (1) sft in Mar.
Vieux Lion Rouge (FR) 9-1 (11-2) Mid-division, lost place 6th, soon beaten, behind when pulled up before 4 out, at Haydock 3m 4f hcp (1) gd in Feb.
Valseur Lido (FR) 33-1 (11-1) Held up behind, blundered 10th, never involved, weakened after 3 out, 14th of 22, 37 3/4l behind Siruh Du Lac (10-11) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp (1) gs in Mar.
Vintage Clouds (IRE) 16-1 (11-1) Led to 2nd, with leader, reminders before 3 out, led again next, headed last, ridden and one pace flat, rallied towards finish, not reach winner, 2nd of 24, 1 1/4l behind Beware The Bear (11-8) at Cheltenham 3m 1f hcp (1) sft in Mar.
General Principle (IRE) 14-1 (11-1) In touch, blundered and lost place 15th, weakened after 3 out, behind when hampered and pulled up after last, at Cheltenham 3m 1f hcp (1) sft in Mar.
Livelovelaugh (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) Mid-division, driven 3 out, ridden after next, never reached leaders, weakened last, 12th of 23, 35 1/4l behind Any Second Now (11-11) at Cheltenham 3m 2f hcp (2) gs in Mar.
Walk In The Mill (FR) 9-4fav (11-3) Prominent, 3rd and held 2 out, no extra last, 3rd of 13, 13 3/4l behind Truckers Lodge (12-1) at Exeter 2m 7f (4) gs in Mar.
Folsom Blue (IRE) 6-1fav (11-2) Mid-division, mistake 14th, ridden and in touch 19th, lost touch before 4 out, plugged on from 2 out, 6th of 19, 21l behind Potters Corner (10-7) at Uttoxeter 4m 2f hcp lst (1) hvy in Mar.
Captain Redbeard (IRE) 6-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, closed on inside 11th, hit 13th, outpaced after 2 out, stayed on flat, unable to challenge, 3rd of 4, 2l behind Blue Flight (10-12) at Kelso 2m 7f lst (1) gs in Mar.
Bless The Wings (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Never better than mid-division, behind from 19th, lost touch 22nd, pulled up before next, at Cheltenham 3m 6f (2) sft in Mar.
Joe Farrell (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Held up behind, headway 7th, tracked leaders on outside 11th (water), went 2nd before 4 out, ridden after last, kept on, not quite reach winner, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Chic Name (10-11) at Newbury 3m 2f hcp (3) gs in Mar.
