JULIETTE'S WEEKLY FROLIC
This Saturday the annual hell-for-leather stampede round Aintree rolls into action for yet one more 'final' run, and although the Grand National will not be allowed to die without much noisy protesting from many who have never been near a racecourse, for most trainers the Cheltenham Gold Cup has taken its place as chief goal for the stable stars—apart from risk of injury and dimin- ishing prestige, the unrealistic results of a race which allows the rank outsider to romp home, totally eclipsing many a superior ani- mal, keeps the 'elite' away. However, a hand- ful of 'quality' horses will still turn out, headed by last year's smooth winner, Gay Trip. Although unsuccessful this season, he has been thereabouts in the best company and is now at his fittest. Against this, the law of averages rarely allows even as genuine a horse as he to win two Nationals'-1960 champion, Merryman ii was the last to near achieving the double but could only finish second in 1961. 1970 favourite, Two Springs regained popularity with a fine 'Great Yorkshire' victory, but he has dis- appointed twice since and got no further than the third fence last year, and a more interesting entry is The Laird. Until lately he was not considered a 'National' type, but three good wins in recent weeks can't all be put down to luck and he could surprise his critics. Another strong contingent are the out and out stayers who have been contesting the string of 'National' trials up and down the country, lacking perhaps in pace and style, they will not be troubled by this gruel- ling distance. Lord Jim impressed at Chel- tenham, but so did Irish, Cnoc Dubh before falling at the second last, while The Otter proved his Haydock win no fluke by gallantly running The Pantheon to a neck at Newbury after a nosedive at the second last. There are a host of other home-trained contenders but their running has been too erratic for much confidence when put against the record of my final group, The Irish. They have rarely had so strong a hand and Cnoc Dubh. the mare, Money Boat and Black Secret are much fancied, though personally I like the chances of King Vulgan, an easy winner last time under 12 stone and on soft going at that. The list of possibilities is endless but my main hope must be The Otter—Haydock's a good grounding for Aintree. and with only 10. stone lib and two fine recent efforts, he must have a great chance. In a race like the National it is important to spread your bets, so I shall have a little on King Vulgan. while Battledore and Flosuebarb appeal as game outsiders. But I wouldn't put anyone off any- thing in this lucky clip.
Outlay: £2 ew The Otter, £1 ew King Vulgan.
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