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GRAND NATIONAL - The Northern Challenge

Brian Ellison trainer of Definitly RedBrian Ellison trainer of Definitly Red
© Photo Healy Racing

The Sue Smith-trained Auroras Encore was the last northern-trained horse to win the Grand National back in 2013 but recent victories for that part of the country have been thin on the ground since the likes of Lucius, Rubstic and Hallo Dandy in the late 70s early 80’s showed that steeplechasing was in a healthy state north of the Watford Gap with the likes of Gordon W Richards, Denys Smith, Arthur Stephenson, Peter Easterby and Jimmy Fitzgerald capable of holding their own against their southern and Irish counterparts.

With several fancied contenders 2017 could see a Grand National revival for the north as Brian Ellison, Lucinda Russell and James Moffatt all have fancied runners with strong cases easily made for all three possibilities, Definitly Red, One For Arthur and Highland Lodge.

Definitly Red will probably turn out to be the best handicapped horse in the race as a runaway victory in Doncaster’s Grimthorpe Chase after the weights were revealed for Aintree means that the eight-year-old will be 10lb well-in compared to future handicaps. Runner-up that day, at a respectful 14 lengths was last year’s Grand National second The Last Samuri who will meet the winner on the same terms next month so faces an uphill struggle to overturn the form.

The son of Definite Article has to prove his stamina for the marathon trip as his only attempt at distances in excess of 3m2f resulted in a fall when contesting the 2016 National Hunt Chase over four miles. Should the gelding’s stamina hold out the horse must have a great chance of providing the north with another win at the 16-1 quoted by Betfred, Ladbrokes and Coral, these brands, and others, offer great free bets for grand national 2017.

The Lucinda Russell-trained One For Arthur has no such stamina doubts as the winner of Warwick’s Betfred Classic Chase on his most recent start will relish the extreme trip and also has form over the fences having finished a staying-on fifth in the Becher Chase over an inadequate 3m 2f. The son of St Leger winner Milan has not been seen since the middle of January as Russell is desperate to keep the gelding fresh for the big day. One For Arthur is a best price 16-1 and can be backed at that price with Bet365 who are NRNB and 5 places.

Trainer James Moffatt suffered the disappointment of his Highland Lodge missing the cut last year but at number 37 a run is guaranteed this time and after a win and a short-head second in the Becher Chase since joining Moffatt from the Emma Lavelle stable the fearsome course hold no fears for the eleven-year-old who reserves his best form for the track. Despite being done no favours by the handicap (possibly to ensure the horse gets a run this time) a bold run should result and at the 40-1 available with Betvictor, Ladbrokes and Coral is sure to give his supporters a great run for their money.