Grand National this Saturday.

[Jimmyredcab]

Sadly no spectators allowed at this years Grand National but better than last year when they had the “virtual” Grand National.
Anyone having a gamble bear in mind that the bookmakers are offering different terms, some are only paying on the first 4 places while others are paying on 5 or 6.
Some are paying 1/5 the odds, some are paying 1/4. Most offer money back for a non runner.



Hidden Image/Members Only

[anonymouse72]

Just waiting to see if Bet 365 do thier offer of half your stake back like they have the last couple of times it's been ran. Might bang a 20 on the favourite as nothing else much stands out. 4/1 is a shit price for a 40 runner handicap mind you.

[Blackpool Rock]

Just waiting to see if Bet 365 do thier offer of half your stake back like they have the last couple of times it's been ran. Might bang a 20 on the favourite as nothing else much stands out. 4/1 is a shit price for a 40 runner handicap mind you.

Yeah 4/1 is taking the piss, not really worth doing anything less than 10/1 really.
I tend to pick 4/5/6 horses and back them each way then if you get a couple placed (good when they offer 6 places albeit at 1/5 instead of 1/4  ) you normally get your money back or a small profit, if you get the winner then it's happy days.

I do prefer to back a longer odds horse each way than a short price horse to win whereas my mate does short price favourites but wins hardly anything even when they win.
Example is my mate bets £10 to win on a 2/1 shot and picks up £30 if the horse wins but fuck all if it doesn't. I bet £5 E/W on a 25/1 shot at 1/5 the odds 3 places and pick up the same £30 if it comes in 2nd or 3rd but £155 if it wins 

I'm hoping they run and show that virtual Grand National again this year, it's been on the last few years and obviously last year there was no race to compare it against however 3 years ago they predicted the winner and I think 2 years ago the horse they predicted came 2nd so they're on to something. 

Edit - Their predictions have come 2nd; 1st and 3rd so if you have no idea what to bet on then instead of sticking a pin in the paper you'd be better off backing their prediction
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[Auldbugger]

The virtual National of 2020 (the only National run of course) was won by Potters Corner, who is in the field this year and is available to back at 25/1. Should be interesting to see how he does.

This years race has been lessened by the absence of Tiger Roll who should be in the field and going for his third win and would have if if had been owned by anyone else but the O’ Leary’s who withdrew him in a childish fit of pique because they were unable to budge the handicapper to drop him in the handicap by a couple of pounds. They really are a pair of Paddy pricks. Cutting, nose, spite and face spring to mind.

I’m hoping that the now ridiculously priced favourite Cloth Cap wins. I’m holding some handy ante-post bets on him that I put on in January at 22/1

[Jimmyredcab]

Yeah 4/1 is taking the piss, not really worth doing anything less than 10/1 really.

He was as low as 100/30 at one time, when you watch the Ladbrokes Trophy it's easy to see why the bookmakers rate him so highly, his jumping was faultless but of course there is always the risk of being brought down.

Ladbrokes Trophy.
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[Blackpool Rock]

He was as low as 100/30 at one time, when you watch the Ladbrokes Trophy it's easy to see why the bookmakers rate him so highly, his jumping was faultless but of course there is always the risk of being brought down.

Ladbrokes Trophy.
External Link/Members Only

Betfair Exchange currently 5/1 with 12/1 upwards on everything else

[Blackpool Rock]

The virtual National of 2020 (the only National run of course) was won by Potters Corner, who is in the field this year and is available to back at 25/1. Should be interesting to see how he does.

This years race has been lessened by the absence of Tiger Roll who should be in the field and going for his third win and would have if if had been owned by anyone else but the O’ Leary’s who withdrew him in a childish fit of pique because they were unable to budge the handicapper to drop him in the handicap by a couple of pounds. They really are a pair of Paddy pricks. Cutting, nose, spite and face spring to mind.

I’m hoping that the now ridiculously priced favourite Cloth Cap wins. I’m holding some handy ante-post bets on him that I put on in January at 22/1

That's the sort of odds horses that I like to bet on for the national, a decent payout if it wins and still OK for a place, looking at his form though he pulled up last time and I tend to stay away from horses who have pulled up or fallen a lot as stamina and jumping ability are especially important for this race

[anonymouse72]

A few years ago there was some really useful criteria you could apply to rule out most of the field but sadly many no longer apply after they amended the eligibility to run and lowered most fences. Ruling out anything carrying over 11 stone, anything French bred, anything 12 or older and anything yet to win a class 1 chase over at least 3 miles led me to some decent bets including Amberleigh House to win at 16/1 and an ante post 4th at 100/1 with It Takes Time.

7 year olds can be ruled out, as can anything 12 and above. I'd still apply the decent handicap over 3 miles rule and would probably rule out the top 3 on weight. The favourite looks chucked in but one at a huge price is Ballyoptic at 80/1. Has won at Aintree over hurdles and was second in a good ground Scottish National in 2018. Might get a run for my money and 20/ if it places.

[Gordon Bennett]

A few years ago there was some really useful criteria you could apply to rule out most of the field but sadly many no longer apply after they amended the eligibility to run and lowered most fences. Ruling out anything carrying over 11 stone, anything French bred, anything 12 or older and anything yet to win a class 1 chase over at least 3 miles led me to some decent bets including Amberleigh House to win at 16/1 and an ante post 4th at 100/1 with It Takes Time.

7 year olds can be ruled out, as can anything 12 and above. I'd still apply the decent handicap over 3 miles rule and would probably rule out the top 3 on weight. The favourite looks chucked in but one at a huge price is Ballyoptic at 80/1. Has won at Aintree over hurdles and was second in a good ground Scottish National in 2018. Might get a run for my money and 20/ if it places.

I remember when having a woman jockey on board was the prime indicator that it was a donkey. Nowadays with wimmins lib and #metoo they let woman jockeys ride pukka horses, favourites even!
Speaking of women, my daughter and mates are doing a virtual Ladies Day on Friday.... Orange tans, big hair, frocks, heels, gallons of prossecco and all in her gaff watching it on telly.

[Lou2019]

horse racing should be banned the amount of horses that die and suffer is cruel and unethical.

[chrishornx]

Sadly no spectators allowed at this years Grand National but better than last year when they had the “virtual” Grand National.
Anyone having a gamble bear in mind that the bookmakers are offering different terms, some are only paying on the first 4 places while others are paying on 5 or 6.
Some are paying 1/5 the odds, some are paying 1/4. Most offer money back for a non runner.



Hidden Image/Members Only

are you not going to impart your wisdom Jimmy with a hot tip?

[Blackpool Rock]

are you not going to impart your wisdom Jimmy with a hot tip?

Nah Jimmy will no doubt come on after the race to tell us he had the winner though 

[Auldbugger]

horse racing should be banned the amount of horses that die and suffer is cruel and unethical.

Nobody likes to see a horse injured or killed whilst racing but it’s what they are bred to do. Do you think that the beautiful, graceful animals that are thoroughbreds would exist except to run and jump.

And anyway the National is not anywhere near as tough as it used to with the the fences being much modified to keep the tree huggers happy.

[mr.bluesky]

horse racing should be banned the amount of horses that die and suffer is cruel and unethical.

Too much money to be made from horse racing for that to happen. I think the fences on the aintree course should be made safer  but I guess that's what makes the Grand National such a unique race  I don't follow horse racing but usually have a small bet on the National and will probably pick out a donkey in the works sweep.
I would rather watch greyhound racing live

[Lou2019]

Too much money to be made from horse racing for that to happen. I think the fences on the aintree course should be made safer  but I guess that's what makes the Grand National such a unique race  I don't follow horse racing but usually have a small bet on the National and will probably pick out a donkey in the works sweep.
I would rather watch greyhound racing live

why? greyhound racing is horrific, that needs to be abolished too to end unnecessary deaths and suffering of those poor dogs

[anonymouse72]

The national course and fences have been made safer which is why there have been fewer fallers and more finishers in recent years. A huge amount of work has been done with animal welfare staff to minimise the risk and work is still ongoing. Fingers crossed all are safe this weekend.

[Blackpool Rock]

The national course and fences have been made safer which is why there have been fewer fallers and more finishers in recent years. A huge amount of work has been done with animal welfare staff to minimise the risk and work is still ongoing. Fingers crossed all are safe this weekend.

Yeah and at least nobody will be posing for a selfie while sat on a dead horse 

[Jimmyredcab]

The national course and fences have been made safer which is why there have been fewer fallers and more finishers in recent years. A huge amount of work has been done with animal welfare staff to minimise the risk and work is still ongoing. Fingers crossed all are safe this weekend.

We have moved on from the days when Foinavon won at 100/1 because the whole field fell or were brought down. (1967).

[Jimmyredcab]

I remember when having a woman jockey on board was the prime indicator that it was a donkey. Nowadays with wimmins lib and #metoo they let woman jockeys ride pukka horses, favourites even!

Hollie Doyle is one of the countries leading jockeys, she gets the rides because of her ability, nothing to do with women's lib.   

[Jimmyredcab]

Nah Jimmy will no doubt come on after the race to tell us he had the winner though 

I don't tell lies, unlike many on here.     

I may not even have a bet, can't see beyond cloth cap.   

[Bertiebeenthere]

Ususally with big field handicaps the best value is betting on the Tote

[Auldbugger]

Ususally with big field handicaps the best value is betting on the Tote

I think that you will find that exchanges such as Betfair offer the better value. For example, the fav is only about 4/1 with the bookies but nearly 11/2 on Betfair. Even with the small commission they charge, the returns are usually much better. And you can wait to see how your nag gets over the first few fences before putting your bet on.

[anonymouse72]

The Bet365 offer is on. Half your stake back on each way bets. Either have twice as much on or have a free bet with what you get refunded. It's refunded instantly too.

[robsmith149]

The Bet365 offer is on. Half your stake back on each way bets. Either have twice as much on or have a free bet with what you get refunded. It's refunded instantly too.

Used to love that offer when i was doing matched betting, could make about £100 guaranteed.

[stevedave]

Cloth Cap is out to 9/2 this morning, marginally better value.

I had a couple of Aintree winners yesterday, so hopefully already covered my losses for the rest of the meeting 

[Jimmyredcab]

Cloth Cap is out to 9/2 this morning, marginally better value.

Betfred showing 5/1 at the moment, probably not for long though.

[Blackpool Rock]

Betfred showing 5/1 at the moment, probably not for long though.

Betfair is currently 5.6/1

[Jimmyredcab]

Betfair is currently 5.6/1

Before commission, can you bet each way on Betfair exchange. ????

[Blackpool Rock]

Before commission, can you bet each way on Betfair exchange. ????

Yes though i'm not seeing that option at the moment just tabs for win and then "place" tabs for 4;5;6;7 and 10 places, i'd expect there to be an E/W tab there too but perhaps it won't appear until tomorrow though you could just place a bet on win and then on the separate place tab to however many places you want however the odds vary on each tab as they are classed as separate books / markets

Commission is fairly low, i've got a 2% deal and you only pay commission on overall profit for a market so if the Betfair price is a few% higher than a traditional bookie then it's worth placing it with them.
Rarely the BF price is the same or even slightly lower than i can get with a normal bookie in which case I place the bet with them

[Jimmyredcab]

Yes though i'm not seeing that option at the moment just tabs for win and then "place" tabs for 4;5;6;7 and 10 places, i'd expect there to be an E/W tab there too but perhaps it won't appear until tomorrow though you could just place a bet on win and then on the separate place tab to however many places you want however the odds vary on each tab as they are classed as separate books / markets

Commission is fairly low, i've got a 2% deal and you only pay commission on overall profit for a market so if the Betfair price is a few% higher than a traditional bookie then it's worth placing it with them.
Rarely the BF price is the same or even slightly lower than i can get with a normal bookie in which case I place the bet with them

I don't have an account with Betfair, as I rarely gamble I will not be opening one just for the Grand National. 

[Blackpool Rock]

I don't have an account with Betfair, as I rarely gamble I will not be opening one just for the Grand National. 

Yeah not worth it just for an occasional punt, I always use Oddschecker which you previously posted a screen shot of then at least you can make sure you're not getting your pants totally pulled down accepting 10/1 when you can get 14/1 round the corner

[Jimmyredcab]

Yeah not worth it just for an occasional punt, I always use Oddschecker which you previously posted a screen shot of then at least you can make sure you're not getting your pants totally pulled down accepting 10/1 when you can get 14/1 round the corner

It's a shame that the betting shops don't open until Monday, once a year punters are not going to bet online.

When I managed betting shops in the seventies it was the busiest day of the year.

[Blackpool Rock]

It's a shame that the betting shops don't open until Monday, once a year punters are not going to bet online.

When I managed betting shops in the seventies it was the busiest day of the year.

Bad timing I guess but then again high street shops make more from the FOBT machines these days until the stakes went down to £2 anyway.

I remember before online betting I would venture into a bookies on Grand National day still full of smoke and the regulars were always moaning about a queue of mugs half way to the door betting on the National.
I did see though that this shop kept a window open for Non National bets so that the regulars could rush up last minute and not miss the start of a dog or horse race having to queue for 10 minutes which made sense.

Also remember the big sign stating Grand national bets wouldn't be paid out the same day as they didn't have time to go through all the slips before closing or it was a hard push to do it.
These days with computers the money is in your account within seconds of the official result

[Jimmyredcab]

Also remember the big sign stating Grand national bets wouldn't be paid out the same day as they didn't have time to go through all the slips before closing or it was a hard push to do it.
These days with computers the money is in your account within seconds of the official result

Before the internet there was the option of opening credit accounts with bookmakers, you had to phone your bets through, just before a televised race the whole bank of phones would light up, that's when I worked in William Hill's head office.

[Blackpool Rock]

Before the internet there was the option of opening credit accounts with bookmakers, you had to phone your bets through, just before a televised race the whole bank of phones would light up, that's when I worked in William Hill's head office.

Never had a credit account as i didn't want to bet with money I didn't have but did have a few Debit accounts with the well know major bookies from the early 90's.
It must have been big business for them as they did open up substantial telephone offices to cover this before they one by one moved to Gibraltar / Malta etc to get round betting tax though not sure if the offices physically moved or just the registered headquarters for the bookie.
May have even been some loophole where they ran the call via an offshore location then claimed that's where the bet was accepted, nowadays if you look at any online casino game they are all registered offshore

[Blackpool Rock]

Yes though i'm not seeing that option at the moment just tabs for win and then "place" tabs for 4;5;6;7 and 10 places, i'd expect there to be an E/W tab there too but perhaps it won't appear until tomorrow though you could just place a bet on win and then on the separate place tab to however many places you want however the odds vary on each tab as they are classed as separate books / markets

Commission is fairly low, i've got a 2% deal and you only pay commission on overall profit for a market so if the Betfair price is a few% higher than a traditional bookie then it's worth placing it with them.
Rarely the BF price is the same or even slightly lower than i can get with a normal bookie in which case I place the bet with them

E/W tab now showing on Betfair Exchange, cloth cap currently 6.6/1 on the E/W tab and only 5.6/1 on the win only and place only is 2.3/1 (4 places)

[Jimmyredcab]

Betfred now paying out on the first EIGHT places, 1/5th odds.

That’s only until midnight tonight.



Hidden Image/Members Only

[Blackpool Rock]

Just watched the virtual race on ITV4 and Potters corner was going well and in the lead but faded badly near the end, not sure exactly where he finished in the end, anyway the result was -

1st Cloth cap
2nd Kimberlite candy (was catching and only just lost it)
3rd Any second now
4th Burrows saint
5th Minella times

looking at the E/W odds (Betfair Exchange) for all these 5 they are typically at the short end with cloth cap 6.2/1 fav and the others in finishing order 20/1; 13/1; 11.5/1 and 13.5/1

I don't normally bet until the day but of those 5 the 2nd place horse Kimberlite candy is the best price and was finishing well so i'd say that was good value at 20/1 E/W

I've actually stuck some cash on it now but opted for the individual win price which was better at 23/1 and a place price of 4/1 for 5 places as I worked out me return was better than backing it E/W, the best mainstream bookies price is 16/1 at the moment

Get your cash on guys, you heard it here 1st 

Will look at a few others tomorrow


Edit - And the price for Kimberlite candy has already dropped a point to 22/1

[Blackpool Rock]

Just watched the virtual race on ITV4 and Potters corner was going well and in the lead but faded badly near the end, not sure exactly where he finished in the end, anyway the result was -

1st Cloth cap
2nd Kimberlite candy (was catching and only just lost it)
3rd Any second now
4th Burrows saint
5th Minella times

looking at the E/W odds (Betfair Exchange) for all these 5 they are typically at the short end with cloth cap 6.2/1 fav and the others in finishing order 20/1; 13/1; 11.5/1 and 13.5/1

I don't normally bet until the day but of those 5 the 2nd place horse Kimberlite candy is the best price and was finishing well so i'd say that was good value at 20/1 E/W

I've actually stuck some cash on it now but opted for the individual win price which was better at 23/1 and a place price of 4/1 for 5 places as I worked out me return was better than backing it E/W, the best mainstream bookies price is 16/1 at the moment

Get your cash on guys, you heard it here 1st 

Will look at a few others tomorrow


Edit - And the price for Kimberlite candy has already dropped a point to 22/1

And now 20/1 

[winkywanky]

I remember when having a woman jockey on board was the prime indicator that it was a donkey. Nowadays with wimmins lib and #metoo they let woman jockeys ride pukka horses, favourites even!
Speaking of women, my daughter and mates are doing a virtual Ladies Day on Friday.... Orange tans, big hair, frocks, heels, gallons of prossecco and all in her gaff watching it on telly.

...are they spending the day with Donald Trump then? 

[snaitram99]

E/W tab now showing on Betfair Exchange, cloth cap currently 6.6/1 on the E/W tab and only 5.6/1 on the win only and place only is 2.3/1 (4 places)

Assuming these are decimal odds which you are quoting, while I am more used to the traditional ones, am I right in thinking the decimal figure includes the return of the stake? So 6.5/1 (to keep the maths easy) would not be 13/2 in old money but actually 11/2?  The place odds particularly could easily be misleading on this basis. Above on this basis is actually 13/2 at a fifth odds for a place but could easily be taken as equivalent of 23/2 if such exists.

Admittedly the decimal odds allow for finer gradations. Anyway my tuppence is on Magic of Light.

[anonymouse72]

Assuming these are decimal odds which you are quoting, while I am more used to the traditional ones, am I right in thinking the decimal figure includes the return of the stake? So 6.5/1 (to keep the maths easy) would not be 13/2 in old money but actually 11/2?  The place odds particularly could easily be misleading on this basis. Above on this basis is actually 13/2 at a fifth odds for a place but could easily be taken as equivalent of 23/2 if such exists.

Admittedly the decimal odds allow for finer gradations. Anyway my tuppence is on Magic of Light.

Yes that is correct. The exchanges use decimal and some bookmakers want to adopt them too.

[mr.bluesky]

...are they spending the day with Donald Trump then? 

Donald Trump was invited but he wouldn't show up. He claims the race is all "fixed" 

[Blackpool Rock]

Assuming these are decimal odds which you are quoting, while I am more used to the traditional ones, am I right in thinking the decimal figure includes the return of the stake? So 6.5/1 (to keep the maths easy) would not be 13/2 in old money but actually 11/2?  The place odds particularly could easily be misleading on this basis. Above on this basis is actually 13/2 at a fifth odds for a place but could easily be taken as equivalent of 23/2 if such exists.

Admittedly the decimal odds allow for finer gradations. Anyway my tuppence is on Magic of Light.

Yes I actually adjusted them so whereas the displayed odds may have been 10/1 but I quoted the "Traditional" odds of 9/1 so they were accurate, I have previously seen some online bookies who quoted it differently (I think) which did cause confusion at the time

[Blackpool Rock]

Donald Trump was invited but he wouldn't show up. He claims the race is all "fixed" 

Sorry but that's fake news unless you got it straight from the horses mouth 

Alright the coats already on 

[CoolTiger]

Sorry but that's fake news unless you got it straight from the horses mouth 

Alright the coats already on 

Neigh!!! you must have got your facts wrong 

[Blackpool Rock]

Neigh!!! you must have got your facts wrong 

Hmmm not sure, this will Nag me now 

[The0neAnd0nly]

I've had to stop watching the Grand National as always end up with a sore throat for a few days after. Must be from shouting myself hoarse at the TV.

🤦‍♂️

[mr.bluesky]

I've had to stop watching the Grand National as always end up with a sore throat for a few days after. Must be from shouting myself hoarse at the TV.

🤦‍♂️

Don't you mean shouting at your horse on the tv. 

[Blackpool Rock]

Done a few more horses E/W around the 25/1 mark and a 100/1 outsider but also of the shortest price ones i've actually put some on Minella Times which has Rachael Blackmore on board.

A female jockey has to win it one day and unlike years ago where they only got donkeys to ride some of the top female jockeys are now getting a decent seat.
She showed how to do it at Cheltenham this year and has earned the right to ride a horse which is in with a realistic chance, I also wonder whether women are getting better horses these days as it would be big kudos to own / train the 1st national winner with a female jockey