Alan King’s West End Rocker one of the toughest competitors for the John Smith’s Grand National
West End Rocker is in good form, and he will be expected to deliver a terrific performance in the John Smith’s Grand National, which is scheduled to take place at Aintree on Saturday, 14th April, 2012.
Trained by Alan King, the ten-year-old gelding looks strong enough to claim a victory in the mega event.
Alan King emphasised on the fact that he would like a bit of rain, so West End Rocker can truly shine on the track.
He told the press:
"West End Rocker is in good nick. I would love to see a bit of rain. It would not have to be a bog but on the easy side of good would suit."
The son of Grand Plaisir, out of mare Slyguff Lord, triumphed in the Betfred Becher Handicap Chase at Aintree, on 3rd December, 2011.
Mounted by jockey, Wayne Hutchinson, he took the track by storm, and finished 22 lengths ahead of the runner-up, Niche Market.
This showed remarkable progression, but he was pulled up from the Grade 3 Rewards4Racing Handicap Chase, on 12th November, 2011.
For the £975,000 event on Saturday, Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Synchronised, is attracting most of the market attention.
Trained by Jonjo O’Neill, for owner J.P McManus, the nine-year-old looks in excellent form.
Mounted by jockey A.P McCoy, he succeeded over, The Giant Bolster, by 2 ¼ lengths in the Grade 1 Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on 16th March, 2012.
Bet365 and BetVictor have given him a 7-1 chance for this race.
Among other runners, the line-up includes Sunnyhillboy, Quiscover Fontaine and Arbor Supreme.
Midnight Chase, trained by Neil Mulholland, will not compete in this event to come.
Mulholland informed the media:
"We're going to finish him for the season as the Argento probably took its toll."
If it rains, the surface of the track is likely to be labelled soft.
Andrew Tulloch, who is a clerk on the track told the press:
"There's a band of rain coming from the Irish Sea tonight through to tomorrow evening, so we will see how much we get and take it from there.”
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