Gold Cup runner-up Anibale Fly a big Grand National gamble

Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Anibale Fly has been heavily backed to win the Grand National, with bookmakers slashing his price to 11-1 (from 16-1)

The nine-year-old is a proven class act and has placed in the last two Gold Cups, but will have to overcome the burden of carrying top weight if he is to win the Grand National.

Anibale Fly, who finished fourth in last year's Grand National, will be ridden by Mark Walsh after Barry Geraghty broke his leg at Aintree on Friday. Walsh was due to be on Regal Encore, now the mount of Johnny Burke.

William Hill claim victory for 2017 winner One For Arthur or Rock The Kasbah would be their worst results. They report a lack of interest in last year's winner Tiger Roll, who has drifted to 5-1 (from 7-2) to emulate Red Rum and win back-to-back runnings of the world's most famous race.

William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said: "The expected gamble on Tiger Roll has not materialised.

"Rock The Kasbah has now sneaked ahead of One for Arthur towards the top of our liabilities."

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However, Betway's Alan Algersaid: "After weeks of unrelenting support, the money for Tiger Roll has finally started to dry up and he's been eased out to 5-1 – the biggest price he's been since romping home in the Cross Country Chase.

"It's nothing too concerning, as the lack of support seems to be purely price based, but it certainly goes to show that punters are more interested in seeking out the value in the race."

That has seemingly led them to the Willie Mullins-trained Livelovelaugh, who was 100-1, but is now 25-1 in places.

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Victory for Tea For Two would also provide a historic and famous tale as it would mean Lizzie Kelly becoming the first female rider to win the race, which is due off at 5.15 and live on ITV1.

Alger added: "With six places on offer and 40 fences to be navigated, there's some very strong each-way money flying around and Tea For Two has been one of the main ones they've latched onto. Lizzie Kelly's mount is 33-1 from 40-1, while Livelovelaugh has also been backed into 33-1 having started the day at 50-1."

Regarding Tiger Roll, Betfred agree punters are "looking for value" and they have also trimmed Livelovelaugh to 28-1 (from 66).

The going for the National was described as good to soft by Aintree clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch on the morning of the big race.

Tulloch gave the going for the hurdle and conventional chase track as good, good to soft in places following a dry night.

It is expected to be a dry, pleasant day at Aintree, so Tulloch and his team watered the landing sides of the National fences on Friday night.

Spotlight verdict

Having held off Pleasant Company for Aintree glory in 2018, Tiger Roll has come roaring back this season and took the latest of his many Cheltenham Festival honours with such ease that he brings improved form to this year’s National as well as the 9lb higher mark. The chief negative about him has been the odds in a 40-runner contest. One opponent who could relish his first crack at the race is the Scottish National winner Joe Farrell (nap), who returned to action recently and has shaped very promisingly, as has Rathvinden who’s another to have registered an important win over 4m last term. Vintage Clouds and Lake View Lad shaped well with their strong finishes at Cheltenham, while Step Back should be primed for a bold show. Although Tiger Roll heads the Elliott/Gigginstown horde, Dounikos and General Principle could provide them with further powerful ammunition. All will have something to fear if Minella Rocco is still in contention after the first circuit.

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