O'Neill confident about Cloth Cap's chances but his price is 'crackers'

Jonjo O'Neill believes he has the horse to beat in Cloth Cap for next week's Randox Grand National but thinks his odds of around 7-2 are absurd in a race that is so famous for shocks and surprises.

O'Neill knows all too well how bad luck can play out in Aintree's iconic steeplechase. In his riding days he competed in the race eight times and never finished, including in 1973 when he rode Ginger McCain's first string, Glenkiln, in a race famously won by stablemate and subsequent three-time winner Red Rum.

He had more luck as a trainer, winning the race in 2010 with Don't Push It, despite fielding a total of 32 runners in the event through the years.

And his 33rd runner, Cloth Cap, is poised to go off one of the shortest-price favourites in the history of the race, with victory at Kelso last month meaning he is officially a stone well in at the weights.

Winner of the Ladbrokes Trophy earlier this season, Cloth Cap appears to have all the credentials for the National even if his odds are on the slim side according to O'Neill.

"It's crackers for the Grand National! There's no value in it," said the trainer. "Bookmakers have to do what they've got to do – I can see why – and they're not leading people astray, but we're talking about the National.

"I think he'll win it and my gut feeling is that he's got a great chance, but god only knows what can happen in a National. You've got to see how the horse arrives on the day. He's grand at the minute, but there's another week to go."

He added: "Are there better horses in the race? Probably. But he's got it all in his favour, the weight, he jumps, he stays. I want good ground and it'll be right for him. I'm very happy with the way things are going."

Cloth Cap has taken a significant step forward this season and O'Neill puts it down to a key change in his life at home, as he spends his time in the field rather than in his box.

This is somewhat rare, with Cloth Cap just one of around six of O'Neill's 100 horses who are always turned out, but interestingly this was also the key to getting the best out of Don't Push It, the trainer's only National winner.

"He's there morning, noon and night," O'Neill adds. "Don't Push It was the same. It's because of their attitude. This guy will get tense and sweaty and a little bit aggressive about things. It's just him.

"We try anything with horses in the boxes, we'll put mirrors up, tyres in, they play football. You name it, we've tried it. They want to be out in the field and chill out. Is it right? Is it wrong? I don't know, but it works."

The Gloucestershire trainer's only other likely runner at the meeting is Pressure Sensitive in the Grade 2 bumper, with stable stars Sky Pirate and Soaring Glory confirmed to be finished for the season.

While Cloth Cap heads the Grand National market, the next three in the betting — Any Second Now, Burrows Saint and Minella Times — are trained in Ireland, leading to the prospect of another major British prize being captured by an Irish-trained runner following a record-breaking Cheltenham Festival for the nation.

Considerable discussion has taken place within British racing since Cheltenham about making it more competitive, but Nicky Henderson, who is set to saddle 50-1 shot Ok Corral, believes there will be no need for additional panic if there is an Irish-trained winner.

"I think the Grand National is a unique race on its own and they're bound to be involved," he said. "They will have a lot of good chances and as good a chance as any of us of winning.

"I don't think that's going to amplify the situation. I don't think we're going to say, 'now they've rampaged and ravaged Aintree as well, what will we do?'. I don't see it as another nail in the coffin at all."

Nicky Henderson: could run OK Corral and Valtor in this year's NationalCredit: Edward Whitaker

Henderson, who was speaking at a virtual Jockey Club press conference for the Grand National, confirmed Derek O'Connor would ride Ok Corral with stablemate Valtor also lining up if making the cut.

"The plan is for Derek O'Connor to ride Ok Corral as long as the work goes well tomorrow," Henderson said. "I'll then give Derek the green light as I think the poor guy hasn't had a meal for three weeks! He jumped really well this morning and he's in good form at the moment."

Henderson added he felt it was a "pity" Aintree would not be used for a spectator pilot after the local council refused to support the plan.

"It seems a pity that the council couldn't get behind it because you like to think that Aintree and the Grand National is part of something special," he said. "If that's their decision, I don't suppose we’re in a position to argue that. It does seem a pity as it would've been a great opportunity."

Read more on Cloth Cap and the Grand National:

Is Cloth Cap the next Grand National winner? Our reporters have their say

Odds of 4-1 for Cloth Cap in Grand National more than fair says Tom Scudamore

Cloth Cap has plenty in hand but fences mean he's no National certainty

Check out the Racing Post Grand National microsite for the latest tips and odds for the big race. The best Grand National betting advice and exclusive free betting offers all in one place.