I've stared at these racing forms until my eyes hurt. Seriously. My mate Dave walked in yesterday and thought I was having some kind of breakdown with papers scattered everywhere and half-eaten toast going cold. "You look possessed," he said.
Let me cut to the chase - IROKO is my pick for Saturday's Grand National (4.00). By a whisker.
These Ain't Your Grandad's National Fences
Listen. The National isn't the death-defying spectacle it once was. They've modified teh fences, and we're down to 34 runners max. My old man still grumbles about how they've "ruined" it, but I'm not exactly nostalgic for horses and jockeys getting seriously injured.
But don't think for a second this makes picking a winner any easier.
This is possibly the most wide-open National I've seen since I started covering racing back in 2011. The top five rated horses are separated by just 4lb. Four. Bloody. Pounds.
Why I Woke Up at 3am Thinking About Iroko
Iroko gets my nod, and not just because I had a strange dream about him winning last night (though I did, and I'm not above taking signs from the universe when dropping my hard-earned cash). The handicapper has given him that little 'p' beside his rating - meaning improvement expected.
Now, "expected" doesn't mean guaranteed. God knows I've been burned by "expected" improvements before. Remember when I told everyone Minella Times would repeat in 2022? Yeah, I feel stupid now.
The Defending Champ Deserves Respect
You'd be mad not to consider I Am Maximus. Even with carrying 8lb more than when he absolutely demolished the field last year, winning by over seven lengths.
That performance was a monster. One of the best National wins this century, according to our ratings. The kind that makes you spill your pint in disbelief.
But I'm still leaning Iroko.
Zero Wins This Season? I Don't Care.
Iroko hasn't won this season, but that doesn't worry me one bit. His three completed runs have all screamed "I'M BUILDING TOWARD SOMETHING BIG."
His second to Grey Dawning at Kelso last month was exactly what you want to see before a National. Perfect prep race. Showed plenty without emptying the tank.
And remember, he was runner-up in last season's Mildmay behind Inothewayurthinkin - who just casually went on to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup. That's some serious form.
JP's Other Interesting Runner
JP McManus (who spent approximately $4K on coffee for journalists at Cheltenham according to a colleague who counted cups) has another live one in Perceval Legallois.
His jumping used to be... problematic. Like me trying to assemble IKEA furniture after three beers. But he sorted himself out when winning at Leopardstown over Christmas, then backed it up with a handicap hurdle win in a big field.
Worth considering at the price.
The Numbers Don't Lie (Except When They Do)
If you're into ratings, here's the top five on my weight-adjusted figures:
183p Iroko; 182 Stumptown; 181 Perceval Legallois; 180 Hyland; 179+ Intense Raffles.
That little 'p' next to Iroko might just be worth its weight in gold. Or at least worth the £20 I've put on him. My wife thinks I'm crazy. "That money could've fixed the bathroom light," she said this morning. She's not wrong.
A Final Thought Before You Bet Your Mortgage
Don't.
Racing's meant to be fun. Set limits. Don't chase losses. All that responsible stuff that we sometimes forget when we're four pints deep and convinced we've spotted something the bookies haven't.
If you need help, there's Gamcare (www.gamcare.org.uk) and Gamble Aware (www.begambleaware.org).
But wherever your money goes on Saturday... good luck. You'll probably need it in this wide-open renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best kind of diet for racing horses to follow?
The diet of a racehorse must be balanced and high-quality to meet the demands for energy during training and racing. The feed is a mix of commercially produced racehorse-specific feed, high-grade hay and grains such as barley or oatmeal. In addition, essential vitamins should be added to the diet in order to maintain peak performance and overall health.
What is the first step in training a racehorse?
Breaking is an important part of the initial phase of training racehorses. This involves the horse becoming accustomed carrying a bridle, saddle, and weight of a person. During early sessions, the horse must be taught to accept human contact and wear the equipment throughout his racing career.
Does a racehorse need a certain type of shoe?
Racing plates are typically lighter and thinner compared to regular horseshoes. These plates are designed to provide the required traction while also minimizing the weight. A racehorse farrier will select and fit the shoes according to each horse's foot conformation, and the surface on which they will be racing.
Can you train a racehorse on any track?
While initial training can occur on a variety of tracks, specific race training often requires facilities that simulate the conditions the horse will face in competition. It is important to use tracks that are the same size as the actual track the horse will be racing on. It is important to use the right track in order to condition the horse correctly and familiarize them with the particular racing environment.
How can I maintain the mental well-being of my racehorse?
Mental health is just as vital to a horse's performance as physical conditioning. Varied routines, regular turnout to pasture, mental stimulation, and gentle, patient handling all contribute to a racehorse's psychological well-being. Ensuring the horse has social interaction with other horses and providing a calm, stable environment helps to prevent stress and behavioral issues.
What is the role a jockey plays in the training and preparation of racehorses?
Jockeys play a critical role in the training of racehorses. They ride horses and provide feedback about the horse's performance. But they also teach the horse racing tactics like pacing, position, and how to respond to commands. A good jockey becomes attuned to the horse's strengths and weaknesses, which is indispensable for race preparation.
Statistics
- Approximately 70% of a racehorse's diet consists of forage, with the remainder made up of grains and supplements to meet their high-calorie needs.
- An extensive survey indicated that over 90% of racehorse trainers utilize swimming as a low-impact exercise in their conditioning routines.
- Gastrointestinal issues affect up to 90% of racehorses during their training, emphasizing the need for careful dietary management.
- The average cost to train a thoroughbred racehorse for one year can exceed $50,000, accounting for expenses related to training, boarding, and veterinary care.
- Statistically, less than 1% of thoroughbred foals born each year will go on to win a stakes race.
- Studies suggest that proper early training can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses by up to 50%.
External Links
How To
How to choose the right diet for a racehorse
When selecting an optimal diet, it is important to ensure that there is a balance of forage, grains and supplements. To maintain gut health, provide high-quality hay and pasture for the majority of the diet. Oats are a great source of energy for your workouts. Supplements containing adequate vitamins and electrolytes can help with recovery and promote overall health. Work with an equine nutritionist to tailor the dietary needs according to the horse's individual workload and metabolic requirements.
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