Ruby opts to ride Shotgun
Walsh had faced an agonising choice between Shotgun Willy and Ad Hoc, both trained by Paul Nicholls.
Yesterday morning Ad Hoc was Ladbrokes’ 5-1 favourite for the National, with Shotgun Willy next best on 8-1.
Walsh discussed the situation with Nicholls at Taunton on Monday, before coming down on the side of Shotgun Willy.
Shotgun Willy made a belated, but highly satisfactory, seasonal debut at Haydock on March 1 when producing a terrific performance to hump 11-12 to victory in the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup Handicap ’Chase. The twice Irish champion jockey was on board then and was also in the plate when Ad Hoc finished third to Youlneverwalkalone in the William Hill Handicap ’Chase at Cheltenham.
Meanwhile, Youlneverwalkalone, who has been called some nasty names in the past but has come right with a vengeance of late, looks set to take his chance in the National. Owned by J P McManus, the nine-year-old has long been a favourite of his trainer, Christy Roche, and yesterday Ladbrokes cut his odd to 14-1 from 20s.
Youlneverwalkalone’s latest effort was in the William Hill at Cheltenham, where he beat Haut Cercy by three quarters of a length, under an inspired drive from Barry Geraghty.
"He came out of his race at the Festival very well and everything has gone smoothly in his preparation”, reported Roche.
"I have no reservations about him getting the trip and it is nice to go there with a horse who has a chance.”
Prior to Cheltenham, Youlneverwalkalone, who is set to carry 10-9 at Aintree, landed the valuable Pierse Leopardstown ’Chase from Foxchapel King, when partnered by Geraghty for the first time.
Meanwhile, Hungerford trainer Pat Murphy is confident his Supreme Glory will get a run in the National. Last season’s Coral Welsh National winner still needs 13 horses above him in the handicap to drop out before he is assured of a place in the big-race field.
“As far as I’m concerned at this stage, 12 days before the race, all I want is a chance to line up. After that I’m in the lap of the gods,” Murphy said.
Officials at Aintree have commenced watering in order to produce ground no faster than good for next week’s three-day meeting.
Clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch said: “In view of this morning’s detailed weather report we have decided to apply approximately four millimetres of water to the hurdles, Mildmay and Grand National courses.
“The going at present on all three courses is good.”
News of watering should please Murphy as Supreme Glory wants “good, good to soft” going, in the National.
Supreme Glory is 33-1 with Ladbrokes for the Aintree showpiece but Coral have cut his odds to 25-1 after interest yesterday.
Martell Cognac Grand National betting:
Ladbrokes: 5-1 Ad Hoc, 8-1 Shotgun Willy, 10-1 Chives, 12-1 Gunner Welburn, 14-1 Gingembre, Youlneverwalkalone, 16-1 Iris Bleu, Killusty, 20-1 Bindaree, Gunther McBride, 25-1 Behrajan, Carbury Cross, Goguenard, Kingsmark, Monty’s Pass, 33-1 bar.
Cashman’s: 6/1 Ad Hoc, 8/1 Shot Gun Willie, 12/1 Chives, 14/1 Gingembre, 16/1 Behrajan, Iris Blue, You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Tote: 6-1 Ad Hoc, 8-1 Shotgun Willy, 10-1 Chives, 14-1 Gingembre, Gunner Welburn, 16-1 Iris Bleu, Youlneverwalkalone, 20-1 Monty’s Pass, 25-1 Akarus, Behrajan, Gunther McBride, Killusty, Kingsmark, Maximise, Royal Predica, You’re Agoodun, 33-1 bar.
Coral: 5-1 Ad Hoc, 8-1 Shotgun Willy, 11-1 Chives, 12-1 Gingembre, Youlneverwalkalone, 16-1 Gunther McBride, Gunner Welburn, Iris Bleu, 20-1 Maximise, 25-1 Bindaree, Carbury Cross, Blowing Wind, Kingsmark, Supreme Glory, Behrajan, Killusty, Monty’s Pass, Southern Star, Ballinclay King 33-1 bar.
