2010 Grand National at Aintree Long Shot Tips and Selections

We’ve already covered some of the favourites in the build-up to the 2010 Grand National at Aintree this weekend, and we certainly learned last year that you definitely cannot bank on the top contenders when it comes to the drama and excitement of the no holds barred Grand National.

First on the list is the talented, and in-form, Chief Dan George priced at around 25/1 with most major bookmakers, but you’ll find him as high as 33/1. He’s looking for his third win on the bounce having scored at Doncaster against a solid field in late February, and then nailed a solid win on one of the biggest stages in jumps racing when he took the Grade 3 William Hill Trophy at Cheltenham.

He’ll be looking to stay in contention for much of the race and then press on with a proper charge over the last 100 yards. If he’s still standing at the end of the hurdles then it is game on for Chief Dan George. He can handle the distance and he can recover from errors better than most, so if you’re looking for a longer odds selection this might be your best bet.

My Will was last year’s favourite and the punters seem to have learned their lesson with the Paul Nicholls-trained gelding. He ran third last year and that bodes well for his ability to stay the course and run an error-free Grand National. You’ll find him priced at a lengthy 40/1 this time out- better than the 8/1 favourite he ran as last year. He ran seventh in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and acquitted himself about as well as you’d expect. Definitely a contender, and is a solid each-way shout at 40/1.

Flintoff is an interesting outside bet who has only raced twice in past year and a half. You’ll find him as high as 100/1 and if you think that the National is going to be won by back-to-back 100/1+ jumpers then this might be your selection.

He’s got some respectable results and looks a bit sharper than a lot of the other longer-odds competition. He’s lightly-raced and could be poised to make a real statement here with the right type of trip. He’s more in danger of being pulled up than he is to fall. He’s never tackled a Grand National before and could be a contender if the stars align.

Beat the Boys is a solid shout if you’re looking for a long-odds selection. The Nigel Twiston-Davies-owned grey gelding has won every race this season where he hasn’t been pulled up. Unfortunately, he’s been pulled up in three of his five races. If he can handle the gruelling distance and stay on his feet, then he’s a solid bet at the 100/1 price you’ll find him at. A long shot, but these types of low-key contenders have made serious statements in the past.