Grand National 2010: Latest Tips and Odds

We’ve had a bit of movement over the last 24 hours in the betting markets for the 2010 Grand National, but by-and-large things are starting to solidify a bit as Big Fella Thanks and Ruby Walsh continue to trade as single-digit favourites.

Last year’s Grand National champ, and Cheltenham Gold Cup-placed, Mon Mome is still the second favourite at a 10/1 price. But, question marks have been thrown over Venetia Williams’ charge as preferred jock Aidan Coleman was taken to hospital today in the Matalan Anniversary 4 Year-Olds Hurdle at Aintree. If the news isn’t good, expect that price to rise.

Black Apalachi holds on to the third place slot with a 12/1 listing and he’s been looking like the punters favourite over the past while with many online surveys tipping him as the likely winner. There are better prices out there, but he was certainly in contention last year but things just didn’t pan out for him. Place Black Apalachi on your list of “If they can stay on their feet…” horses for this race. His jumping ability is up in the air, and I think there is better value on this market.

Snowy Morning, Arbor Supreme and The Package are all listed at 14/1- the Package probably being the most popular. Vic Ventauri and Paul Nicholls’ Tricky Trickster are listed alongside the talented pair of Niche Market and Character Building at 16/1. These are really nice win-only bets, but the price just isn’t there for an each-way. Trickster, Market and Building are certainly in with a shout and have proved their worth over hurdles.

State of Play remains the only contender at 18/1. He looks in contention and was placed fourth last time out in the 2009 National. Pulled up in his only race this year in the Hennessy but didn’t really look up to it there.

2008 winner Comply or Die is trading at 20/1, and he’s got Timmy Murphy aboard for the trip. The report is that Murphy was offered the chance to ride The Package but opted for last year’s runner up.

This is a great price and I recommend Comply or Die to anybody looking to have an each-way bet. He’s a good tip for those who don’t know a huge amount about jumps racing and aren’t looking to break the bank.

Ballyholland, Backstage and Can’t Buy Time all hold steady at 25/1. Dream Alliance, Cloudy Lane, Maljimar and Irish Raptor are decently-priced at 33/1. There is a fair amount of talent in this range and while prices have shortened on some of these charges as the each-way punters moved in on Tuesday, there are still some quality odds out there on some talented charges.

Since Chief Dan George, isn’t lining up for this one you might want to spread your bets out a bit. Madison Du Berlais is looking stellar at a 40/1 price. He’s been competing at a different level than most of these jumpers and he could be poised to make a real statement of Tom Scudamore gets the best out of him. Take the 40/1; he’s a real good shout on the each-way, especially at five places.