WAR OF ATTRITION OUT OF 2009 GRAND NATIONAL

In late-breaking news today, one of the biggest ante-post gambles in recent memory, War of Attrition, has been pulled out of contention for the 2009 John Smith's Grand National as trainer Mouse Morris declared that he was "not entirely happy" with WoA after some recent training sessions. Considered to be one of the top Irish contenders for this season, War of Attrition was initially listed at 66/1 when the ante-post market was initially unveiled. He drifted quickly to 33/1 and then saw his price drop dramatically as the punters piled onto the 2006 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner. Shockwaves will no doubt be travelling throughout the betting public and War of Attrition's absence may have messed up a few workplace sweepstakes pools that made their selections a little bit early. Mouse Morris' yard will now be banking on the widely-regarded Hear the Echo. He's got a great pedigree and has plenty of wins under his belt, but I'm a bit disconcerted by this as War of Attrition was one of my out-and-out selections for at least a top-three finish this year. Hear the Echo's last victory came against Royal County Star with PW Flood on top last March. Winless for a year, he doesn't carry a huge amount of form into the race and jockey Davy Russell will have to produce the race of his life. War of Attrition is expected to be a top contender for the Guinness Gold Cup at the upcoming Punchestown festival- and I would back him as early as possible for that one. This horse is due for a big victory. Betfair: 18/1 Paddy Power: 16/1 Stan James: 15/1 William Hill: 16/1 #1. Betfair bonus £25 Free Bet. Go to get your Betfair free bet now!#2. Paddypower bonus £20 Free Bet. Get your bonus now!#4. Stan James bonus £50 Free Bet. Click here!