Tidal Bay to take his chance in Grand National
Howard Johnson's enigmatic but highly talented stable star Tidal Bay will run at Aintree in the John Smith's Grand National after long deliberations between the trainer and the gelding's owners Andrea and Graham Wylie resulted in him being given the go-ahead to take his chance, writes Elliot Slater.
Connections
gave the option of running in the Aintree marathon a great deal of
thought but have eventually decided to let last week's Cheltenham Gold
Cup sixth bid for glory on April 9, a race that they believe could play
to the strengths of their quirky campaigner. The theory is that Tidal
Bay loves to be held up in his races and pass horses near the finish,
but he frustratingly tends to consent to run on just a shade too late
over regular championship races of three miles or two furlongs further,
as at Cheltenham. Those looking to place Grand National free bets
With four-and-a-half miles ahead of him there should be plenty of time for the Flemensfirth gelding to make his move and with two furlongs from the last fence to the finishing line, if he is within striking distance there should be plenty of time for him to put his best foot forward – if he's in the mood.
Johnson reports the 10-year-old to have come out of his Gold Cup race in great form and hopes there will be some rain to take the sting out of the ground at Aintree, suggesting that maybe Tidal Bay 'saves a bit for himself' on quickish ground. With second top weight of 11st 9lbs the former Arkle chase and Cleeve Hurdle winner has been set no easy task by the handicap, but that is a reflection of the tremendous ability he possesses.
Currently available at up to 50/1 in places, Tidal Bay might just find the unique challenge of the Grand National to his liking and make a laughing stock of those who believe his heart won't be in it.
