Some horses just seem to come alive at Aintree and react in the most positive of fashions to the unique atmosphere of the Merseyside track and the challenge of the daunting spruce fences. Peter Bowen's Always Waining is just such a horse who connections hope will be re-energised by the surroundings when bidding for this weekend's John Smith's Grand National, writes Elliot Slater.
It's fair to say that away from the Liverpool track Always Waining's form is nothing particularly special, but that shouldn't put potential backers off as the 10-year-old clearly seems to save his best for the flat, galloping course and those looking to place a Grand National 2011 bet should remember this. Even over hurdles he proved his liking for the track, winning a competitive handicap at the June 2008 fixture, before switching to the larger obstacles.
On his first attempt over the Grand National fences in the 2009 Topham Trophy, Bowen's charge ran a fine race, jumping like a buck and staying on at one pace from the second last to finish fourth to Irish Raptor at odds of 25/1. Six months later in the Grand Sefton Chase back at Aintree, Always Waining was travelling sweetly in mid-field when taking a tumble at the eighth, but undaunted he returned for last season's John Smith's Topham Trophy where he put up a tremendous performance to storm clear of his 26 rivals to beat the Willie Mullins-trained Scotsirish by 12-lengths.
The key to the Unfuwain gelding is sunshine and good ground. On a soft surface in the middle of winter he is a miserable horse, but given spring sunshine and a surface that he can operate on Always Waining is a capable performer. There are doubts about his stamina for Saturday's four-and-a-half-mile event, but if the ground is suitable the veteran of 64 starts could give supporters a good run for their money at odds of around 66/1.
Waining team hoping for more Aintree success
