At Monday‘s forfeit stage, eight horses came out of the Crabbie’s Grand National 2014 meet, but favourite Teaforthree and all the other leading contenders stood their ground for Saturday’s race.
Roi Du Mee, Katenko, Bog Warrior, Mossey Joe, Godsmejudge, Sunnyhillboy, Same Difference and Goulanes were withdrawn leaving 65 engaged in the Aintree marathon, which boasts prize-money of £1 million for the first time.
Market leaders Teaforthree, Long Run, Tidal Bay, Monbeg Dude, Triolo D’Alene and Prince De Beauchene are certain of a run in the prestigious handicap has a maximum field size of 40 runners, elsewhere, connections of the 25 horses not guaranteed to be in the line up, face a nervous wait until Thursday‘s final declaration stage.
Number 40 on the list is a horse many are predicting for an upset, One In A Milan and Goonvella and Swing Bell closely follow him on the important list. There will be two reserves for the race and they have a deadline until 9am on Friday to make the final list if there are any more defectors.
Good to soft was going on the National course until Monday morning where it was changed to good to soft, good in places after a dry night on the Sunday. However, despite this, rain is forecast for the early parts of the week.
