The Grand National is one of the biggest betting events in the sporting calendar and this year’s race is proving to be no exception. If you’re tempted to have a punt on any of the runners, its well worth having a look at the spread betting markets that Sporting Index provide. They offer £100 cash to new account holders* and two Grand National promotions available to all clients** (detailed below). As well as being able to bet on an individual horse that you think will win, you can also bet on those which you think will lose. So, with plenty of strong competition in the field, we asked Sporting’s Senior Racing Market Maker for his thoughts on the leading contenders:
Hedge Your Bets
Not surprisingly, horses with proven form over Aintree’s demanding fences figure prominently in the betting. This should be one of the most competitive renewals in years, and there are plenty of horses in with a shout. Hedgehunter, the bookies favourite, will be ridden by the fearless Ruby Walsh who was successful on Papillon in 2000. Although this horse fell at the last in 2004, he was a winner in Ireland last time and is a worthy favourite in my opinion.
The main beneficiary of Hedgehunter’s fall last year was Amberleigh House; he’s been out of form this season and has plenty of weight, but Aintree brings out the best in this old boy. Strong Resolve is another genuine contender. Second in the Welsh equivalent to the useful Silver Birch, this improving chaser has been well supported in the past week and is a cracking each-way investment. Similarly, Forest Gunner (a dual course winner and bold jumper) has improved with age and won a valuable National trial at Haydock in February. He’s partnered by female jockey Carrie Ford who rode him to victory around here last April.
Double Honour, trained by Philip Hobbs – who was second with What’s Up Boys in 2002 – is attractively priced and I think this grey could go one better. He had a look round the course in the Becher Chase in November and has been running well of late. All in all it’s difficult to call, especially with every horse likely to be running from within the handicap. However, if I was having a punt myself I’d favour Hedgehunter for the main bet with a saver on Strong Resolve and Double Honour.
Hopefully that’s given you something to think about. As an extra incentive, all clients (new and existing) can take advantage of a couple of nice offers:
Give the Wife One!
Buy (bet high on) any horse in Sporting Index’s Grand National Index for £5 or more, and they’ll give you a free £1 buy of the same horse – for the wife obviously!
To qualify all bets must be placed before the Grand National starts on 9th April. All free bets will be booked at the price the horse starts the race at.
Given the Elbow!
Buy (bet high on) any horse in Sporting Index’s Grand National Index, and if it’s leading the race at the elbow on the final run in but finishes 2nd , they’ll settle it as a winner.
The leading horse at the elbow will be seen on BBC coverage of the race. In the event of dispute the decision of Sporting Index is final and no correspondence shall be entered into. Maximum bonus pay out per client is £1000.
£100 Cash for New Clients**
If you haven’t got a Sporting Index spread betting account yet, it’s a good time to take advantage of the cashback on offer. Open an account* and place ten bets (risking £20 per bet) to claim a free £100 straight into your account**.
*Credit and suitability checks,
**terms and conditions apply. See site for full details about an account with Sporting Index. Sports spread betting is high risk and is not suitable for everyone. You can lose more than your original stake so make sure you understand the risks involved. Sporting Index is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.