Release of Grand National weights throws up some each-way value
Published:West End Rocker, Niche Market and Planet Of Sound all look like worthy each-way contenders in the updated Grand National odds, having potentially got off lightly from the handicapper in terms of the weight they have been allocated to carry at Aintree.
Weight is one of the biggest factors to consider when attempting to identify a Grand National winner, as it could have a major bearing on a horse’s chances.
For example if top weight Synchronised was allocated the minimum 10st instead of the 11st10lb he has been given, he would be a seriously heavy favourite in the Grand National betting, rather than his current quote of 20/1.
There are at least three horses who seem to have been handed a winning mark, with West End Rocker looking particularly well treated.
West End Rocker is also 20/1 in the Grand National odds and has course winning form having triumphed at Aintree on his latest start in the Becher Chase.
Meanwhile, he seemed to be travelling well in midfield last year before being unfortunately brought down and Alan King’s horses do seem to running well at present.
Niche Market finished second behind West End Rocker in the Becher Chase, but will be far better off in the weights in the Grand National.
Where West End Rocker will run off 2lb more in the Grand National than in the Becher Chase, Niche Market has been allocated just 10st5lb, a full 1st less.
This may be enough to see him make up the 22 lengths on West End Rocker and 33/1 seems decent each-way value in the Grand National betting.
Planet Of Sound has only run once this season since a breathing operation and that was a valiant effort in taking second in the Hennessy Gold Cup off a big weight.
Having been handed 11st5lb, he has been given a workable mark and should love the track.
The true question is whether he is brave enough to win the Grand National, but 33/1 looks reasonable each-way value to find out.
