Grand National: West End Rocker has previous form to tame Aintree
Published:Punters looking for each-way value in the Grand National betting could do far worse than settle on West End Rocker running a big race, as he is experienced at not only running, but also winning, over the demanding Aintree fences.
Looking deeper into his chances, West End Rocker agrees with a large number of the trends that are common among a large percentage of former Grand National winners.
Age
All of the last seven Grand National winners have been aged either nine or ten, which bodes well for West End Rocker, who will be ten upon his next visit.
Course form
This is the big area where West End Rocker holds a massive edge over the majority of his fellow 39 Grand National runners.
West End Rocker was jumping nicely on his first visit to the course in last year’s Grand National over the first five fences before being blamelessly brought down, but used this to his experience when winning the Becher Chase earlier this season.
What is also worth noting from this victory was that it was over the upgraded fences at Aintree, which were modified after Ballabriggs’ triumph in the last Grand National.
Other
Alan King is not a trainer to overestimate the chances of his runners so if he feels West End Rocker has strong credentials, then they should be factored into any pre-race research.
Stamina should be no concern to West End Rocker supporters as he is a former winner over 3m5f and this success also came on heavy ground.
Although softer ground would be most appreciated, West End Rocker does have winning form on quicker ground and with his jumping for the most part being assured, there should be little concern over him falling.
