Latest news with #PercevalLegallois
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Grand National betting tips: Selections from our experts
The Grand National is today, so the time has come for you to make your selections for the most famous race of them all. If you need a run-down of all 34 contenders, see Telegraph Sport's full runners and riders guide. Advertisement If you're looking to back one of our selections then it could pay to check out these Grand National free bets first. Here, we turn to our experts for their race predictions... Marcus Armytage Hyland (Nicky Henderson) His trainer has never been able to replicate his first National runner Zongalero, who finished second. Since, nearly a quarter of his 40 plus runners have tipped up at the first he may never get a better chance than with Hyland. The novice chaser has no weight and, as much as the chuck water on the course to soften it up, it is drying out and having walked the course on Thursday and I reckon the ground is nearer good than soft. Hyland is aiming to give Nicky Henderson his first win in the Grand National - PA /David Davies That won't suit the soft ground brigade but Hyland will love it. He had a very good racing weight and Grade One form - he has just got to survive the first! Advertisement First-four prediction Hyland Iroko Perceval Legallois Beauport Marlborough Perceval Legallois (Gavin Cromwell) Gavin Cromwell, trainer of this year's Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin, along with owner JP McManus must have been tempted to run that horse in this year's Grand National, but the decision to keep him at home would have been made easier knowing they had Perceval Legallois entered with an excellent chance. This eight-year-old gelding has been a slow burner over fences. Having a looked a promising staying horse over hurdles, connections decided to take a patient approach and he didn't run over three miles again until this season where his form has taken off. His win at Leopardstown in December was the perfect audition for a Grand National, dourly staying on up the run-in to win with loads in hand. Advertisement That patient approach has meant he is still unexposed over marathon trips and he is able to run on Saturday with only 10 stone 12 pounds on his back. Jockey, Mark Walsh mentioned after Perceval Legallois' latest victory he feels he has unfinished business with this horse. They can get the job done to give owner, JP McManus a record breaking fourth win in the race. Charlie Brooks Intense Raffles (Tom Gibney) Since he won the Irish Grand National a year ago, the plan has clearly been to win the Grand National. His handicap mark over fences has been protected by two quiet runs over hurdles this season. His only run over fences was an excellent second in the Bobby chase at Fairyhouse, cunningly after the weights for the national had been published. He ran an excellent second, form which is good enough if he stays the extra five furlongs. Intense Raffles goes for glory for trainer Tom Gibney and jockey JJ Slevin - PA Wire/Niall Carson Rain would not do any harm, but he should also have the class to go on better ground. Advertisement First-four prediction Intense Raffles Stumptown Vanilier Hewick Tom Ward Perceval Legallois (Gavin Cromwell) Another horse from the Cromwell stable who looks to have been laid out for this race all season. Perceval Legallois first caught the eye winning at the 2023 Dublin Racing Festival when he demolished a competitive handicap hurdle field off what, in hindsight, was a mark that far underestimated his abilities. Hi switch to chasing has not been without its ups and downs but he this season he has slowly come to the boil, running well in the Kerry National and the Troytown before dotting up in a big-field handicap at Leopardstown over Christmas off a mark of 142. He got an 11lb hike in the weights for his trouble that day but the manner of the success suggested there could be even more to come even off a revised mark. Advertisement Switched back to hurdles at this year's Dublin Racing Festival, he again took down a big handicap in what could prove to be the perfect prep for the Grand National. The only unknown is the trip but he's bred to stay and has looked strongest at the finish in both wins this season. He has a huge chance. First-four prediction Perceval Legallois Vanillier Beauport Hyland Tom Morgan Stumptown (Gavin Cromwell) Stumptown has been excelling on the jumps and is as obvious a choice as any. The bay gelding has been rising through the ranks steadily as a force in recent years. Consistent performances and an ability to thrive under pressure are an ideal blend. BoyleSports Racing AI Simulator gives Stumptown an 11.5 per cent chance of success in its algorithm factoring in odds, trainer performance, horse ratings, ground preference, age trends, and previous form. Advertisement First-four prediction Stumptown Hewick Intense Raffles I Am Maximus Celebrity picks JP McManus (Three-time winning owner): 'We've got a few with chances but I think I Am Maximus has the best chance; he's proven.' Bob Champion, winning jockey on Aldaniti in 1981: 'Stumptown, jumps, stays and will keep galloping.' Ben Wallace, former government minister: 'Nick Rocket, won a good trial and one from the all conquering Willie Mullins yard.' Ed Chamberlin, ITV Racing: 'Percival Legallois - trainer's not too bad and won a race I like as a National trial at Christmas. Suspect there's more to come.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. 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The Independent
05-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
The Irish chaser and three other picks that could turn the Grand National on its head
Rumour has it that Perceval Legallois was named after a figure from the legend of King Arthur and Gavin Cromwell's talented chaser can write himself into Grand National folklore with success on Saturday. Originally referenced by French author Chretien de Troyes in the 12th century novel; Perceval, the story of the Grail, Perceval is renowned for being the hero in the quest for the 'Holy' Grail. Although he was subsequently superseded in later literary reference by Galahad, the myth lives on, and connections will be hoping his namesake can capture the Grail of National Hunt racing on Merseyside this weekend. In short, there is nothing mythical about the claims of Perceval Legallois who arrives at Aintree on the back of impressive victories at Leopardstown over fences and hurdles. The selection beat sizeable fields on both occasions, finishing powerfully from a long way back to land the valuable Paddy Power Chase over Christmas, before running out a snug winner of a 24-runner handicap hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival. From looking like a horse whose career had plateaued, Perceval Legallois has catapulted himself towards the forefront of the National markets on the back of two victories which have showcased his talents, and those abilities may well have influenced the thinking of his connections who appeared happy to withdraw Gold Cup winner and red-hot ante-post favourite Inothewayurthinkin. Irish runners dominated the finish of last year's renewal and, bar Iroko, it could well be a case of history repeating itself with Minella Cocooner, Senior Chief and Three Card Brag all expected to make their presence felt. Minella Cocooner landed the fiercely contested bet365 Handicap Chase at Sandown last spring so clearly copes well with spring ground and a big field. Like a few of his stablemates, he has been brought along with this race in mind all season and his staying-on fourth in the Bobbyjo Chase won by Nick Rockett, suggested he may be reaching his peak once more. Senior Chief has undergone a rather typical modern-day preparation in that his prep came over hurdles at Naas where he was only beaten 15 lengths despite never being competitive. His main attributes are stamina and an ability to handle good ground, although he will have to jump with more alacrity than he managed in the Coral Trophy where he lost 10 lengths to his rivals in the jumping stakes, whereas the winner, Kandoo Kid, gained 12 lengths on his field. The positive with that Newbury performance was Senior Chief's determination to finish off the race strongly, an attribute which may stand him in good stead here. Three Card Brag has been my long-term fancy for this race, and it was good to see him sneak in at the foot of the weights with the services of the brilliant Sean Bowen secured. His penultimate win at Navan advertised his suitability for this event as he gained 22 lengths on his rivals, courtesy of a sparkling display at his fences. That technique wasn't replicated back at that venue last month behind Better Days Ahead when an early error seemed to knock his confidence. Hopefully, his connections will have schooled him extensively since and he can regain the levels of that January victory. 1. Perceval Legallois 2. Minella Cocooner 3. Senior Chief 4. Three Card Brag
Telegraph
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Grand National tips: Aintree betting selections from Telegraph Sport
Grand National 2025 runners, riders With just one day to go until the Grand National, the time has come for you to make your selection for the most famous race of all. If you need a run-down of all 34 contenders, click here for Telegraph Sport's full runners and riders guide and here to download our sweepstake kit. If you're looking to back one of our selections then it could pay to check out these Grand National free bets first. Here, we turn to our experts for their predictions for the race's winner as well the who will fill out the first four places. Marcus Armytage Hyland (Nicky Henderson) His trainer has never been able to replicate his first National runner Zongalero, who finished second. Since, nearly a quarter of his 40 plus runners have tipped up at the first he may never get a better chance than with Hyland. The novice chaser has no weight and, as much as the chuck water on the course to soften it up, it is drying out and having walked the course on Thursday and I reckon the ground is nearer good than soft. That won't suit the soft ground brigade but Hyland will love it. He had a very good racing weight and Grade One form - he has just got to survive the first! First-four prediction Hyland Iroko Perceval Legallois Beauport Marlborough Perceval Legallois (Gavin Cromwell) Gavin Cromwell, trainer of this year's Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin, along with owner JP McManus must have been tempted to run that horse in this year's Grand National, but the decision to keep him at home would have been made easier knowing they had Perceval Legallois entered with an excellent chance. This eight-year-old gelding has been a slow burner over fences. Having a looked a promising staying horse over hurdles, connections decided to take a patient approach and he didn't run over three miles again until this season where his form has taken off. His win at Leopardstown in December was the perfect audition for a Grand National, dourly staying on up the run-in to win with loads in hand. That patient approach has meant he is still unexposed over marathon trips and he is able to run on Saturday with only 10 stone 12 pounds on his back. Jockey, Mark Walsh mentioned after Perceval Legallois' latest victory he feels he has unfinished business with this horse. They can get the job done to give owner, JP McManus a record breaking fourth win in the race. Charlie Brooks Intense Raffles (Tom Gibney) Since he won the Irish Grand National a year ago, the plan has clearly been to win the Grand National. His handicap mark over fences has been protected by two quiet runs over hurdles this season. His only run over fences was an excellent second in the Bobby chase at Fairyhouse, cunningly after the weights for the national had been published. He ran an excellent second, form which is good enough if he stays the extra five furlongs. Rain would not do any harm, but he should also have the class to go on better ground. First-four prediction Intense Raffles Stumptown Vanilier Hewick Tom Ward Perceval Legallois (Gavin Cromwell) Another horse from the Cromwell stable who looks to have been laid out for this race all season. Perceval Legallois first caught the eye winning at the 2023 Dublin Racing Festival when he demolished a competitive handicap hurdle field off what, in hindsight, was a mark that far underestimated his abilities. Hi switch to chasing has not been without its ups and downs but he this season he has slowly come to the boil, running well in the Kerry National and the Troytown before dotting up in a big-field handicap at Leopardstown over Christmas off a mark of 142. He got an 11lb hike in the weights for his trouble that day but the manner of the success suggested there could be even more to come even off a revised mark. Switched back to hurdles at this year's Dublin Racing Festival, he again took down a big handicap in what could prove to be the perfect prep for the Grand National. The only unknown is the trip but he's bred to stay and has looked strongest at the finish in both wins this season. He has a huge chance. First-four prediction Perceval Legallois Vanillier Beauport Hyland Tom Morgan Stumptown (Gavin Cromwell) Stumptown has been excelling on the jumps and is as obvious a choice as any. The bay gelding has been rising through the ranks steadily as a force in recent years. Consistent performances and an ability to thrive under pressure are an ideal blend. BoyleSports Racing AI Simulator gives Stumptown an 11.5 per cent chance of success in its algorithm factoring in odds, trainer performance, horse ratings, ground preference, age trends, and previous form. First-four prediction Stumptown Hewick Intense Raffles I Am Maximus Celebrity picks JP McManus (Three-time winning owner): 'We've got a few with chances but I think I Am Maximus has the best chance; he's proven.' Bob Champion, winning jockey on Aldaniti in 1981: 'Stumptown, jumps, stays and will keep galloping.' Ben Wallace, former government minister: 'Nick Rocket, won a good trial and one from the all conquering Willie Mullins yard.'
Telegraph
20-03-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Grand National tips 2025: Three ante-post betting selections
The most exciting jump race off them all, the Grand National, is not just around the corner and so the time has come for Telegraph Sport to help you find a winner. After the latest round of forfeits, Intense Raffles has been left as the 7/1 favourite for the race following Gavin Cromwell's decision to withdraw red-hot favourite Inothewayurethinkin following his resounding win in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. That decision has blown the market wide open, with several horses still entered boosting their credentials with good runs at the Cheltenham Festival. Last year's winner, I Am Maximus, remains on course to defend his crown for Willie Mullins. Click here for a full rundown of runners for this year's race. Here, Telegraph Sport lists three horses who should be on your radar ahead of the big race on April 5. Grand National 2025 tips Stumptown (Gavin Cromwell) 10/1 If there is one race that has proved a proper testing ground for Grand National success in recent years it has been the Cross Country at Cheltenham. Tiger Roll won the race in 2018 and 2019 and before taking the big prize at Aintree, while the likes of Cause Of Causes and Delta Work have run superbly Aintree after their Cross Country wins. This year's winner Stumptown is therefore of real interest at double-figure odds. He was a resounding winner of the Cross Country, slamming Latenightpass by seven lengths in the manner of a horse who had plenty more to offer at the line. That would have to give confidence that he will relish the extra five furlongs he will face at Aintree. He'll undoubtedly get a decent ratings bump for that display so should be well-in at the weights come the Grand National. Keith Donoghue will likely take the ride again for a trainer who is bang in form at the right time of year. There is little not to like about his chances. Perceval Legallois (Gavin Cromwell) 14/1 Another horse from the Cromwell stable who looks to have been laid out for this race all season. Perceval Legallois first caught the eye winning at the 2023 Dublin Racing Festival when he demolished a competitive handicap hurdle field off what, in hindsight, was a mark that far underestimated his abilities. Hi switch to chasing has not been without its ups and downs but he this season he has slowly come to the boil, running well in the Kerry National and the Troytown before dotting up in a big-field handicap at Leopardstown over Christmas off a mark of 142. He got an 11lb hike in the weights for his trouble that day but the manner of the success suggested there could be even more to come even off a revised mark. "THERE IS A BIG CHASE IN HIM!" 🏆 Perceval Legallois finally gets his day in the sun in the Listed @paddypower Chase under Mark Walsh for @gavincromwell1 and JP McManus 🟢🟡 — Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 27, 2024 Switched back to hurdles at this year's Dublin Racing Festival, he again took down a big handicap in what could prove to be the perfect prep for the Grand National. The only unknown is the trip but he's bred to stay and has looked strongest at the finish in both wins this season. He has a huge chance. Nick Rockett (Willie Mullins) 16/1 A Grade 2 winner over hurdles, Nick Rockett might just be the class angle in this year's Grand National. Winner of the Thyestes at Gowran in January, he followed that up with battling display to beat Grand National favourite Intense Raffles in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairhouse. On the basis of that performance and the difference in their Grand National weights, it's easy to see why the market is the way it is but Nick Rockett could well be the graded horse lurking in a handicap in this race. The trip should hold no issues either, as evidenced by his staying-on third in the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown over 3m4½f. With stablemate I Am Maximus carrying top weight, you can make a case that this is in fact the Wilie Mullins first string for the race. If nothing else, that has to bring him into your punting calculations. Expect his price to tighten up the closer we get to the big race.
