Grand National Lucky Dip

Bravemansgame has been a brilliant servant to his connections winning his owner over £725,000 in prizemoney and providing three wins at the very highest Grade One level. One of the top novices of his generation over hurdles, he was always expected to reach even loftier heights over fences and so it has proved with wins in a Kauto Star, a Charlie Hall and the King George in 2022.  Unfortunately that famous victory in the King George at Kempton was the last time Bravemansgame crossed the line in front but the ten-year-old gelding has finished second or third on a frustrating eight occasions since December 2022. That run of defeats has though been reflected in the rating the handicapper has attached to Bravemansgame for this Grand National. At his peak, the gelding was top-rated at 172 and he gets to run here from 155 so perhaps the handicapper has given the Paul Nicholls trained gelding a good chance of running a big race at Aintree.  Bravemansgame’s stamina must be taken on trust for a Grand National especially as in his attempts at the 26 furlong Cheltenham Gold Cup he appeared to struggle to see out that trip. Class horses have tended to do well in recent Grand Nationals so perhaps Bravemansgame will follow suit but stamina doubts and a run of eleven races without a win temper enthusiasm.