Grand National Lucky Dip

Capodanno disappointed in the Grand National last year when pulled up before the last fence when well behind. That run came on the back of a rushed preparation and Willie Mullins appears to have not met any hold ups this season.  The eight-year-old gelding had two runs before Christmas, looking in need of the run when finishing last behind Classic Getaway at Thurles in November and then running really well when third to Gallopin Des Champs in the Grade One Savills Chase in December. Mullins then decided to try Capodanno at Cheltenham in the Cotswold Chase and the son of Manduro did not disappoint when he was well backed and comfortably accounted for The Real Whacker, Stay Away Fay and Ahoy Senor.  Perhaps surprisingly given that Cotswold Chase win, Capodanno did not contest the Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival but instead he was directed towards the Ryanair Chase, where he finished fourth, beaten seven lengths Mullins has stated that the Grand National is again the main target and the gelding looks highly likely to step up on last year’s effort for which he has been allocated one pound higher than the mark of 160 he ran off last year.  The question mark for Capodanno with regards to the Grand National is will he stay? He is by a German dual purpose sire who has had very few runners at three miles or further so it is difficult to be confident of Capodanno’s stamina. Certainly backing him to see out the marathon distance at Aintree looks a risky proposition and he may best be avoided.  However, Ruby Walsh has stated this week that Capodanno is the horse he thinks will win the Grand National.