The landscape of the Aintree Grand National has shifted dramatically in recent years, favouring those of a higher calibre. Gone are the days of Aurora’s Encore winning off 137 for the smaller operations, as Willie Mullins trained the first three home last year rated 163, 167 and 163 respectively.
The modern makeup of the Merseyside spectacle means the classier types can come to the fore, and the 2024 King George winner Banbridge may stake his claim. The son of Doyen won the 2022 Martin Pipe off 137. He took his form to a new level going chasing, including success here in the Grade 1 Manifesto in 2023.
Banbridge has long been a versatile sort, as documented by his King George win having raced twice at two miles that season. However, he’s struggled since prior to being beaten a nose in the King George last season. He didn’t strike one as a thorough stayer in the Gold Cup, but you don’t have to be around the National fences these days and he’s an intriguing contender if lining up.
Speaking to the Racing Post, his trainer, Joseph Patrick O’Brien said: “Banbridge came out of Cheltenham in good form. I’d say he could go to Aintree for the National. I think he probably might. We’ll keep his options open and a decision will be made late when we discuss it with Ronnie [Bartlett].
“We’ll see what he’d like to do but we might be leaning towards that way. He loves the track.”
Banbridge to join targeted stablemate Jordans
If lining up, Banbridge would carry 11st 11lb, just 1lb below the top-weight I Am Maximus. One toward the other end of the weights is his stablemate Jordans, who’ll carry just 10st 8lb. The son of Coastal Path has some strong form in the book and looks to have been targeted for Aintree.
His career best performance came here in the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase when a staying on second to Caldwell Potter. He’s shown little to no form since, but a return to that piece of form makes him an interesting contender.
“Jordans will run too,” said O’Brien. “He does have to bounce back, but a bit of nice ground will help him. We were a bit disappointed with him the last day. I think the step up in trip and better ground will suit him, while he has a nice weight on his back.”