Grand National Preview
The Grand National is one of the best races in the entire year for spread bettors to get involved with thanks to the multitude of markets Sporting Index offer. From the total number of finishers to the winner's starting price to a whole host of match bets and unusual specials, it is the biggest race of the year for horse racing spread betting fans. Those punters who bought SP's 12 months ago would have been cheering all the way to the bank as Mon Mome powered home to win at 100/1. It was even better for the spread punters who got involved in the SPlengths market (SP x winning distance), as it made up 1200 from an initial spread of 145-160.
Mon Mome was only the second Grand National winner to carry 11 stone or more in the past 20 years, but that isn't to say it couldn't happen again this time round. Spread bettors will be aware that the shape of the race has changed in recent years, with better quality horses running and therefore compressing the handicap to mean there isn't as much between those at the top and bottom of the weights. It could be significant that all of the first four in last year's National carried 11 stone or more and the Sporting Index traders are anticipating a winner of around 11 stone exactly (spread 153-154).
One of Sporting Index's most popular Grand National markets is the total number of finishers and spread punters will be keeping an eager eye on the weather. Generally the number of finishers decreases the softer the ground gets as stamina becomes more of an issue. For example, anyone who had bought finishers in 2001 when Red Marauder won on heavy ground would have been distraught, as only four horses made it round the 4m4f course. There were 17 finishers last year, which has only been topped once in the past decade - 21 in 2005.
Spread bettors who like to look at trends will be interested to learn that only one horse younger than nine has won in the last 16 years. Perhaps more surprisingly, only two of the last 10 winners had won their prep race, so going to Aintree in top form isn't a necessity. Buyers of SP's on the spreads will obviously be hoping for a repeat of last year's race, but they will also take heart from there being just five winning favourites since 1974 - interestingly all 7/1.
Those spread punters who like to follow certain trainers in these big races will be well aware that Paul Nicholls has never won this race. However, he has two strong chances with Big Fella Thanks and Tricky Trickster. Ruby Walsh will ride the former and anyone looking to buy him on the Sporting Index win index will be encouraged by his record in the race. He has won it twice - in 2000 and 2005 - so a win in 2010 could follow a nice pattern.
Mon Mome was a comfortable winner last year and spread winning distance buyers were also delighted. He came home 12 lengths in front of Comply Or Die and that distance has been equaled or bettered three times in the past decade. However, spread sellers will be more encouraged by three of the last 10 winning margins being less than two lengths.
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