Grand National - It's simple - it's Simon (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Grand National - It's simple - it's Simon

11:07pm Friday 4th April 2008 in

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EVERYONE wants to be on the John Smith's Grand National winner and there's no doubt the majority of punters will fancy favourite Cloudy Lane to show Donald McCain is a chip off the old block.

His dad Ginger having saddled the legendary Red rum to victory here three times as well as Amberleigh House in the twilight of his career.

I would not put anyone off this progressive eight-year-old, whom the official handicapper rates 20lb better for future races, having not had his latest win at Doncaster to consider when compiling his ratings.

That makes him a handicap blot, but Aintree is a unique course, with its own unique rules and Cloudy Lane has never gone the four and a half miles around it.

Comply or Die has won a marathon slog in the Eider Chase at Newcastle and is very closely handicapped with the favourite, so comes into the reckoning.

But a touch of class is often needed and SIMON looks to be the sort to give the favourite a good run and at 12/1 he is better value.

Owner Mercy Rimmell is steeped in National lore herself as her husband Fred was a trainer who always liked a tilt at this race.

The key form race for me came when SIMON was full of running when unseating his rider in Knowhere's victory over Our Vic in Cheltenham's Racing Post Chase this year - that is outstanding form as Our Vic edged out Kauto Star at Aintree this week.

Top handicap winners Neptune Collonges and Madison Berlaid were behind in Cheltenham race, underlining its value.

I must admit that Knowhere is probably my idea of the best each-way longshot at 50-1, but if he had stood up SIMON would probably have won and if he puts in a clear round.

HEDGEHUNTER and BEWLEYS BERRY are "great leppers" as the Irish say and should get in the argument, but its SIMON to win with KNOWHERE to go somewhere near too.

AL EILE is a standing dish for the Irish at this fixture and can take the 2.50pm race, with DREAM ALLIANCE to take advantage of a lenient hurdles mark when switching back from a disappointing chasing campaign in the 3.25.

JOHN TERRY Terry is fancied to score - surely a must-double up with Chelsea Harbour in the National for all blues' fans - on the flat at Lingfield (2.45)