Ante-Post Update – Grand National money for Monbeg Dude

Monbeg Dude has been cut to 16-1 for the Grand National after steady support. The former Coral Welsh National winner was only fifth in the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster last time but an early mistake left him a long way behind.

He had earlier been an impressive winner at Cheltenham at Grade 3 level and looks well weighted with 10st 9lb. Paul Carberry, successful on Monbeg Dude at Chepstow, has been booked to ride next Saturday.

Balthazar King was up with the leaders for a long way last year and will take his chance providing that the going is not too soft. The popular ten-year-old won his second Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last month.

The Grand National market is likely to see further changes on Monday when the five-day declarations are announced. One horse that will definitely be missing is Scottish National winner Godsmejudge with trainer Alan King relying on the grey Walkon instead.

The Nigel Twiston-Davies trained Double Ross is 10-1 favourite for the Topham Chase. He is followed by Ma Filleule, Rebel Rebellion and Lost Legend at 14-1.

Flat racing dominated proceedings over the weekend with the start of the new turf season at Doncaster, the Dubai World Cup at Meydan and the 1000 Guineas trial at Leopardstown. By far the biggest mover was Aidan O’Brien’s Bracelet who has been slashed to 8-1 for the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.

The filly is also clear favourite for the Epsom Oaks at 7-1 after defeating Balansiya by a length. Her stable companion Tapestry remains 7-1 for the Newmarket classic and 8-1 for Epsom.

The Derby may seem a long way off but that is the race that Jamie Osborne has in mind for his shock UAE Derby winner Toast Of New York. The colt is to be supplemented for the race and earned a 25-1 quote from Coral.