Gordon Elliott targets a happy Grand National anniversary

Trainer holds a strong hand at Aintree

10 years on from his Grand National win, Gordon Elliott looks to do it again in the big one at Aintree on Saturday, and boasts a strong hand. The respected trainer, out of County Meath, goes into the 2017 renewal boasting two runners in the first 10 of the betting with Coral, hoping to celebrate his tin anniversary by rolling back the years.

Silver Birch gave Elliott his place in history, delighting those who kept faith to score off a massive 33/1 SP. He now saddles two main contenders, according to Coral odds compilers, in the vastly experienced Cause Of Causes, and the rather less exposed Ucello Conti.

Elliott confident on the chances of Conti

The latter ran in last year’s race, finishing down in sixth, but it was a respectable effort, and the nine-year-old gelding would’ve learned much from that outing, an experience that can only help his chances this time out. Course form is worth its weight in gold with punters – race experience counts double.

He was last seen finishing fourth at Naas over three miles, in a race won by Abolitionist. That was Ucello Conti’s second outing of the year so far, and there were one or two glimmers of promise in the performance, involved in the mix at the business end of proceedings, before dropping a couple of places pushing for home. He didn’t offer much when the going got tough that day though, finding no extra on the run-in.

Punters who caught the race live, or have taken the time to watch back replays, may just be scared off by that, and Coral traders are offering up a chunky 20/1 on him getting home in front on Saturday. A big price, but not quite as big as when Silver Birch shook the sport for Elliott, and I reckon connections ensured he kept a bit aside that day for Aintree. He certainly won’t be written off easily.