Grand National: Seven may not be lucky for Trio D’Alene

Triolo D’Alene remains on course for the Crabbie’s Grand National at Aintree following his run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but his age is a huge negative according to the stats.

No horse aged seven has won the race since Bogskar back in 1940, and that suggests Nicky Henderson’s Hennessy winner has it all to do off 11st 6lb to win the 4m 4f contest.

His handler is also yet to win the prize having saddled 33 runners in the race since 1979.

During that period he has had three horses make the frame, with Zongalero finishing second in 1979, Classified coming third in 1986 and The Tsarevich occupying the runner-up spot in 1987.

On the plus side, he is a class horse open to improvement and has winning form over the National fences having won last year’s Topham.

He also travelled well for a long way in the Gold Cup until weakening into 10th place under Tony McCoy, and will be reunited with his regular rider Barry Geraghty for the big race.

Coral go 20/1 about him for the Grand National on Saturday, April 5th, and make Teaforthree their 10/1 favourite.

Rebecca Curtis’ gelding ran a cracker to finish third in the race 12 months ago and shaped very well in the Gold Cup where he finished two places in front of Trio D’Alene.

The 10-year-old is set to meet that rival on 8lb better terms at Aintree, so it’s easy to see why he heads the betting.

He also has proven form at the track, stays all day long, and has won on ground varying from good to heavy. His age is another positive, as five 10-year-olds have won the race since 2003.