Skelton’s National pick “a class horse that’s been given a real chance by the handicapper”

Many Clouds has to be on everybody’s list but after that it is really, really open. I think when they cross the Melling Road for the second time there will still be at least twelve still in contention, and by the line there will be four or five that pull clear. Holywell is not without a chance on the ground. Sir Des Champs a class horse that’s been given a real chance by the handicapper. Saint Are a couple of years ago couldn’t win of 128 and now he’s a 140+ horse, and I think he’ll come into it. I’ve been very impressed with The Last Samuri too. My three against the field will be Many Clouds, The Last Samuri and Saint Are.

The Grand National is great fun. I love watching it, being a part of it and feeling proud about it. I want it to continue to do well. All this talk about how we should get previous winners, or winners of trials into the race is absolute nonsense. Whether it’s Pineau De Re or whichever horse, if they’re not high enough rated to get in the race, they shouldn’t run in the race. It’s as simple as that. Yes of course in theory it would be nice to see the previous winners come back and run again, but they had their day in the sun, and if they’re not as good as they were then they won’t get in. I also find this whole thing with framing the weights specifically for the Grand National is wrong too. I’d chuck it out. It’s a handicap, just let the horses run off their handicap marks.

I’d love to train the winner of the Grand National. I remember when we won it with Neptune Collonges when I was at Paul’s, and the level of public interest in the winner was extraordinary. It’s completely different to any other big race. It’s amazing how the public take to a Grand National winner. They treat them like warrior heroes. I have plenty of horses that might end up National horses but you don’t really make a horse into a National horse, they end up one.

Sunday

At Market Rasen on Sunday, Closest Friend runs in the 2.15 and would have a chance if they got no rain. Minella Experience has a chance in the 2.45 as going right handed will suit him better. Crockery can go well in her first handicap at 4.30. Sierra Oscar is a horse we like a lot but this 5.30 is a seriously good race. It’s a good bumper so we hope we run well.

At Ffos Las, Air Glider runs in the 3.05. He has got to find some form, but it is a seller. He’s been struggling for form but it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that he could pop up. Wilton Milan would have been third last time but he fell. The ground should suit him and he could run well in the 3.40. Rock Of Leon runs in the 4.15 but he is badly handicapped, and struggling for form at the moment.