War Of Attrition: Another Gold Cup Winner to run in the Grand National?
Posted on January 30th, 2009 in Grand National 2009
Mouse Morris sprang the surprise of the Grand National Entries by adding 2006 Gold Cup winner into the Aintree mix.
His chances have been touched upon on our main 2009 Ante Post Thread but I would be very interested to hear more detailed comments from our knowledgable contributors about this horse’s chances of (A) running in the race and (B) actually winning it.
Is this a way of keeping the weights down for Hear The Echo who is under the guidance of the same owner and trainer or is it, as the trainer suggests, that War Of Attrition could be “a real National horse at this stage of his career”
War Of Attrition has been entered into the 2009 Grand National betting at a best price of 33/1 with Paddy Power
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This post has 9 comments
#1
January 30th, 2009 13:30
The more I think about it the more sense it makes for War Of Attrition to run at Aintree from top weight. Most now agree that it is very unlikely that Denman will go to post and that the weights will rise accordingly. Could still be in with a very competitive weight, and would have to be seriously considered.
#2
January 30th, 2009 14:35
I think this is the same situation as Denman. Entered in the GN to cover a potential early exit from the GC, but unlikely to actually run.
Of the 123 entered the top 7 by OR all have entries in the Gold Cup. Top rated without a GC entry is Afistfullofdollars on 161, then Cloudy Lane on 159.
Unless one of the GC entries intend to double up, perhaps one of the above will be top weight. And if Phil Smith compresses the handicap to let them run off, say 158, then we are back in ‘usual’ territory regards the OR of top weight.
#3
January 30th, 2009 16:37
A number of horses in the past have used the Gold Cup as a final prep for Aintree. One that springs to mind is West Tip. Always used to run at Cheltenham before a tilt at the National, it’s certainly not impossible and I wouldn’t be surprised if War Of Attrition lines up in both.
#4
January 30th, 2009 17:41
Hedgehunter did as well and won I believe so not impossible, but I can’t help thinking WoA will not go to Aintree and if he does whenever I’ve seen him run recently he’s looked a shadow of his former self.
#5
January 30th, 2009 17:51
Brody Says:
January 30th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Hedgehunter did as well and won I believe so not impossible, but I can’t help thinking WoA will not go to Aintree and if he does whenever I’ve seen him run recently he’s looked a shadow of his former self.
No he didnt he came 2nd in the national when he finished 2nd in the gold cup in 2006.
The issue with the likes of War of Attrition is that although a very good horse it will still be at the top of the weights and as the stats go it wont win.
#6
January 30th, 2009 23:44
With Denman being handicapped and sure to be given 11-10 and with the onus to get as many horses into the handicap as possible even if it means one or two being a couple of pounds well in, I just think it may work in WOA’s favour, and if it does I can see it being very tempting for connections.
#7
January 31st, 2009 01:07
Firstly Denman will not run in the national.
WoA is a different kettle of fish tho. He will be top weight if he runs and Hear the echo will have a good winning weight. Very tempting for trainer and owner to let WoA have a run at aintree for this sole reason.
also WoA would have a good chance at the national with a good weight but it is very unlikely he will ever be given a winning weight so this year could be the closest he ever gets to a winning weight as the top weight has been reduced 2lb and it cant be guaranteed this will happen next year.
For me it all points to WoA running at aintree barring any injury. But it also points to WoA not winning the national but instead it will be his stable mate who will have the best chance of passing the post first.
#8
January 31st, 2009 01:57
I agree, I think WOA will line up as top weight on the day, however, this is a Gold Cup winner, and even with top weight I think a performance good enough to make the frame is very possible.
#9
February 10th, 2009 19:20
In light of the publication of the weights I will hastily withdraw my previous conclusion !Hopefully WOA will not be top weight on the day, but definitely has to be very tempting now for connections. I think it will run, and go close.