Grand National 2011: Paul Nicholls rates his runners after the weights

Ante-Post Plans / Paul Nicholls / 15 February 2011 / 3

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Will Nicholls taste National glory on April 9?

"The Tother One is the type of horse to go well in the race, and would prefer decent ground. Could go straight to Aintree nice and fresh."

Paul Nicholls holds ten entries for the greatest jumps race in the world and you can read his revised views on each and every runner here

Gullible Gordon: Only a tentative entry at this stage. Hopefully will run in the Cross Country race at the Festival. If the ground is good he could definitely run in the race though.

Just Amazing: Will run in Hunter Chases prior to a tilt at the Cheltenham Foxhunters, for which he is still trying to qualify. Runs at Sandown on Friday. He needs to finish first or second there, and again in either of those positions in another race before March 1 to qualify for Cheltenham. We will see where we stand after that.

Meanus Dandy: A definite possible at this stage, but looks as though he will struggle to get in. Needs good ground and goes to Doncaster on March 5.

Neptune Collonges: Came back sore and with a swollen off-fore joint after his Cheltenham win, but thankfully x-rays revealed nothing untoward. Back in work now, and the plan is to run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Handicapper has given him a bit of a chance by dropping him 8lb for this race, but myself and John Hales will sit down after Cheltenham.

Niche Market: Is probably our number one hope at the moment. Had a breathing operation after his fifth in the Hennessy and is back in full work. Will go to Newbury for the race we won last year with Big Fella Thanks on March 5 - the intention is for Ruby to ride him in that race - and goes to Aintree afterwards.

Ornais: Had his first run after two years off the track at Wincanton, and will improve enormously for the run. I suspect we will find another Hunter Chase for him, possibly at Fontwell a week on Sunday, and then go straight to Liverpool. He wants cut in the ground. I like his weight.

Taranis: Is being aimed at what was the William Hill Chase on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival. Mrs Yeoman is not that keen on the National, but we will talk after Cheltenham.

The Tother One: Ran well when fourth in the Hennessy, though has disappointed since. But is the type of horse to go well in the race, and would prefer decent ground. Could go straight to Aintree nice and fresh.

Tricky Trickster: Is a possible, especially on soft ground. Has had a breathing operation since his last run but could possibly go for something like the Midlands National or Scottish National instead of Aintree. The ground will be the key to where he goes, though. Will run in a 3m novices' hurdle at Newbury in a fortnight.

What A Friend: Is a very unlikely runner at this stage. His current plans are the rearranged Aon at Newbury on Friday, the Gold Cup, then the Martell at Aintree.

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Brian Halley | 16 February 2011

Denman surely would go very close to winning grand national would love to see him run, lets face it he will not win gold cup, Denman for the national!!!! go on u know u want too!
Brian Halley | 16 February 2011

Re: denman .sorry forgot its too late to enter denman shame
greg | 17 February 2011

you must go for the national with gullible gordon! sticks in my mind how superb he was jumping over the national fences last time before being brought down. lovely racing weight and it will surely be good ground come april. he,s the one!