Bookies Fearing Big Fella As The National Countdown Continues

Big Fella Thanks remains the 7-1 ante-post John Smith’s Grand National favourite with William Hill following today’s five-day declarations– with Hills now offering the ‘non-runner, no-bet’ concession for the famous handicap.

The eight-year-old has been besieged with support in the ante-post betting following his win in the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury last month – and tops the betting ahead of last year’s winner Mon Mome (11-1), Irish raiders Arbour Supreme and Black Apalachi (14-1), classy novice The Package, and stablemate Tricky Trickster.

After saddling 44 runners since 1992 a win in the famous handicap still eludes Paul Nicholls. William Hill make the Champion Trainer a 9-2 chance to break his duck in the 2010 running where his hand includes the ante-post favourite in addition to Tricky Trickster, and last year’s third My Will.

Kate Miller, spokeswoman for William Hill, said: ‘’After sustained support for almost three weeks now, punters are refusing to relinquish hope in Big Fella Thanks and he is currently our worst result by a country mile. With Ruby aboard, and Harry Findlay cheerleading for him – he could well go off around the 4 or 5/1 mark.’’

Others runners supported over the Easter period include second-favourite Mon Mome. Snowy Morning – now 3lbs lower than when running third in the race back in 2008, and leading contenders Black Apalachi, Character Building, and The Package.

John Smith’s Grand National (NRNB): 7-1 Big Fella Thanks, 11-1 Mon Mome, 14-1 Arbor Supreme, Black Apalachi , The Package, Tricky Trickster, 16-1 Niche Market, 20-1 Backstage, Can’t Buy Time, Character Building, Snowy Morning, State Of Play, Vic Venturi, 25-1 Don’t Push It, Whinstone Boy, 28-1 Comply or Die, 33-1 Ballyholland, Chief Dan George, 40-1 Dream Alliance, Irish Raptor, Maljimar, My Will, 50-1 Ballytrim, Cloudy Lane, Galant Nuit, Hello Bud, King Johns Castle, Offshore Account, Palypso De Creek, 66-1 Abbeybraney, Ballyfitz, Belon Gale, Cerium, Eric´s Charm, Flintoff, Joe Lively, Madison Du Berlais, Nozic, Officier De Reserve, Over The Creek, Silver Birch, Treacle, 100-1 According To John, Beat The Boys, Chiaro, Conna Castle, Duers, Ellerslie George, Faasel, Kings Advocate, Knowhere, Lorum Leader, Made In Taipan, Merigo, Mr Pointment, Ollie Magern, Oodachee, Pablo Du Charmil, Pak Jack, Piraya, Pomme Tiepy, Preists Leap, Royal Rosa, Wee Robbie, 200-1 Offaly ALL QUOTED (EW 1/4 1,2,3,4)

Grand National Specials:
8-11 Tony McCoy to complete the course
Evs National winner to carry 11stone or more
Who will own the winner? 8-1 JP McManus
Who will train the winner? 9-4 Irish-trained, 9-2 Paul Nicholls, 8-1 A Female-trained winner, 10-1 David Pipe
SP of the winner: 4/7 20-1 or under, 7/4 22-1 to 40-1, 7/1 50-1 or over