2018 Grand National: Can Total Recall Hand Willie Mullins Aintree Victory?

2018 Grand National: Can Total Recall Hand Willie Mullins Aintree Victory?
10:37, 14 Apr 2018

Total Recall is a real classy performer, but can his jumping hold out in the Randox Health Grand National, which takes centre stage at Aintree at 5:15pm on Saturday afternoon.

Last seen falling in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month, the Willie Mullins-trained raider will be hoping to bounce back from that Prestbury Park tumble, and if he can iron out his jumping issues then he has to be a major contender in the world's greatest steeplechase.

Having joined Mullins' Closutton stable from Sandra Hughes' yard, this nine-year-old propelled into the limelight when downing Whisper in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury earlier in the season, and he is aiming to emulate the mighty Many Clouds, who landed the valuable Newbury prize before going on to National glory later the same season.

Unlike Many Clouds, Total Recall will not have to carry top weight in the Grand National, and will carry 11st 5lbs, and if Paul Townend can get the Irish raider into a rhythm over his fences then he could be a major player as they head out on the second circuit.

Mullins know what it takes to win the Grand National having saddled Hedgehunter to victory in 2005, and Total Recall strikes as a similar performer to that Trevor Hemmings-owned charge as he is a solid galloper, and has a real element of class to him, and if he can take to the test of the Merseyside marathon, then he could be play a primary part in what is a wide open renewal.

The last Irish-trained winner of the race was Rule The World in 2016, but this year's Emerald Isle charge will be as strong as it has ever been with Anibale Fly, Tiger Roll and Baie Des Iles all holding prominent positions in the betting, but Total Recall has to spearhead the Irish charge, and his class could see him come to the fore.

The recent rain that has hit Aintree should hold no worries whatsoever, and it could aid his chances as the soft going will mean the field go a stride slower, which could help Total Recall get into a fine rhythm over his fences, and if he can jump the first few safely then he has all the makings of a National winner.

Despite falling in the Gold Cup, he was still going well when coming down that day, and while he may not have been able to live with Native River and Might Bite in the closing stages, he could have easily finished in front of Anibale Fly that day, and with him receiving 3lbs from that rival here, then Total Recall is one of the standout horses at the top of the handicap, and has to be the one to beat in the big race.

x
Suggested Searches:
The Sportsman
Manchester United
Liverpool
Manchester City
Premier League
Sportsman HQ
72-76 Cross St
Manchester M2 4JG
We will not ask you to provide any personal information when using The Sportsman website. You may see advertisement banners on the site, and if you choose to visit those websites, you will accept the terms and conditions and privacy policy applicable to those websites. The link below directs you to our Group Privacy Policy, and our Data Protection Officer can be contacted by email at: [email protected]

All original material is Copyright © 2019 by The Sportsman Communications Ltd.
Other material is copyright their respective owners.