VAN HAS ALL THE GEARS

Cromwell set to rule

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THE greatest horse race in the world is still the Randox Grand National Handicap Chase over four miles, two and a half furlongs at Aintree.

And I'm very hopeful that VANILLIER (4.00) can grab the gold medal having picked up silver in this event in 2023 when rated 147 and carrying 10st 6lb.

Gavin Cromwell's game beast came from further back than General Von Blucher at Waterloo and I'm convinced the grey should have won.

On his last start at Cheltenham in the cross-country gig, his jockey made the worst navigational mistake since Mark Thatcher got lost in the Sahara during the Paris-Dakar rally, when losing at least 20 lengths when missing a left-hand turn early doors.

The application of a pair of blinkers has really sharpened Vanillier up, so back him each-way at 14-1 with a bookie paying at least six places.