The 2012 Aintree Grand national is fast approaching and we have seen another contender for the big race over the weekend in the form of Giles Cross. The Victor Dartnall trained horse won the Haydock Grand National Trial in some style to raise hopes of a big run at Aintree in a couple of months' time. Dennis O'Regan made all on board Giles Cross at Haydock to hold off a game run by Neptune Collonges and provided there is a bit of cut in the ground he will have a massive chance in the National. The horse has been aimed towards the National ever since he ran second in the Welsh Grand national at Christmas and he seems to be improving through the campaign to the delight of connections. It will be his first spin over the National fences and trip if Giles Cross takes his chance this season but the bookmakers were impressed enough to cut him for the big race at Aintree.
Also in the favour of Giles Cross is the fact that he looks to have been given a nice weight for the race with only 10st 1lbs on his back if he runs. At the moment Giles Cross is 63rd on the list of entries so he will need a few to come out before the race but connections are hopeful he will get a run in the Grand National. Neptune Collonges ran a big race at Haydock to finish second bearing mind he was giving away a stone in weight to the winner. Paul Nicholls will be hoping the grey can give him his first winner at Aintree and at the prices he looks to be an ideal each way bet. Giles Cross though is the improving horse as we count down towards the big race and he looks one for punters to keep an eye on, especially if we get a bit of rain before the big race on April the 14th.
