Popular Irish owner JP McManus is still chasing success in the world’s most famous steeplechase and his Butler’s Cabin was a 14/1 equal second choice of three prior to the publication of the weights. The eight-year-old scored at the Cheltenham Festival last season and added a famous triumph in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse in April. Racing Post Chase winner Simon and the Willie Mullins-trained Snowy Morning are the other 14/1 pre-weights shots with totesport. The latter, runner-up in the Grade One Royal & SunAlliance Chase last term has had two starts over hurdles this season.
The Howard Johnson-trained Bewleys Berry was a length runner-up to Mr Pointment in the totesport.com Becher Chase and has been steady in the list at 16/1, while 2007 John Smith’s Grand National third Slim Pickings has been static at 20/1. A swathe of horses have been available at 25/1 including the Peter Bowen-trained McKelvey who was a fast-finishing runner-up to Silver Birch in last season’s main event. Others on offer at the price include Grade Two Letheby & Christopher Chase winner Knowhere and Cloudy Lane, trained by Donald McCain jnr, son of Aintree legend Ginger "Red Rum" McCain.
There has been support for shrewd Irish handler Tony Martin’s trio. Paddy Power Chase winner Newbay Prop and Troytown Handicap Chase victor Royal County Star both shortened to 25/1 in January. Dun Doire, who has tightened from 40/1 to 33/1 in the past two months, was pulled up before four out in last year’s renewal.
| Grand National Final Runners will be Announced on Thursday 3rd April | 05 Feb 2008 |
| 2008 Grand National Weights | 05 Feb 2008 |
| Tote Grand National Betting | 04 Feb 2008 |
| Paul Nicholls Grand National Team | 30 Jan 2008 |
| Irish 2008 Grand National Entries | 30 Jan 2008 |