Grand National Sectionals

[billy the punter]

The result has puzzled me, not just the winner but the fact that 2m and 2m4f no-hopers Cerium and Arteea got so close, Cerium especially, who was a distance behind at half way. Also I don't recall seeing that many in with a chance at the Melling Rd. Having done some sectional work, I found they went off at a normal national gallop. However once Black Apalachi fell at Bechers the pace slowed dramatically. This is where the field really bunched up. Bechers => Canal Turn was over 31 secs, a good 3 secs slower than previous two years. Bechers => 2nd last was around 2min15secs, a good 9/10 secs slower than previous two years. 2009 to Bechers - 6:25 2008 to Bechers - 6:24 Yet 2008's final time was 16secs quicker. It certainly allowed many to get into the race, did it then result in a sprint finish (or sorts)? Last => line was the same as 2007 (despite that year being a much quicker race). The race clearly changed after Bechers, and the pace really did slack from then until the last. Maybe it made a difference to the result? Who knows, IMO it definetly made a difference to some of the other horses who appeared to run above form. It certainly was an odd final 3rd. Interesting stuff, if nothing more.

[Gingertipster]

Re: Grand National Sectionals Good work Billy, very interesting stuff. Suspected a slow over all pace, with so many horses in with a chance crossing the Melling Road. But a slowing of a good pace would explain why the field closed up late. Believe it was Arteea who was tailed off at one stage. Don't know how the Reveleys feel; as Rambling Minster was in front of both Cerium (5th) and Arteea (every chance at last fence) when he was pulled up. Anyone know, was there a problem with Rambling Minster? It is possible some horses are flattered by the result, the ones with more speed than stamina. It was however, noticable how the stayers came to the fore just before the last fence and came clear. Wonder whether Comply Or Die would have done even better with a better pace. Did you see Cerium's action in the head on, legs going all over the place? Ginge