Ladbrokes offering top price on Join Together winning the Grand National
Published:Hello Bud may have been the most popular of winners of the Becher Chase at Aintree, but Join Together’s performance was arguably the most eye-catching and he has become of greater interest for the Grand National.
Ladbrokes are offering the best price of 20/1 for the April showcase and he would surely have won the Grand National trial if contested over a further 50 yards.
Stamina has always been the horse’s biggest asset and he has often found himself outpaced in races run over a distance of around 3m.
The Becher Chase was over 3m2f and with about three fences remaining he was again caught short for a bit of acceleration.
Join Together did eventually pick up at Aintree and despite being in a battle for fifth entering the Elbow, he was flying in the final furlong to fall short by a small margin.
Another climb in trip for the Grand National is expected to suit and he certainly had few problems negotiating the sometimes daunting Aintree fences.
Furthermore, an improved performance should be expected on better ground, with the heavy conditions for the Becher Chase not the most ideal.
He remains unexposed and if he runs well in the Welsh National later in December, his price in the Grand National can be expected to shorten again.
The fact that he is from the Paul Nicholls yard is another reason to accept the current price, with the horse looking likely to be the main hope of the star trainer.
Finally, Ruby Walsh or Daryl Jacob will probably take the ride and both know what is required to win the Grand National, while all of the last four winners have been rated higher than 144.
Join Together contested the Becher Chase off 148 and is likely have this mark increased when reassessed by the handicapper.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
