JP McManus will be confident for National with plenty of chances

One might expect racing’s most esteemed owner to have plenty of success in the Grand National.

However, JP McManus recent triumphs in the world’s greatest steeplechase have perhaps surpassed even his own high expectations.

In each of the last three renewals, the green and gold has been ever present in the top three places. Notable winners include Don’t Push It’s in 2010 with Sunnyhillboy an agonising second last year.

McManus will be keen to avenge that 2012 defeat and the ten-year-old runs again this year and is currently at 12/1.

The Jonjo O’Neill-trained charge has only had two starts since that Aintree run. His last run came at Warwick in January and was pulled-up by Alan Berry.

However, that should not put the punter off. Prior to winning the Kim Muir Challenge Cup at Cheltenham last year, he had finished ninth and pulled-up previously and this a horse who seems to have a knack for doing it on the big stage.

McManus also looks to have a great chance of bagging the prize money in Colbert Station, currently a 10/1 shot. Winner of an esteemed Grade B handicap at Punchestown last year, he has triumphed over three miles multiple times.

With his last run 62 days ago, one could be concerned that he could be a bit too fresh. However, he is an extremely classy sort who jumps and stays well and fitness should not be an issue.

11-1 looks to be an extremely workable mark and given that the going will be no better than soft, his proven ability on that ground is a huge bonus.

McManus also has some entrants at bigger prices, perhaps the pick of which is Lost Glory at 50/1. The eight-year-old secured a double at Chepstow in a Class 2 handicap last time out and has plenty of scope. However, this will be an astronomical test compared to the level he has been competing at.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date