Grand National betting 2014: Why Mr Moonshine, Mountainous, Vintage Star and Chance Du Roy could win at Aintree

Judging by previous form of certain jockeys and trainers, there are a few standout runners

Ryan Mania will be riding Mr Moonshine (GETTY IMAGES)

“Only certain jockeys and trainers do well at Aintree.”

This brief look in to the history of the race is a little more difficult than the others with most successful jockeys and trainers either retired or no longer with us, with only the odd exception.

As I write (some horses are awaiting a jockey decision), Ryan Mania who won the race last year on Auroras Encore is the only winning jockey with a booked ride still left on my short-list (on board Mr Moonshine), though 2013 third Nick Scholfield rides favourite Teaforthree again here, and fourth placed Sam Waley-Cohen rides Gold Cup winner Long Run.

Whether Aintree is a tricky course or not is open to question but it may make some sense to at least look twice at the jockeys with the best win percentages over fences here.

Step forward the few who have made a profit in the shape of Ryan Mania (who is on board Mr Moonshine 50/1 this renewal), Brendan Powell (Battle Group 50/1), Jamie Moore (Mountainous 50/1), Brian Hughes (Vintage Star 50/1), Tom O’Brien (Chance Du Roy 40/1), and Michael Byrne (Golan Way 80/1), the only riders showing an “over fences” profit from the last five years, and riding one of our remaining combatants. 

As for trainers, there are seven in the black with Philip Hobbs, Hillary Parrott, Sue Smith, Roger Curtis, Jonjo O’Neill, Richard Lee, and Dr Newland but I am wary that one long priced winner and very few runners can really mess up both these sets of figures!

Still, a mini short-list could be used for those who like that sort of thing with Mr Moonshine, Mountainous, Vintage Star, and Chance Du Roy ticking both those particular boxes – there are worse ways of trying to second guess the bookies, I assure you?

How else might I pick a winner?

Sean has been narrowing down the field all week. You can see which horses are favoured by clicking the links below...

What impact does the handicap have?

Should I factor in age and experience?

Should I bet on a two-and-a-half mile specialist?

Tomorrow: Class and going - the final clues?