Snowy can shine at generous 25-1

Up The Ante ... AT THE Grand National: ONLY 16 days remain before the latest renewal of the world’s greatest steeplechase.

The John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree attracts more punters’ money than any other horse race in this country and those of you already struck by Aintree fever can cash in on a superb ante-post offer.

Internet firm Bet365 have stolen a march on their rivals by going non-runner, no-bet with more than two weeks to go before the big race.

And, what’s more, they are going the first five places each-way.

That’s a superb offer and I expect more bookies to follow suit in the next few days, which means we are going to get some terrific value in the build-up to the National on Saturday, April 10.

After the weights were first announced in February, I suggested Character Building at 33-1 and Madison Du Berlais at 50s. The former is now 25-1 and Madison 50s and those odds are available with Bet365.

When I wrote that article, I also put in a strong word for Hello Bud, but did not recommend him as a bet as there was a doubt about him getting into the race off his weight of 10-6.

However, that doubt is diminishing at each forfeit stage and you always have the Bet365 option at 40-1.

Alternatively, Hello Bud can still be backed at 50-1 without the non-runner, no-bet concession.

However, in recent days I have developed a strong fancy for a horse of genuine class who is well handicapped and boasts solid form over the big Aintree fences.

Snowy Morning, who was good enough to finish second to Denman in the 2007 SunAlliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, was a five and a half lengths third to Comply Or Die in the following year’s National, conceding the winner six pounds. This year, he is set to receive six pounds.

Admittedly, Snowy Morning was only ninth last year carrying 11-8, but he did not go into the race in nearly as good form as in 2008 and a stumble approaching two fences from home, when still in contention, ruined his chance.

This season, Snowy Morning has been in far better nick and, with only 10-13 to carry, looks primed to run a huge race at Aintree.

On his last outing, he was third to the high-class Tranquil Sea at Leopardstown over an inadequate two miles, one furlong, having previously finished a three-lengths second to Newmill in a two-and-half-mile contest at Thurles.

Trainer Willie Mullins seems to have plotted Snowy Morning’s entire campaign with a view to sharpening up the horse and, if his tactical speed is as good as ever, that will be a huge weapon at Aintree where the ability to stay out of trouble is a priceless asset.

Factor in this horse’s ability to stay the four and a half miles of the race and his indifference to the state of the ground, and you have a solid each-way bet at 25-1.

Bet 365 go 22-1 with the non-runner concession, so the choice is yours.

I have no doubt that if Snowy Morning does get to post, he will be significantly shorter in the betting than he stands at present.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Snowy Morning, each-way, 25-1 (general) or 22-1, nrnb (Bet 365); Hello Bud, e.w. 50-1 (general) or 40-1, nrnb (Bet365).