The weights have been declared ahead of the 2018 Randox Health Grand National and Definitly Red will be required to shoulder top weight in this year's renewal. The Brian Ellison trained runner was outstanding in the Cotswold Chase at the end of January but it could be a tough ask to replicate those heroics carrying 11st 10lb throughout the energy-sapping four-mile event.
Source: Aintree Racecourse via Twitter
Definitly Red comes into the race with a rating of 165 and may find things tough in the 40-strong field having been burdened with top weight. The nine-year-old was rated just 149 when tackling the course last year and despite being one of the favorites going into the iconic race, the Northern raider was forced to pull up early in the contest due to a tack problem. The Ellison charge has previously chalked up success at the Merseyside course when making all in the Many Clouds Chase, which is a Grade 2 event staged over the 3 miles 1f.
The National Hunt star looks set to tackle the Timico Gold Cup at Prestbury Park in March prior to his trip to Aintree. Brian Ellison has suggested that he stands a good chance of placing in the blue riband event and he is currently seventh-favorite in the betting. Definitly Red can be backed at around +1600 for the race which is held over 3m 2f and is generally considered to be the highlight of the four-day festival. Cheltenham is always one the standout events on the racing calendar, with thousands of spectators descending upon Prestbury Park each and every March to watch races such as the Queen Mother Champion Chase, RSA Chase and Champion Hurdle. Those who wish to find out more information about the Gold Cup and the chances of Definitly Red can find news, results, tips and analysis over at Timeform, alongside a detailed breakdown of the racing schedule across the action-packed days.
Definitly Red may have been handed a tough assignment carrying top weight, but the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Blaklion isn't far behind and will haul 11st 6lb around the Aintree course. The current favorite was impressive during an all-conquering performance in the Becher Chase but is yet to succeed over the extended yardage and could find it tough during the latter stages of the race where stamina is desperately required.
Source: Cheltenham Festival via Twitter
There is also likely to competition from the likes of American (11st 2lb) who finished behind Definitly Red at Cheltenham in January but will be carrying exactly the same weight for the Grand National. The Harry Fry-trained, French-bred runner finished eight lengths behind the runaway winner that day but coped admirably with the heavy ground and hasn't been penalised for that terrific performance.
Bristol de Mai has been handed 11st 9lb and is another representative of the prolific Twiston-Davies yard. He finished a distant third behind Definitly Red and the aforementioned American but goes up in the weights and may find it tough going. The triple Grade 1 hero has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with jockey Daryl Jacob and that looks set to continue at Aintree.
Many Clouds succeeded in 2015 when carrying top weight but no other horse has been victorious in the contest carrying more than 11st 9lb since Red Rum in 1974. Neptune Collonges defied 11st 6lbs in 2012 but very few horses have been successful when saddled such a large load. 14 of the last 17 winners have carried 11st or less to victory and both Definitly Red and Bristol de Mai, whilst classy performers, are up against it.
Definitly Red's dominant performance in Gloucestershire at the end of January was mightily impressive and that eye-catching display was always likely to capture the attention of the handicappers. The nine-year-old took a liking to Prestbury Park and may be a much better prospect for the Timico Gold Cup this year. At 16/1, the Ellison runner offers plenty of value in the Cheltenham Festival market and is far more likely to prevail over the shorter distance.
Very few runners defy top weight in the Grand National and although blessed with huge talent, Definitly Red could be susceptible to a low-weighted outsider on April 14th. After last year's disappointment, the Ellison yard are hoping to make amends but it looks set to be a slog and carrying 11st 10lbs isn't necessarily going to help matters.
