HARRY REDKNAPP’S horse is the most backed for Grand National glory – after bookies Paddy Power went non-runner money back.
The Irish layers will give punters their stake back if the horse they fancy doesn’t make the final 34-runner field on April 13.
Could Redknapp achieve a lifelong dream and have a runner in the Grand National?Sportsfile
And they have been punting Redknapp’s Cheltenham Festival hero Shakem Up’Arry in their droves since the offer kicked in on March 19.
Shakem Up’Arry – who is named after a noisy West Ham fan who would constantly shout that behind the legendary manager’s dugout – was a brilliant winner of the Plate Handicap Chase at the Festival.
Trained by Ben Pauling, the ten-year-old saw off the heavily fancied 7-2 JP McManus hotshot Crebilly.
It’s Redknapp’s dream to have a runner in the National and punters are hoping it comes true.
They have backed the horse right into 33-1 from 66-1 and Paddy Power report him seeing the most support of anyone since going non-runner money back.
But that offer could prove crucial with Pauling indicating another race at Aintree may be the plan – although Redknapp confirmed the horse’s final race is still very much up for discussion.
Shakem Up’Arry is currently 44th on the list of National runners, so he needs another ten to come out before getting in after the rules were changed to limit the field.
There will five-day confirmations for the National next Monday before the final field is declared at 10am three days later on Thursday, so timing is tight.
Still, punters reckon it’s worth the risk.
The same can be said of Gary Moore’s Welsh Grand National winner Nassalam, who has been punted heavily with the going to be soft for the big race.
Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield said: “Gary Moore’s comments about Nassalam relishing slow ground at Aintree and no concerns about his charge stepping up in trip seem to have galvanised punters into supporting the Welsh equivalent hero.
“It’s really been your fiver and tenner backers that have got stuck in and the pure volume of bets in support of him that have forced our evasive action.
“He’s now second from top in our book since we went non-runner money back behind only Shakem Up’Arry who will be bidding to add to Redknapp’s trophy cabinet.”
However, Pauling said the Topham Chase – worth £400,000 less to the winner than the National – may be the most likely race.
He said: “He’s 44th in the weights for the National and last year he would have been sitting pretty, but it seems unlikely he’ll go there.
“He’s brilliant and he’s in absolutely incredible form. I never want to jump ship whenever I like a horse and I’ve always thought he could be a proper one.
“He’s now rated 149, and in my eyes that’s a very nice horse – he’s what I expected him to be. He’s got a great attitude and he jumps for fun.”
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