The Last Samuri is among the market leaders for the Grand National after a convincing success in Doncaster’s Grimthorpe Chase.
The eight-year-old, having just his third start since joining Kim Bailey this season, warmed to his task as the race progressed and powered 10 lengths clear of his rivals on the run-in.
The weights for the Aintree race were fixed last month, so the handicapper is prevented from adding anything to his burden to reflect this victory and he seems sure to be a popular selection on 9 April. He is now on offer between 12-1 and 16-1, having been a 25-1 shot on Saturday morning.
“He’s improved a hell of a lot from his last run,” said David Bass, the winning jockey. “My only worry would be we were playing catch-up a bit early on, but other than that he was perfect.”
The Druids Nephew, a late faller when leading in last year’s National, was also cut by several firms after a promising run in second, though 20-1 is still available.
