Racing: Tidal Bay is top weight for National

Published on 13/02/2013 00:00

SCOTTISH-owned Tidal Bay has been allotted top weight of 11st 10lb in the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree on
6 April.

SCOTTISH-owned Tidal Bay has been allotted top weight of 11st 10lb in the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree on
6 April.

The Paul Nicholls-trained 12-year-old, who runs in the colours of Graham and Andrea Wylie, has been in top form this season, finishing second in the Hennessy at Newbury and winning the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown.

He has a British Horseracing Authority mark of 171 but has been rated on 162 by official handicapper Phil Smith.

Betfred make Tidal Bay a 16-1 chance and spokesman Mark Pearson said: “Although no top-weight has won the National since Red Rum in 1974, the handicapper has definitely given him some leeway and, of course, never underestimate the Paul Nicholls factor following his 
success in last year’s race.”

Seabass, On His Own and Prince De Beauchene head the Betfred market as 14-1 co-favourites.