Barrow Run Gives Grand National Pointers
Point Barrow entered the John Smiths Grand National picture with an impressive display in the Pierse Leopardstown Handicap Chase at Leopardstown.
The nine year old, partnered by Timmy Murphy, jumped the last fence in sixth but moved through the field nicely to score by 1 1/2 lengths from A New Story. The win was Point Barrows first since taking the Powers Whiskey Irish National in April and with the English version on the agenda William Hill cut him to 20-1 from 33 for the John Smiths Sponsored race.
William Hill's spokesman Ben Clarke added: "Point Barrow has struggled a bit since winning the Irish National but under the burden of top weight, in such testing conditions, you can't be anything but impressed with a performance that makes him a live contender for the Grand National."
John Smiths Grand National (William Hll Bet): 12-1 Hedgehunter, 14-1 Numbersixvalverde, 16-1 Dun Doire, Eurotrek, Far From Trouble, 20-1 Clan Royal, Point Barrow (from 33), 25-1 Ladalko, Nil Desperandum, 33-1 Idle Talk, I Hear Thunder, Lacdoudal, Liberthine, Longshanks, Mon Mome, Sir Rembrandt, 40-1 Bothar Na, 50-1 Ballycassidy.
