Odds Already Shorten for 2014 Grand National

Things move quickly in the horse racing world and this year’s Grand National was no sooner over and the odds for the 2014 Grand National were already available with most bookmakers online. And if that wasn’t enough, odds have already started to actually shorten on some of the anticipated favourites.

Back In Focus, trained by Willie Mullins, is the eight-year-old that seems to have punters and bookies alike very excited with odds on him for April 5th 2014 already as short as 25/1 ante-post. Back In Focus, who will be nine by the time the next Grand National rolls around, has had four wins from his five chase starts but has also been getting plenty of practise in PTP and over hurdles.

In fact, it was probably his win at Cheltenham in the National Hunt Chase earlier this year that solidified him as a main contender for next year, should he get an entry. Any horse that can run and win over four miles is certainly one to watch. That win was his fourth in a row and the following month he managed a fourth place spot at Punchestown which only added to his credibility.

Other potential 2014 Grand National runners include Teaforthree who has gone as short as 20/1 from 25/1 with VC Bet, I imagine due in no small part to their very premature special offer of Non Runner Free Bet. So if you have a bet on the National 2014 antepost market and if your selection is a non-runner they will refund your losing stake as a free bet! Of course, based on Teaforthree’s performance this year, his odds will get slashed even further so 20/1 is looking like a very good bet for those savvy enough to grab while it’s available.

Not forgetting Cappa Bleu, who’s sterling performance this year for trainer Evan Williams gave him a much deserved second place finish, his odds are as short as 25/1 with both Paddy Power bookmakers and VC Bet and though there’s no doubting the skill of this horse, he will be 12 years old by the time next year’s race rolls around and that might be asking just a little too much of him but irrespective of that, his odds will shorten and he will be a race favourite as the event draws nearer.

Will it be third-times-a-charm for Prince De Beauchene? Twice he has been entered and twice he has been unsuccessful at making the final line-up due to repeated injuries but at 25/1 he may be worth a punt if he recovers in time for a decent 2013/14 National Hunt Season.

One notable potential entry with decent odds is Across The Bay from Donald McCain who was running a blinding race before he faded three out this year. McCain will no doubt be working on his fitness and stamina over the next few months and at 33/1 he’s a very decent bet!