In the buildup to the John Smith’s Grand National - some good news released today for Comply or Die.  Rider Timmy Murphy has committed to Comply or Die for the John Smith’s Grand.  There was some speculation building up to this news last week that was creating some doubt all around.  Today however, David Pipe announced Murphy’s commitment to Comply or Die.

“Timmy Murphy has just phoned us to confirm that he will be riding Comply or Die in this years Grand National.  Vodka Bleu will be ridden by Paul Moloney and Tom Malone will ride Milan Deux Mille.  Tom Scudamore will ride Madison Du Berlais and Johnny Farrelly will ride Joaaci.”

It should be noted, for all those who follow the races and their outcomes carefully, that regardless of some of the humble comments riders will make regarding the part they play in a successful win - riders are actually an important component to which horse wins a race, along with everything else.  These are factors that we should be taking into careful consideration when this kind of news is released.

Comply Or Die has an excellent short term history as an impressive winner at Newcastle.  It’s important that the long term history is carefully reviewed in terms of which riders were riding which horse, and the subsequent performance in past races.  This can provide some important clues as to not only the racing patterns of the horses, but also the effects that different riders have on their performance.  Sometimes, a horse and a rider simply do very well together.  Recognizing this fact and knowing the ideal combinations can make a tremendous impact on where we should lay our bets at the track.

 Some additional notes for our readers in anticipation of the Saturday race - rider Keith Mercer will be riding Joes Edge on Saturday, the same charge that landed the Scottish National in 2005.  However, 2008 is another year, and Joes Edge is the 44th horse in the list after Mondays confirmation stage.

Mercer is hopeful - he told At the Races: “He seems in good form and hopefully we can go well again.  I’m very lucky to be riding him.”

Joes Edge did not perform to his best last year in the National, however Mercer seems to believe that he has what it takes this year to run well.  An important note (for those of you keeping an eye on the weather).  Mercer also commented regarding the horse’s ability given ground conditions:

“I’ve ridden him round there in the Becher Chase before and he gave me a great ride.  The quicker the ground the better.”

For this Saturday, we’ll be watching the riders, the horses, and of course - the weather.