HE’S won two Grand Nationals, suffered many more broken bones – but crucially knows exactly what it takes to get round Aintree’s infamous track faster than the rest.
So when Derek Fox gives his top for the star-studded £1million contest, it is certainly worth listening to.
PADerek Fox has won the Grand National twice and has a tasty pick for this year’s race[/caption]
Irish-born jockey Fox has won the world’s most famous race twice yet it’s fair to say he could walk down the street without being hounded for autographs.
It’s hardly the same when it comes to tipping a winner for the National, though.
Fox won the Aintree feature first in 2017 on the Lucinda Russell-trained One For Arthur then repeated the feat six years later on Russell’s Corach Rambler.
The ‘daring’ jockey who left school at 14 to pursue his dream on the racecourse won’t have a ride this year owing to an injury suffered at Sedgefield last month.
But he still has a strong opinion on who will come out on top at a little after 4pm on Saturday.
And Fox is banking on legendary owner JP McManus landing an historic fourth Grand National.
Fox told FreeBets: “I like Gavin Cromwell’s horse, Perceval Legallois.
“That’s the one I’d want to be on.
“He looks like he’s been really prepared for it.
“He’s won a big-field handicap chase at Leopardstown and won a hurdle last time out.
“I think Mark Walsh, as far as I know, is going to take the ride on it, and I rate Mark very highly.
“I think it’s a great standard in the weighing room, but I think Mark Walsh is a standout rider.
“He’s going to be a great man to have on board and is on a nice weight.
“I’m sure I Am Maximus will be well-primed for the day as well, but I just have a feeling about that other JP horse.”
Cromwell goes to Aintree riding the crest of a wave after an amazing Cheltenham Festival, the highlight of which was Inothewayurthinking – another JP horse – winning the Gold Cup.
Stumptown’s easy win in the Cross Country sparked more scenes of celebration in the winner’s enclosure.
And it is that horse again who is currently vying for favouritism, along with British hope Iroko and last year’s winner I Am Maximus.
Cromwell, who started off as a humble farrier for Gordon Elliott’s horses, has also seen a surge of support for Vanillier.
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