When Drinmore Lad, a stable companion of Royal Mail, went sick with internal trouble a few weeks before last year's race, he was just about as well backed a horse as the eventual winner. He is back to his best again and must have a great chance. A fine type of lopper ti Pucka Belle will plod on when many have had quite enough, and if I were backing one to complete the course I should choose her. But while age may not have withered her fence ing charms it may well have taken toll of her speed, and a Grand National winner must have pace as well as stamina.
Another grand mare is Pontet, who has an Irish "Blue Riband" to her credit. I have seen her but once and wish I knew more about her.
The same remark applies to the Frenchman and the Canadian.
I am convinced that neither of the Americans is in the same class as that last powerful challenger from the States, Billy Barton, who was a gallant, but luckless second some years ago.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.