Fans continue to back Snow Leopardess ahead of her bid to make history in the Grand National.
The popular grey is William Hill's new favourite for the big race on Saturday – and she could be the first mum to win it. Trained by Charlie Longsdon, the number one British runner had a foal during a two-year absence from the racecourse.
She returned to training and this year has taken her form to new heights, with an eye-catching success over the Grand National fences last December. Racegoers were impressed by the display, as she took the obstacles accurately despite never tackling them before.
Three different grey horses have won the Grand National – The Lamb (1868 and 1871), Nicolaus Silver (1961) and Neptune Collonges (2012). Snow Leopardess is also seeking to become the first mare to triumph in the £1 million contest since Nickel Coin in 1951.
William Hill make the ten-year-old their 7-1 favourite on the back of sustained support.
“The one we continue to lay is Snow Leopardess, who has shortened from 10-1 to 7-1 in the last couple of days and is fast becoming the one we’re most worried about," said spokesman Tony Kenny. "As a dashing grey mare with a brilliant backstory, she’s bound to become a popular bet on the day and could prove costly.”
Ladbrokes report the galloping grey is their second-worst result in the race behind Delta Work, one of nine possible runners for Gordon Elliott.
The Grade 1 winner heads to Aintree after defeating Grand National legend Tiger Roll at the Cheltenham Festival.
Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “This year we think Snow Leopardess will be the public horse. Ticking boxes such as being grey, a mare, having a good name, along with a heart-warming tale to boot.”
At Monday's confirmation stage, connections of Blaklion and outsider Poker Party learned their horses had secured a place in the line-up. The race is due to have a full field of 40 runners, including last year's winner Minella Times, the new top weight.
Bookmakers Coral have nominated several others that could attract support before they head to post.
"Given the unique nature of the betting on the race on the day itself, it would be no surprise to see Snow Leopardess and Fiddlerontheroof shorten further, to the point either could be sent off favourite," said spokesman David Stevens. "While Minella Times is another who looks sure to be popular on the day, with Rachael Blackmore bidding for back-to-back wins in the race."
