The Package

The Package is the ten year old chaser from David Pipe‘s yard and one of four entries from him for the 2013 Grand National. He was entered in 2012 but didn’t make the final line-up as he was withdrawn by Pipe prior to the race.

He’s guaranteed his spot this year as the BHA Handicapper has given him 10-08 which should suit him fine as he frequently runs carrying more than that. But it’s his recent prepping that hasn’t gone quite to plan with the last two outings resulting in being pulled-up both time. Firstly at Warwick in January and then at Cheltenham on March 12th in the JLT Speciality Handicap Chase which now leaves connections with the dilemma of whether or not to keep in the 2013 Grand National.

When he’s on form he’s great. But it’s that lack of consistency that makes me nervous about singing his praises too highly. He’s been to Aintree but never won there, he even ran in the 2010 Grand National when Don’t Push It won but unseated his rider so all things considered it’s going to be very tough for him to win or place this year, if he gets to line-up at all.

In his defence he does really like the going good and unlike some of his competitors who are praying for rain, Pipe will probably be hoping that the sun is well and truly shining on Aintree, with 11 of The Package’s starts coming on that type of ground.

Having been pulled up at the Cheltenham Festival, David Pipe decided against running The Package in the 2013 Grand National and scratched him at the second stage on March 19th 2013.