State of Play ~ 2010 Grand National Favourite
The photo above shows the Evan Williams horse, State of Play.
State of Play ran all guns blazing to come fourth in the 2009 Grand National at Aintree, where he challenged for the lead at the second last and for a short while even looked like he could win it. He's trained by Evan Williams and was ridden by Paul Moloney and started the race a 14/1 favourite but ultimately came in eighteen lengths behind Mon Mome at the finish.
Jockey Paul Moloney said of State of Plays performance at the National: ‘He ran a blinder. Jumped brilliant, travelled great. He made two little mistakes before Becher's, then found a second wind past Valentine's and away I went again and thought I might win two out. He just didn't quite quicken with the winner.’
Age
Generally we recommend horses who are 9 or 10 years old, and for the 2010 Grand National State of Play will be the perfect age of 10 so that box gets ticked!
Stamina
Even though he came fourth in 2009, he really didn't have anything left in the tank to challenge Mon Mome and it has been widely recognised that he is best when fresh, as four out of his five wins over fences have occurred when he has returned after an extended break.
Weight
He carried 11-02 for the 2009 Grand National which is a little on the high side but still within the ideal weight for a potential win. How he will be handicapped in 2010 is very important and if he is to have any chance then he shouldn't be weighted over 11-03.
Season So Far
He hasn't actually run since the 2009 Grand National so it's difficult to determine his fitness levels and potential. Though we should mention that he should have been entered for the Charlie Hall Chase again this year, but he had a little too much weight around the middle!
He is a very likely candidate for the 2010 Grand National and it seems that Evan Williams is saving him specifically for that. His lack of racing this season hasn't effected his ante-post odds though which are currently at 26/1 despite the race being a long way off.
