As National Hunt season begins its wind-down post Cheltenham, could it be third time lucky for Vanillier in the 2025 Randox Grand National?
In the second of three in-focus looks at this year’s edition of the world’s most famous steeplechase, BestofBets has plucked a favourite, a mid-range and longer punt from the start list and here look at one of Gavin Cromwell’s big hopes.
On the back of a hugely successful Cheltenham for the Irish trainer, in his third National outing brings his biggest list of entries to date, including one of the big favourites, winner of the Glenfarclas Cross Country at Cheltenham, Stumptown.
But could stablemate, Vanillier, finally rise to the occasion at Aintree?
Plucky runner-up
Just over two years ago on 15 April 2023, the 175th running of the Grand National took place, shrouded in controversy following animal welfare protests, with the race delayed by a full 14 minutes as protestors stormed the race course.
Through the mist and mire of uncertainty rose Corach Rambler, a 9yo who took full advantage of a 10-pound weight advantage – allocated before his second victory in the Ultima a month before at Cheltenham.
As trainer Lucinda Russell picked up her second National winner, bringing up the rear only two lengths behind to finish runner-up – and surging – Vanillier stormed home at a lofty 20/1, pocketing Gavin Cromwell over £200,000.
This weekend, 24 months on, Cromwell gives his now 10yo a third crack a glory after plans for a return attempt in 2024 went decidedly awry.
Struggle
Last year, Vanillier was the antepost favourite at 7/1 and after his sterling but largely forlorn charge the year before, his weight allowance had drawn the attentions of punters in the market.
However, by post-time his price had doubled to 14s. In hindsight, last year’s softer ground did him no favours.
Seeing I Am Maximus take the spoils for the second race in a row after the two met at Fairyhouse, Vanillier was very much a midfield runner and weakened late on to finish outside the top 10 in 14th spot.
In theory, the going this year may not prove much more to his liking, but following a better showing at Cheltenham and on good to soft ground, Vanillier could yet throw the challenge down to Stumptown.
Wrong Turn
Vanillier is one of many contenders this year who are seeing a sizeable nibble in the market and for good reason.
So would ground set to be a good deal firmer, but still officially likely good, serve Vanillier better? The jury is out on that particular deliberation.
Without doubt, Cromwell’s runner has had his best results on softer or heavier ground – including February’s cross county win at Punchestown and 2021 victory in the Albert Bartlett.
It was in the former race that caused many a punter to fancy his chances in the Glenfarclas at Cheltenham last month, but said hopes took a turn for the worse – quite literally.
Leading the field out, Vanillier bolted over fence 3 and together with Escaria Ten, narrowly avoided taking the wrong path over the 3m5.5f route.
However, just to underline his credentials, not only did he recover to midfield within a mile, but put himself in the frame to win the race.
As it turned out, the momentum lost scuppered his winning chances, but as he watched 5/2f Stumptown go on to victory, Vanillier again chased his stablemate and Latenightpass into a hugely creditable third place.
If we consider his two late efforts in both the 2023 National and last month in Gloucestershire, Vanillier has a proven engine.
It sounds perhaps obvious to again state in the race, but if Cromwell’s other big runner remains in the picture toward the closing stages, there will be real chances.
But in the case of this grey gelding in particular, if he is not only in the mix but has left enough to tear home once more, Vanillier and likely mount Sean Flanagan could be on to a very, very good thing this weekend.
