Ford may be on favourite

Grand National News: Carrie Ford's mount Forest Gunner could go off as favourite for Saturday's Grand National, according to the bookmakers.

Three firms chopped the 11-year-old's odds yesterday and they believe Mrs Ford could make history as the first lady rider to partner a Grand National favourite.

Forest Gunner, who is trained by Ms Ford's husband, Richard, is now an 11 to 1 chance with all three firms after serious support in recent days.

The swell of money has come despite the fact that four-time National-winning trainer Ginger McCain wrote off Forest Gunner's chance, claiming that "women don't win Grand Nationals".

"Thanks to Ginger McCain's comments, Carrie Ford and Forest Gunner are guaranteed headline coverage this week, but unlike Ginger, plenty of punters think a lady rider can win the National and are backing this horse accordingly," said Coral's David Stevens. "Forest Gunner could well go off favourite if the money continues to pour in."

Forest Gunner would be the second-biggest loser in Ladbrokes' ante-post book, with £330,000 potential losses on the Gunner B gelding. Only McCain's Amberleigh House, winner of the race last year, would cost the firm more if he won.

Ms Ford will be the first woman since Rosemary Henderson in 1994 to line up for the Aintree showpiece and despite the fact that only two women have completed the race in the past, Hills make her a 5 to 6 chance to get round.

'Girl power' could well be the theme of next Saturday, with trainer Lucinda Russell predicting a good run from her contender Strong Resolve. The nine-year-old still needs a few to come out to be guaranteed a run, but he looks a solid 16 to 1 shot judged on his second to Silver Birch in the Welsh National last December. He proved his well-being with a decent second at Kelso last month.