I got up early last Saturday to watch the Malaysian Grand Prix and, having seen my selection in last week’s column, Fernando Alonso, qualify in third, I was confident.

But the Spaniard damaged his front wing on the first lap and for some reason didn’t pit! He had to retire minutes later and I’d done my money. That would have been the talking point were it not for Sebastian Vettel disobeying team orders and overtaking Mark Webber. If I’d been Webber after the race I’d have done well to not smack the German in the face and it’ll be interesting to see what punishment he is handed.

Looking ahead to the Grand National, last year I fancied Seabass and he ran a blinder under Katy Walsh to finish third for Ted Walsh, but I think her father has an even better chance this year with Colbert Station.

I haven’t backed the winner since I was a kid when the Freddie Starr-owned Miinnehoma came home under the legendary Richard Dunwoody in 1994. I went to the bookies with my dad and had £2 on at 16/1 which back then was a fair few quid for a teenager.

AP McCoy finally broke his duck in the world’s most famous race on Don’t Push It a few years ago and he is likely to ride Colbert Station next Saturday. There’s a joke going around the Walsh family that they’d love a picture of McCoy above their mantelpiece to go with all the photos of his great friend and rival Ruby Walsh and this nine-year-old must be a leading contender to make that happen.

Walsh has saddled the winner of this race and the Irish National before, so he knows what it takes and Colbert Station has won his last two. I think he’s crying out for this marathon test, he jumps really well which you need around Aintree, and there’s no way he’ll be 18.0 on BETDAQ once McCoy confirms he’ll ride.

I’m going to be away in Portugal for a four-day training camp, so I’m hoping I’ll be able to find a TV to sit down and see this fellow go close. I’ll split my stakes with half on Colbert Station to win and half on him to place (essentially an each-way bet).

Dec’s best bet on BETDAQ
Our betting and gaming partner, BETDAQ, is giving Dec a £25 bet each home game. All winnings will go to the Concern Worldwide at the end of the season

Tip of the week:
Colbert Station to win the Grand National at 18 on BETDAQ (£12.50) and Colbert Station to be placed in the Grand National at 4.6 on BETDAQ (£12.50)


Reckon Dec’s on to a winner? Bet now on your mobile or online at www.betdaq.com*.

Dec’s last bet: Fernando Alonso to win the Malaysian Grand Prix at 5.1 on BETDAQ (£25.00) returned £0.00 |Dec’s season winnings: £171.90

*Prices appear as decimal odds and are correct at time of going to press. For more information see www.betdaq.com. The views expressed in this column are the personal opinions of Declan Danaher. Please gamble responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose. www.gambleaware.co.uk


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