Drachenfels set for Moonee Valley Blitzkrieg

The virtual reality Grand National is attracting punters and humour alike ahead of it stepping out of the shadows and for once taking centre stage on Saturday. Bookmakers are taking bets on the race which sees Tiger Roll attempt to become the first horse ever to win it on three successive occasions — late legend Red Rum’s three victories were not consecutive. Bookmakers are to donate profits from the race — in normal times the most gambled on in the calendar with an estimated 300 million pounds ($369 million) bet on last year’s edition — to the National Health Service.

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert vowed to keep his horses clean after four known drug tests in his barn in past six months.