Those who complained about Gordon Elliott’s seven runners in the Grand National may want to look away from the Fairyhouse card today.
The County Meath handler saddles a staggering 12 of the 30 runners in the BoyleSports Irish Grand National as he bids to land the staying showpiece for the second time.
Needless to say, Elliott possesses an extremely strong hand with a number of Aintree and Cheltenham refugees readied for an assault on the bank holiday marathon, along with Farclas, who bypassed Liverpool to remain fresh for this assignment.
The likes of Run Wild Fred and Floueur look capable of launching challenges, while Willie Mullins arguably trains the field’s class act in Gaillard Du Mesnil. However, weight has been a significant factor in the Irish National, with only Our Duke (2017) carrying more than 11st to victory since Commanche Court in 2000.
Only two winners since 1990 have shouldered in excess of 11st 4lb and one of those was Desert Orchid.
With that in mind, the hardy MISTER FOGPATCHES (Fairyhouse, nap, 5.00) could be nicely weighted towards the foot of the handicap and I am hopeful the first-time cheekpieces will produce improvement from a horse that was placed in last year’s Scottish National.
The eight-year-old recorded a career-best effort when third to Longhouse Poet at Gowran in January and his form figures in races of more than three miles read 2313236, with his latest effort at Cheltenham blighted by a tendency to jump right. A return to a right-handed track may cure that and there could be more to come from a Pat Fahy-trained horse that needs marathon trips these days.
Galopin Des Champs routed his three rivals in yesterday’s Gold Cup Novice Chase to enjoy some redemption after his agonising last-fence fall at Cheltenham.
PLUMPTON
HUNTINGDON
FAKENHAM
WOLVERHAMPTON
REDCAR
Northerner – 4.34 Come On John (nb); 5.44 Ey Up Its The Boss (nap).
CHEPSTOW
KEMPTON
Newmarket – 2.20 Morning Poem (nap); 2.55 Saga (nb).
