Forty-five horses remain in contention for the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday. They include ante-post favourite Gallant Oscar, although connections are still hoping that the nine-year-old sneaks into the Aintree line-up.
Tony Martin’s gelding is currently down at number 57 in the entries so needs another 17 to drop out. He is favourite on the basis of a fine staying-on third behind The Druids Nephew at the Cheltenham festival last month. The winner is now a leading fancy for Aintree so Gallant Oscar will have plenty of supporters if he runs in Ireland.
He had previously finished fourth in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park behind Gold Cup runner-up Djakadam and is only slightly higher in the handicap. The going is expected to be soft and those conditions suit him perfectly. If you’re backing him, make sure that your bookmaker is offering Non-runner – no bet terms.
Grand Jesture, just ahead of Gallant Oscar at Cheltenham, is also a leading fancy for Henry De Bromhead. He finished down the field in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown in December but put in a fine display of jumping at the festival. He has finished fourth, second and first here on his previous visits and could still be improving at the age of seven.
Embracing Change has won his last four races including the Grand National Trial at Punchestown. He was eased in the closing stages when accounting for Portrait King by a length and a half but the handicapper has put him up 13lbs.
Los Amigos beat Grand Jesture here in 2013 and is better off at the weights on Monday. This looks to have been the target all season for the son of Overbury who beat Lion Na Bearnai here in January. He was trying to give Gallant Oscar 11lbs when beaten three and a quarter lengths at Naas in the Leinster National last March. An 8lbs pull should bring them closer together.
Tony McCoy will be riding in Ireland for the last time and could partner the novice If In Doubt. McCoy had to be at his best to steer this one home in the Great Yorkshire Chase and he ran respectably in the RSA Chase behind Don Poli. He still does not look the most natural of jumpers and that cannot be a good thing in such a large field.
There has been plenty of ante-post support for Vics Canvas despite his advancing years. The 12-year-old son of Old Vic was a fine third to Living Next Door in the Paddy Power Chase in December but he has been well beaten on both previous visits to Fairyhouse. Wounded Warrior looks set to carry top weight after finishing third to Don Poli at Cheltenham but this looks a difficult task for a six-year-old.
Gallant Oscar @10-1 Boylesports* Non-runner – No bet
Grand Jesture @14-1 Bet365
Los Amigos @16-1 Bet365
Each-way ¼ odds, 1,2,3,4
Betfair:
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Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
