The Irish horse racing broadcaster offers his best bets for the final day of the Grand National Festival, including one for the big race itself.
13:55
The somewhat surprising decision to point Lulamba here has changed the picture completely and with the four-year-old taking out such a large chunk of the market the temptation is there to back something each-way against him. However I struggled to choose between the likes of Fingle Bridge, Honesty Policy and Castle Carrock so will probably sit this one out.
14:30
Based on his demolition job in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham MYRETOWN / wouldn’t have been out of place in Friday’s Grade 1 novice chase but connections’ decision to stay in handicap company can be rewarded. A 15lb rise obviously makes life tougher but if anything Aintree could suit this rapidly progressive novice even better and he may well be able to shrug aside the extra poundage. The lightly-raced Doctor Ken could be next best.
15:05
A strong-looking edition of this three-mile contest and though he could hardly be described as a value bet I’m drawn towards the unexposed KITZBUHEL / . Willie Mullins’s French import has beaten a couple of fair rivals in his two starts in and around the minimum trip since joining the champion trainer but his pedigree screams stamina and he could easily have an awful lot more to offer over this sort of journey.
16:00
JP McManus has an incredibly strong hand in this year’s Grand National and it is far from impossible that the leading owner could sweep the board. Iroko has been aimed at this ever since chasing home Inothewayurthinkin here twelve months ago and looks to have had a perfect preparation, while last year’s hero I Am Maximus is a huge threat despite a couple of nondescript runs this season. However, my vote goes to PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS / , for so long a costly horse to follow in big handicaps but who really seems to have turned a corner of late. He was particularly strong at the finish when landing the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas and has gone on to capture another valuable prize over hurdles at the Dublin Racing Festival in the interim. He can crown what has been a stunning season for trainer Gavin Cromwell.
17:00
Three of the beaten horses from last month’s Arkle at Cheltenham renew rivalry and ONLY BY NIGHT / may be able to confirm her superiority over L’Eau Du Sud and Touch Me Not, though that would be far from a bullish shout.
17:35
A real minefield to bring the festival to a close and I’m afraid I don’t have a strong view, though I will be interested to see how Down Royal bumper winner Kilwaughter fares on his debut for new connections.
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