With his Grand National and Scottish Grand National victories in recent weeks, Willie Mullins has taken center stage, but I don’t think the Irishman will establish himself in his native country. Rather, after a lackluster season, Gordon Elliott can finally win the day’s main race. It appears to be a race for mud lovers or those who have managed to slip in off a low weight, like WILL DO (18/1). Ireland has had an abundance of rain in recent days. The eight-year-old, who was previously second reserve, made the field yesterday, but stablemate Tullybeg’s absence might be important. Although Will Do hasn’t yet broken his first tag over fences, he was an eye-catching third in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and could relish this extended trip. With the ground also likely to be in his favour and Harry Sexton claiming a valuable 7lb, the gelding looks primed to have his say on the race.
KINTURK KALANISI (17/2) appears well-prepared for this race as well. Thomas Gibney has experience winning an Irish National after his triumph with Intense Raffles last year. The gelding was traveling like a dream at the moment and seemed to have much left to give. He was last seen defeating Anna McGuiness at Naas. Even though mares don’t have the finest record in this race, MALINA GIRL appears to have a good shot. It wouldn’t be shocking for trainer Gavin Cromwell to win the championship at Fairyhouse after another outstanding season. His stable star kept up wonderfully up the hill to watch off the rallying Happygolucky, finishing third in the Ultima behind two extremely well-handicapped racers.
HAITI COULEURS, the victor of the National Hunt Chase (7/1) is also in the running and may still have plenty of hand. Before he descended, the Welsh raider appeared to be preparing to engage the opposing Now Is The Hour in combat. He could be released lightly if his weight increased by 7 pounds. I’ll wager on YEAH MAN (33/1) to get back to his previous level of performance in order to round out my top five. Although the eight-year-old hasn’t performed well this season, he could be able to progress further on his preferred heavy ground with a step up in trip.
