Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece you can read my thoughts on the final day of Fairyhouse’s Easter Festival.
A new week begins with one Grand National and ends with another. The highlight of the final day of Fairyhouse’s Easter Festival is of course the Boylesports Irish Grand National (5:00). The richest jumps race run in Ireland with €500,000 guaranteed prize money has attracted a maximum field of 30 runners.
ITV4 are covering five races from Fairyhouse and four races from Kempton this afternoon. The best of the Kempton races is a competitive renewal of the Class 2 Racing TV Rosebery Handicap (4:05).
Fairyhouse
The Irish Grand National isn’t a race I have had much luck in but hope springs eternal that I will find the winner one day.
5:00 – BoyleSports Irish Grand National Chase (Grade A) – 3m 5f
Thedevilscoachman was promoted to ante post favourite for the race after winning a Grade 3 Limerick (3m ½ f) last time. He’s progressive and if he cuts out the mistakes and stays 3m 5f can close.
Given his inexperience over the larger obstacles Panda Boy ran a cracker when a ¾ length 3rd of 28 in the valuable Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas. Fell back at that venue over shorter last time. The 7-year-old has only had five starts over fences and if his confidence has been affected, by last time he’s a big contender.
Stumpton comes into the race in excellent form. He just failed to land the hat trick when a gutsy neck 2nd of 23 in the Kim Muir Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. The 6-year-old is going the right way and there could be more improvement to come over this longer distance. If he didn’t have a hard race last time, he’s a big player. Angels Dawn carries 9lb penalty for her Cheltenham win. However, she's capable of another big run if Cheltenham hasn’t left a mark on her.
Now Where And When seemingly put in a much improved performance when a 1 ½ length 3rd of 8 to Kemboy in the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase here last time. He looks well treated on that effort and isn’t discounted if staying today’s longer trip.
Top weight Royale Pagaille has a touch of class and wasn’t disgraced when 6th of 13 to Galopin Des Champs in the Gold Cup. Today’s trip should be within his stamina range. However, he probably needs soft or heavy ground to be seen to very best advantage. Interesting back in handicap company below his last winning mark.
An Easy Game
There are three Grade 2’s on the Fairyhouse card. The Donohue Marquees Juvenile Hurdle (2:40). The Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Hurdle (3:50). And finally, the McInerney Properties Fairyhouse Chase (4:20). All three are interesting enough contests but make limited appeal from a betting perspective.
In the first of those races Blood Destiny will attempt to bounce back from a poor run in the Triumph Hurdle last time. The hood and the first time tongue are applied, and he remains with potential in the sphere. His biggest rival maybe Sir Allen. He was 5 lengths behind Blood Destiny on his hurdle debut at Cork in December. Sir Allen wasn’t seen to best effect when a 7 length 11th of 21 in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham last time. Has each way claims if bouncing back.
In the second Grade 2 Willie Mullins has a strong hand with likely favourite Asterion Forlonge and the returning Monkfish. The first named was a solid enough runner-up on his first start for 12 months at Thurles last month. That was his first start over hurdles for 3 years and he's the one to beat in what looks a weak race. Monkfish is returning from a mammoth 713 day break and will likely need the run.
Easy Game has been installed the bookies early bird favourite in the 4:20. The 9-year-old has won this race for the past two years. And looked as good as ever when winning six of seven starts last summer and autumn. He’s well suited to these small field contests and provided the ground isn’t too soft the one to beat. French Dynamite ran a cracker when a 5 ¾ length 4th of 9 in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham and looks Easy Game’s biggest rival.
Sunday Selection:
Besides the feature race there are three other handicaps on the Fairyhouse card. All three are tricky puzzles but I will be having a go at all three races. If you want my selections for those three races and Kempton’s Roseberry Handicap. Plus, my final Irish Grand National picks you can get them all here.
I will be having a swing at two or three runners in the Irish Grand National. However, I do think top weight Royale Pagaille has decent each way claims provided the rain arrives and the ground is softer than on Sunday.
Fairyhouse
5:00 – Royale Pagaille – 20/1 @ Bet365 (paying 6 places).
Have a great Bank Holiday and good luck with your Easter Monday bets.
John