Dermot McLoughlin has turned the Irish Grand National into a bookies’ benefit over the last two years, saddling winners at 150-1 (Freewheelin Dylan) and 40-1. While the local trainer has been robbed of a chance to record an unprecedented treble by a late injury to last year’s winner, Lord Lariat, Monday’s feature at Fairyhouse is still a race punters should approach with considerable caution.
A market on the eventual favourite could be a lively betting heat in its own right, with Thedevilscoachman, Panda Boy, Angels Dawn and Stumptown all certain to attract support as a result of their form, connections or both. Stumptown, who was edged out late on by Angels Dawn in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham last month, is possibly the pick of those at Monday’s weights, with Angels Dawn shouldering a 9lb penalty.
In such an open race, though, there must be a stronger each-way alternative at longer odds and Now Where Or When (5.00, nap) is a plausible option at around 20-1. Stuart Crawford’s eight-year-old is more exposed than many of his rivals but appeared to improve when stepped up beyond three miles for the first time in a Grade Three at Fairyhouse in February.
Graded form does not always translate to handicaps but the time of that race was solid, and he finished within two lengths of two Grade One winners in Kemboy and Vanillier, a live contender for next Saturday’s Grand National at Aintree. Now Where Or When has crept in at the bottom of the weights on 10st 1lb and it would be no surprise to see him outrun his current odds.
Easter Monday TV racing preview
Kempton 2.55 Four of the five runners have Classic entries, including Rich, who is potentially overlooked in the betting at around 8-1. She did not have the experience for the Group Two Rockfel Stakes last time but retains as much potential as any of her rivals for her three-year-old season.
Fairyhouse 2.40 A first-time hood could make a big difference to Blood Destiny, who pulled too hard when fancied for the Triumph last time.
Fairyhouse 3.15 Tony Martin’s Unanswered can be only a hopeful selection in a fiercely competitive heat.
Huntingdon 1.05 Norley 1.35 Brentford Hope 2.10 Kakamora 2.45 Titanium Bullet 3.20 Patient Dream 3.55 Brandisova 4.27 Bob Bob Ricard
Chepstow 1.25 Mount Tempest 2.00 Lagonda 2.35 Ballinsker 3.10 Not Available 3.45 Gwennie May Boy 4.18 Ballybeen 4.55 Two To Tango 5.35 U Cant Be Serious
Wolverhampton 1.41 Painters Palette 2.18 Old Harrovian 2.53 Doctor Mozart 3.28 Odin Owns You All 4.03 Sweet Mist 4.38 The Thunderer 5.13 Westmorian
Redcar 1.44 Theme Park 2.16 Bonito Cavalo 2.51 Ireland’s Eye 3.26 Paramaribo 4.01 The Cookstown Cafu 4.36 Blind Beggar 5.11 Edmund Ironside 5.46 Smile And Pay
Fakenham 1.57 Havaila 2.32 Enduring Love 3.07 East End Girl 3.42 Swaffham Bulbeck 4.17 Boldmere 4.52 Firak 5.27 Mistral Milly
Kempton Park 2.20 Action Point 2.55 Rich 3.30 Slipofthepen 4.05 Max Mayhem (nb) 4.40 Laurel 5.15 Naval Commander 5.50 Silver Samurai
Plumpton 2.23 Copshill Lad 2.58 Stepney Causeway 3.33 Ohnodonttakemehome 4.08 Black Gerry 4.43 One For The Wall 5.18 River Tyne 5.53 Carrigmoorna Rowan
Kempton 3.30 Slipofthepen is a potential star in the royal colours this season and will be a short price for his three-year-old debut after a deeply impressive success first time up over track and trip in November.
Fairyhouse 3.50 The switch to a handicap did not suit Fil Dor at Cheltenham last time but this smaller field should suit, and his earlier form at Gowran Park gives him every chance.
Kempton 4.05 Kevin Philippart de Foy has made a strong start to the season and Max Mayhem, a lightly-raced recruit from Joseph O’Brien’s stable over the winter, could further improve his 20% strike rate. He has decent Polytrack form at Dundalk and makes his British debut from 2lb below his last winning mark.
Fairyhouse 4.20 The Ryanair Chase fourth French Dynamite could deny Easy Game a third straight win in this Grade Two event.
Kempton 4.40 Laurel was beaten less than a length in a Group One on her final outing at three and should make a successful start to her four-year-old career.
