The leading contenders for the the third Grand National of the jumps season include Jury Duty, Any Second Now and Pairofbrowneyes.
The third Grand National of the jumps season is fast approaching, and with the English and Scottish equivalents already ran; it could be possible to notice a trend for the upcoming event from Co Meath. Over the years this race has thrown up some fantastic stories, and hopefully this year that will be no different.
General Principle won last year’s event for the connections of Gigginstown and Gordon Elliot; the same team behind the dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll. The Tiger himself is prominent in the betting with most bookmakers, but it remains unlikely that he will race again just a month after his history-making ride at Aintree.
Jury Duty
It was a disappointing afternoon for Robbie Power on board Jury Duty at the Aintree Grand National last month. He was highly expected to ride the eight-year-old well and staying wasn’t supposed to be an issue. However, Power was unseated on the 18th fence. That disappointment could be eradicated in the Irish Grand National with the Elliot trained horse likely to be among the front runners.
Jury Duty went to Aintree in fine form, having won on his previous two outings at Down Royal and Far Hills. But it just didn’t click at Aintree. Power seems to fancy Jury Duty’s chances more than that of the second-placed Magic of Light as he will likely pick to ride the eight-year-old again. Power will be hoping to replicate his win in 2017 when he rode Our Duke to Irish Grand National success.
Any Second Now
Ted Walsh will be hoping that his Cheltenham hero Any Second Now can replicate his festival form in time for the Irish Grand National. The seven-year-old produced one of the moments of the festival last month when he raced home in the Kim Muir Handicap Chase. He fended off the pressure from Kilfilum Cross to win the amateur race by three-and-three-quarter lengths. This is a notable step up in competition, but the signs are positive.
The efficiency of that performance had all the hallmarks that you would want from a potential Grand National winner. It travelled well on a difficult day and jumped well. Derek O’Connor was onboard for that memorable day, but won’t be riding Any Second Now at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday; as that will be the role of Mark Walsh. The seven-year-old could be the one to beat and is rightly being tipped as the winner. For other expert help, you can find today’s free horse racing betting tips from the seasoned tipsters at OLBG.com.
Pairofbrowneyes
The Willie Mullins charge is to be led by the talented Pairofbrowneyes. Mullins hasn’t got a very good record in the Irish Grand National; as he is yet to win one, however, his record as the most successful trainer in the history of the Cheltenham festival means that his horses can never be overlooked. His ten-year-old had been in terrible form up until the beginning of 2019. Since then he returned to the track by beating fellow stable-mate Isleofhopendreams at Naas in March.
Pairofbrowneyes was convincing on that occasion as was pulling further away as he passed the line five lengths clear. Mullins will be hoping to send the season on a high after suffering a fatality in the Grand National at Aintree after the fall for Up For Review, and this ten-year-old will likely off among the favourites and will travel well.
