Ranking the 10/1 Irish Grand National favouritism three-way
Published:
If In Doubt, Gallant Oscar and Embracing Change are currently involved in a three-way go for 10/1 favouritism ahead of the upcoming Irish Grand National.
As should be expected, each has leading claims ahead of the richest chase in the Emerald Isle’s jumps calendar.
But which of the trio offers best value at the odds? Here’s the news.ladbrokes.com rostrum rundown.
Third – If In Doubt
Philip Hobbs’ fast-improving fencer earned a handicap mark of 139 when landing the 3m Skybet Chase at Doncaster in November, clobbering several of the Town Moor obstacles.
Just over 8l behind Don Poli in the RSA Chase last time out despite some less than fluent jumping, he’ll run off 151 at Fairyhouse.
Between them, these two factors, along with his inexperience, seem sure to hold his chances below the waterline, with just two of the race’s last 32 placed runners not rated a maximum of 142.
Second – Gallant Oscar
The form of the Tony Martin-inmate’s Thyestes Chase fourth has worked out beguilingly thanks to the subsequent exploits of Djakadam and Goonyella.
Since that mist-shrouded January stamina test, the pair have posted a Cheltenham Gold Cup second and a Midlands National win respectively.
Meanwhile, Gallant Oscar stayed on very nicely to take third behind The Druids Nephew in a typically tasty 3m1f handicap on festival Tuesday.
Up a mere 1lb for that effort, he has been given every chance by the ratings boffins as he attempts to put last year’s 13th-fence fall behind him.
First – Embracing Change
Robert Tyner’s in-form 10-year-old recalls Seabass’ arrival at the 2012 Aintree Grand National, with a trail of 1’s, four to be exact, next to his name on the racecard.
The most recent of those saw him make light work of a field including stout stayers such as 2012 Eider Chase winner Portrait King and the re-opposing Raz De Maree over 3m4f at Punchestown.
Winning eased down, his jumping was very likeable and having scored over the Irish National course and distance on his previous start on the expected soft ground, he boasts proven staying chops over and above those of his rivals.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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