The must-know trends ahead of the 2017 Irish Grand National
Published:
Hot on the heels of the Aintree spectacular the Irish Grand National headlines in its traditional Easter Monday slot.
Leading trainer Gordon Elliott saddles 10 of the 30 runners set to line-up at Fairyhouse with his Lord Scoundrel and Noble Endeavor at the top of the weights.
However, the Jessica Harrington-trained Our Duke heads the betting at 11/2 with a certain amount of daylight between him and the rest.
So, where should your money be going?
Here’s a few handy pointers ahead of the €500,000 contest…
8 of the last 10 winners have been aged between 6 and 8
That’s a positive for the aforementioned seven-year-old market leader although not so good for fellow hot fancies Fletchers Flyer and Abolitionist.
Other notable entries in that magic bracket include Willie Mullins’ first string Haymount and the winner of the four miler at Cheltenham, Tiger Roll.
Also noteworthy about that form is the fact that four of the last 10 Irish Grand National winners had taken part in that Festival contest prior to taking the spoils over Easter.
9 of the last 10 winners have carried 10-6 or less
This statistic has been in key in recent years with less exposed chasers dominating the Irish Grand National of late.
Seven-year-old Arbre De Vie will carry 10-5 although he’s yet to complete a chase over three miles or more.
General Principle is another to look out for with the Gigginstown House Stud-owned charge (one of 14 in this year’s renewal) in flying form at present.
Bryan Cooper guided the son of Gold Well to back-to-back victories last month and he’ll be back in the saddle hoping to bring up what would be a superb hat-trick.
9 of the last 10 winners were rated between 128 to 137
Again, we’re looking for a horse under the radar rather than a household name.
Course and distance winner and last year’s runner-up Bless the Wings makes appeal in this regard despite being very much at the veteran stage of his career.
However, we do have to bear in mind that the 12-year-old is the only horse amongst the current 30 to fit into this ratings bracket.
Therefore, we’ll extend the statistic and point out that since 2007 all 10 winners and 38 of 40 places were filled by horses rated 128 to 142.
That brings in the likes of Punchestown Grand National Trial runner-up Sambremont, the third that day Bonny Kate and 2016 winner Rogue Angel.
The latter only ran at Aintree less than a fortnight ago and as such is difficult to back.
Instead, we’re going to side with Willie’s HAYMOUNT.
Nicely weighted and with the ability and scope to pose a serious challenge, we’re expecting a big performance.
Ladbrokes Latest Betting:
2017 Irish Grand National
Our Duke – 11/2
Noble Endeavor – 10/1
Fletchers Flyer – 10/1
Abolitionist – 10/1
Haymount – 14/1
16/1 bar
Click here for the latest Irish Grand National odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
