Right people, time to step up to the oche and fire a few darts at the expedition that is the Aintree Grand National…
SCHOOL BOY HOURS (SEAN FLANAGAN/NOEL MEADE, 18/1) Yes a sentimental pick on my part BUT he is quietly fancied on merit too. A proven stayer, Paddy Power winner at Christmas, was running a fine race at Cheltenham when a shuddering error halted his momentum. Sensibly minded then by Derek O’Connor. Any juice in the ground a bonus.
ANY SECOND NOW (MARK WALSH/TED WALSH, 10/1)
If ever there was a ‘Plot’ horse, and somebody to ready one for such a job, it’s this combination. Kim Muir winner, which indicates both stamina and alacrity in the jumping department, the pick of JP’s retained rider. Ground versatile, he won his prep race in fine style at Fairyhouse.
COKO BEACH (JONJO O’NEILL/GORDON ELLIOTT, 80/1)
One of the most consistent handicappers on the Irish circuit, dour stayer, mostly a sound jumper, the more cut in the ground the better but if he gets around could definitely outrun his odds.
RUN WILD FRED (DAVY RUSSELL/GORDON ELLIOTT, 25/1)
Jockey and trainer certainly know what they’re doing around here, closely matched on form with stable mate Coko Beach, though perhaps with a little more wriggle room regarding the going. Second in the Irish National at Fairyhouse previously
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