Andrew Halligan 18/04/2022 – Andrew covers Day 3 at Fairyhouse with two selections for the Irish Grand National, set to go off at 17:00.
The day over Easter that we have been all waiting for, it’s Irish Grand National Day.
Fairyhouse 15:50 – Andrew Halligan 18/04/2022
This could be a race we are looking back at in years to come as the day we all took notice of the hugely progressive FLAME BEARER.
I’ve been eextremely impressed by his progress this season and he comes here on the back of a three-timer over 2m – all at this track.
A very imposing horse and one that stamps of class steps into open company today and up in trip which if anything I think will play to his strengths in the way he travels through his races.
He has a very tough appointment in Thedevilscoachman a Grade 2 winner last time out, but I just think Flame Bearer might just have enough to improve past him.
Fairyhouse 16:20 – Andrew Halligan 18/04/2022
Now, let’s keep this short and sweet.
JANADIL is the standout horse in this race. Twice a runner-up to the monster that is Allaho (once in the John Durkan and again in the Ryanair), means he holds by far the best form in this field.
Must give weight all around but should have enough in reserve to take care of his rivals.
Fairhouse 17:00 – Andrew Halligan 18/04/2022
The main event of the easter weekend, the Irish Grand National.
I have two selections and let’s start with my main hope – GAILLARD DU MESNIL. A two-time Grade 1 winner as a novice and followed Bob Olinger home in the Ballymore Novice Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last year.
His chasing career has been slow coming to hand, but he ran by and far his best race in the Grade 1 Brown Advisory Novice Chase over 3m at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival as he finished 3rd behind winner L’homme Presse and Ahoy Senior, with the latter going on to win a Grade 1 at the Grand National Festival.
Many are against him because of the weight he has to carry today but he may well have enough class to negate the weight burden. Could he become the second horse to finish behind Ahoy Senior and go on to win a Grand National, as Noble Yates did by getting his head in front at Aintree after finishing just over 5L behind Ahoy Senior at Wetherby in February?
My next selection for the 2022 Irish Grand National is the classy RONALD PUMP.
This high-class hurdler, who has been 2nd in a Stayers’ Hurdle, 2nd to Honeysuckle in the Hattons Grace and two of his three handicap wins have been at this track. Had his first run over fences for over two years when a taken 2nd behind Diol Ker at Naas.
Back at this track and if he behaves himself (reluctant to line up last time) Ronald Pump has the class to be well involved at the finish, and is foolish to rule out at a track he clearly enjoys.
Monday’s Best UK Bet – Andrew Halligan 18/04/2022
You can make a case for all in the 16:15 at Huntingdon, but I like the chances of INNISHFREE LAD who will be more at home in this smaller field that when last seen in the Scottish National.
Before that he was a very good 3rd behind Win My Wings who went onto win the Scottish National at a canter.
The form is there if he leaves the last run behind and at 5/1, he is well worth giving another chance.
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