Monday, 18th April 2022
A field of 30 goes to post for today’s Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse (5.00)….
I’m hoping they get some of the rain forecast – which will suit VELVET ELVIS down the ground….
His trainer Thomas Gibney knows what it takes to come out on top in this race – he won it back in 2012 with Lion Na Bearnai….
One thing you need is a horse with some margin in hand over the handicapper – and Velvet Elvis looks like a horse with more to give yet off his current mark of 142….
He’s been put up 10lsb for his last winning performance at Navan in March. That was on handicap debut and the 6yo was tackling 3m over fences for the first time that day – producing a clear career career-best on the Racing Post Scale….
He won in some comfort – going clear approaching the last and stayed every yard of the 3m trip. We can’t know for sure if he’ll stay another 5f – until he does. But the suggestions at Navan were encouraging….
He’s one horse coming into the race on a progressive curve and the 20s, 18s & 16s about him is acceptable….
Each-way backers take note: William Hill, bet365, Sky Bet, Boylesports & Betway are 1/5 the first 7. It is 1/5 the first 6 generally….
Nick’s Dark Horse….To recap on my idea of the dark horses capable of running big races at tasty prices in the big handicaps tomorrow afternoon…. In the Irish Grand National (5.00 @ Fairyhouse)….
Advised prices are correct at the time my column is submitted for publication. But prices are subject to fluctuation. There’s nothing I can do about that. Be sure to consult Oddschecker – you may find a quote better than advised…. |
That’s all for today. Back next time. Meanwhile….
Anything to report? Anything to say? Anything to share? Contact me at: nick.pullen@oxonpress.co.uk
Stay tuned.
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