Ruby Walsh: How the Mullins stable is shaping up for the English and Irish Grand Nationals

Fairyhouse

There’s a chance Laurina could run in the Mares Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse in April.

She sliced up the rest of the field at Cheltenham – that was only her third run. The one at Fairyhouse would look an obvious place for her to go, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Willie pulled her out again.

As far as I know, Willie seems to be going to Fairyhouse with Bellshill. Obviously, he’d had to carry his penalty in the Bobbyjo on Fairyhouse, but he is a course winner and it’s up the road. But Pairofbrowneyes will take his chance as well, and he won well in Gowran.

But you’d imagine Bellshill would be our number one at the moment.

This meeting will probably come too soon for Invitation Only after his fall. He done the splits and he might want a bit longer. Pleasant Company will go to Fairyhouse – he didn’t quite get home at Aintree last year, so I’d imagine he’ll run at the Irish course instead.

As for Rathvinden, he’s entered for both Fairyhouse and Aintree. He had quite a hard race in the four-miler at Cheltenham and I’d say the Irish National might come a bit soon for him.

AINTREE

Maybe Un De Sceaux will make it to Aintree because of the trip suitability. There’s a two-and-a-half miler there, and there’s not at Punchestown, where he’d be taking on Min or Douvan and having to go three miles.

As yet, I don’t know what the plan is with Yorkhill but left-handed around Aintree would probably suit him better than Punchestown.

Then there’s Total Recall in the Grand National. He’d be three pounds better off with Anibale Fly for that run, but then I think Anibale Fly got a nine-pound penalty so, he’d be nine-pound well in at Aintree.

If you’re looking for a dark one or an outside bet, if Carlingford Lough was to come back to some of his best form and take his chance at Aintree, I think he’s a huge price.

Tiger Roll would also have to have a chance. He’s a very accurate jumper. I’d like a horse a little bit keener maybe than Tiger Roll myself. He’s plenty brave, but he doesn’t get overly high. He would have to have a chance, but I’m sceptical enough about him.