*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
14:05 – Better Times Ahead
Better Times Ahead is the son of Walk In The Park and is trained by Robert Tyner. This is a shrewd operation and it is interesting that Mark Walsh stays on board. He has ridden this horse in his last four starts and obviously feels he is the best of the JP horses. He won a 25 runner race at Naas comfortably and is up 10lbs but that may not be enough to stop him.
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14:40 – Icare Allen
Icare Allen‘s fourth in the Triumph is the best form on offer and it will be a major surprise if he gets beaten. He kept on really well up the hill at Cheltenham. Lunar Power is the obvious danger having finished eighth in the Triumph.
15:15 – Song Of Earth (each way)
Mags Mullins is a really good trainer. She has campaigned Song Of Earth mostly over fences this season but is attractive off this mark back over hurdles. Folcano is the mount of Jack Kennedy. He has been well supported several times and was even favourite last year in a Novice Handicap.
Read: Our Pundit’s Cheat Sheet Picks for the Irish Grand National
15:50 – Darasso
Mark Walsh has some tough decisions to make and he will not get them all right. He has chosen Thedevilscoachman over Darasso. He was obviously impressed with him back over the smaller obstacles having been unsuccessful in two goes over fences. He had some smart novice hurdle form to his name last year and was even joint-favourite for the Grade 2 on this card won by Echoes In Rain. Darasso finished second to Teahupoo at Gowran and had won at Naas before that. I feel this race is a good fit for him.
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16:20 – Easy Game
Easy Game won this last year and the track seems to suit him. He beat Castlegrace Laddy last year but has a new crop to contend with. Janidil is a young improver and Blackbow is the mount of Paul Townend. I feel this race is just a good fit for Easy Game.
17:00 – Run Wild Fred
Enjoy Dallen was purchased by JP McManus prior to running in the big race at Aintree. He finished third in this race last year and is only 6lbs higher this time around. He only got as far as the first at Aintree so hopefully is none the worse for that.
Farclas was saved for this and connections have opted for a 5lb claimer. Gordon Elliot has secured the services of Shane Fitzgerald for this lad and Rob James for Run Wild Fred. I think the Rob James mount has to be respected as he was strongly fancied for Aintree until he unseated Davy Russell at the canal turn first time around.
Time To Get Up represents Jonjo and JP with Robbie Power booked to ride. He has to be of interest as he has only raced seven times over fences. He was third to Screaming Colours at Uttoxeter and that horse added the ability to travel easily in a race to his CV. Screaming Colours is only 5lbs higher after that win and should give a good account.
Mount Ida unseated her rider at the first and if she can travel better than she did at Cheltenham, she could be a player. I just feel Run Wild Fred is of interest in this contest so he’s my pick.
17:40 – Glenloe
Glenloe has cheek pieces on for the first time. He disappointed at Cheltenham but is better judged on his placed efforts off higher marks at Punchestown and Limerick.
18:10 – I Am Fortunata
The Mediator is a son of Maxios and is very lightly raced. He has been in training some time and connections have kept the faith and not lowered their sights. That is always a good sign. However, I Am Fortunata won very easily at Thurles and this looks to be a Gordon Elliot race so he’s my pick of the Elliot horses.
Mick Fitzgerald’s best bets:
14:05 – Better Times Ahead
14:40 – Icare Allen
15:15 – Song Of Earth (each way)
15:50 – Darasso
16:20 – Easy Game
17:00 – Run Wild Fred
17:40 – Glenloe
18:10 – I Am Fortunata
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
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