Irish Grand National tips: Three bets for the Fairyhouse feature

There is a feast of action to look forward to on Racing TV over Easter and undoubtedly one of the highlights is the €500,000 Boylesports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Monday.

The contest has a roll of honour which includes Rhyme ‘n’ Reason (1985), Desert Orchid (1990), Bobbyjo (1998), Commanche Court (2000), and Numbersixvalverde (2005). This year’s contest once again looks ultra-competitive, with Gaillard Du Mesnil the current 6-1 favourite with the sponsors.

However, I like the look of three contenders who are worth siding with in the extended three miles and five-furlong contest which is live on Racing TV at 5.00pm. Best of luck!

Trainer: Gordon Elliott. General odds: 8-1.

Gigginstown House Stud and Gordon Elliott are strongly represented, but Farclas, who was a brilliant fifth in the 2021 Grand National where his stamina emptied on the run for home, looks the class edge among a strong team.

He did shape like the potential winner for most of the Aintree showpiece, though, and the eight-year-old was still in with a chance when unseating his rider in the Kerry National on his return before finishing second to stable companion Run Wild Fred in the Troytown Chase.

It was interesting that Elliott decided to withdraw Farclas from the Grand National in order to have a tilt at this event and with rain forecast to hit the track on Sunday and Monday, that should only aid his chances. He looks a leading player for a trainer targeting his second victory in the race.

Trainer: Francis Casey. General odds: 8-1.

A success which would be tinged with emotion for Francis Casey, the son of Flemenstar’s trainer Peter Casey, and Max Flamingo looks a serious player for Monday’s contest.

A week on from novice Noble Yeats winning the Grand National, the seven-year-old will bid to emulate Emmet Mullins’ charge in the Irish equivalent. Kept busy this term, the selection was not disgraced when fourth in a Grade One at Leopardstown behind Fury Road but was slightly disappointing at Leopardstown in March.

Howver, he returned to form with success at Thurles over Bacardys last time out and this contest has always been the plan. The step up in trip looks sure to suit, too, and he is deeply respected.

Trainer: Noel Meade. General odds: 14-1.

Successful with The Bunny Boiler in 2002, Noel Meade chases a second Irish Grand National victory 20 years on. Eight-year-old Diol Ker appears to have blossomed in the second half of the season, filling second at Fairyhouse in January before finishing fourth in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park.

The son of Martaline then took a big step forward to win the Leinster National where his liking for testing ground was advertised. He was all out on that occasion, but he looks open to more improvement and eight-year-old’s have won five of the past 21 renewals of this contest.

A nod must be given to the fourth in the Leinster National, Franco De Port, who could also be a serious player here.

There are plenty of contenders who ran in the Grand National making a quick reappearance, with the likes of Enjoy D’allen, Samcro,Run Wild Fred, Mount Ida, Death Duty and School Boy Hours all declared.

However, it will be no easy task to return to form so quickly, and in the case of FARCLAS, MAX FLAMINGO and DIOL KER, they all come into the race off a nice break.

Gaillard Du Mesnil is undoubtedly a leading player given he has a similar profile to 2019 winner Burrows Saint, but his jumping can be sticky at times, and he looks worth taking on in what promises to be a fascinating event.