‘Progressive’ The Jukebox Kid going for Irish National gold

The Jukebox Kid is out to break new ground for trainer Ben Pauling when he lines up for the BOYLE Sports Irish Grand National on Monday.

The seven-year-old will be a first runner at Fairyhouse for the Gloucestershire stable and has been a leading player in the ante-post markets following a successful novice chasing term so far.

His last two outings have ended in victory, with the gelding winning a three-mile Ascot handicap in January before returning to the same track to land the Grade Two Reynoldstown the following month.

“He’s in good order. He has never been a fast work horse, so you take it on trust that he is in good form,” said Pauling.

“He seems well, he looks well and he has a very progressive profile. I think he is better going right-handed.

“He has only run six times in his life and that would be the only concern. But if he gets into a rhythm, he’s a good horse.”

Another British-based runner crossing the Irish Sea is Monbeg Genius, trained by Jonjo O’Neill and his son, A J.

The 10-year-old ran a big race to finish third in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham on his most recent outing and now bids to give the Jackdaws Castle operation a third Irish National after Butler’s Cabin in 2007 and Shutthefrontdoor in 2014.

“He’s been in great form since Cheltenham when he performed well in the Kim Muir,” said the younger O’Neill.

“We will stick with the blinkers he wore then. If the ground is a little slower in Ireland, that’s good also. He jumps well and when you get him into a rhythm he keeps galloping.

“We have very fond memories of winning the race twice. Three times would be amazing.”

Also representing British hopes is One Big Bang, trained by James Owen to finish third in the National Hunt Cup at the Festival. Sean Bowen rides, having triumphed 12 months ago aboard Haiti Couleurs.

“He’s been training well since Cheltenham. The ground might have been on the quick side for him there, anything softer in Ireland would be ideal,” said Ryan King, assistant to Owen.

“He’s a consistent horse. He stays well. He’s the kind of horse that gets better with racing.

“He ran well there at Punchestown last year when he placed third and we’re hoping he is a lively each-way chance again.”

As one may expect, Willie Mullins has a long list of hopefuls and among them is Argento Boy, eighth in the Brown Advisory at the Festival.

David Casey, assistant to Mullins, said of his chance: “The extra distance will suit him and any drop of rain will be a help. He stays well. Touch wood, with a clear round he will be able to run well.”

C’Est Ta Chance, winner of the Pierce Molony Chase, also runs and of the seven-year-old Casey added: “He had been running consistently. He won a beginners’ chase at Gowran then backed it up at Thurles in a Grade Three when he looked smart.

“Definitely the step up in trip will suit him and any rain will be a huge help for an improving horse. He hasn’t been to Cheltenham like one or two of the others so he might be fresher.”

Paul Townend has elected to ride Kiss Will, of whom Casey said: “He is a consistent horse. He ran well in the Jack Richards at Cheltenham, finishing fifth. Another one for whom the step up in trip will be a huge plus and he can be really competitive.”

Emmet Mullins has a fancied runner in Soldier In Milan, who steps up in trip and will represent owner Paul Byrne.

He said: “The only thing we would be a little worried about is his inexperience, but he is a big horse who jumps and stays well. He won his point-to-point over three miles and this is the kind of test we think he wants. He has a bit of class as well, so we are hoping for a good run.”

Still right in the mix in his bid to land a first Irish trainers’ championship, Gordon Elliott has a handful of runners, including Better Days Ahead, who has been aimed at this race since finishing sixth last year.

Elliott said: “This has been the plan all year. He has top-weight, but the most important thing is for the ground to stay on the soft side. He was sixth in it last year and he is in great condition.”