Conor Creamer takes a look at Monday’s fantastic card at Fairyhouse and gives his verdict on the Irish Grand National.
Not only are horse-racing fans able to enjoy an extended weekend, thanks to Easter festivities, but also three fantastically-filled days of jump action from Fairyhouse, which includes the hugely competitive Irish National.
It was won last year by Shutthefrontdoor and Barry Geraghty – for Jonjo O’Neill – in a performance that leads him to favouritism for Saturday’s showpiece from Aintree. This year’s renewal features another JP McManus gamble in the shape of Cantlow, the mount of Champion jockey AP McCoy in his last Irish National as a professional. He heads the market at 9/1 in what is a wide-open feature.
Kellings Irish Strawberry Hurdle (15:20) – DEDIGOUT
Dedigout is in midst of a fine run of form. His latest success at Navan in February suggests this course and distance, with the likely strong pace, is tailor-made for a horse of his profile.
The soft conditions are ideal with the 9-year old already boasting a 2-length beating of market rival Zaidpour. Connections have also gone out of the way to book the services of jockey Paul Carberry, who is renowned for being a fantastically patient rider, in what is anticipated to be another good opportunity to collect a nice prize.
Rathberry and Glenview Studs Novices Hurdle (16:25) – IDENTITY THIEF
Henry De Bromhead’s 5-year old is worth another chance after bitterly disappointing at Leopardstown last time. He never seemed to travel with any fluency for Bryan Cooper on that occasion and was pulled up before the final flight.
This son of Kayf Tara produced a really stylish display to win a bumper at Fairyhouse last November by a cosy three lengths, entering many notebooks as a result. His talent was then effectively transferred to the smaller obstacles in winning a maiden hurdle over Christmas. Identity Thief battled well in that race and proved that the talk surrounding his potential was not just hot air.
Connections opted to throw their talented recruit in to the deep-end for the Grade 1 Deloitte Hurdle at Leopardstown in February, though it ultimately proved a step too far for the inexperienced horse. He has since been given a break by his trainer and the decision to swerve Cheltenham could prove pivotal in this field.
A strongly run race over 2m4f should see him in best light as he looks to follow in the steps of Valseur Lido, who won this race 12 months ago.
Irish Grand National (17:00) – MY MURPHY
My Murphy arrived at the 2014 Irish National as a serious contender after a handful of high-class performances in staying novice chases. His success at Navan off top-weight last season proved that he was a thorough staying chaser who relished soft conditions. That race may have bottomed the horse who just never looked comfortable 12 months ago.
This year it seems he has been campaigned towards another tilt at the Irish National by trainer Liam Burke. His second behind Djakadam in the Thyestes Chase has proved to be strong form and he arrives at Fairyhouse after running a fair race in a Grade 2 in February.
With soft conditions in his favour and the application of first time blinkers, it seems this 9-year old is prepared for a big showing from a nice weight.
Selections:
15:20 – DEDIGOUT
16:25 – IDENTITY THIEF (each-way)
17:00 – MY MURPHY (each-way)
