Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
TIME TO GO ON A ROLL
Aintree hero can return with a win
THE return to action of dual Grand National hero Tiger Roll, in the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Ireland Boyne Hurdle, should attract a huge crowd to Navan tomorrow, unless Storm Dennis intervenes.
The ten-year-old, a true racing legend, has been in the headlines all week, with the midweek hot-air emanating from Gigginstown about the weights for the Randox Health Grand National being replaced yesterday with confirmation that he will bid for a historic three-in-arow at Aintree on April 4.
A year ago, Tiger Roll produced a sparkling display to beat Off You Go in the Boyne, three months after finishing fourth to
Josies Orders at Cheltenham’s November meeting in the cross country race.
Tiger went on to complete back-toback wins in the Festival’s Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase in March at the same venue.
And, then, back on Merseyside, he registered his second Grand National success, seeing off compatriot Magic Of Light who, intriguingly, will be in the field again tomorrow.
Tiger Roll hasn’t run since that memorable Aintree triumph last April. He suffered a minor setback in November, which delayed his prep slightly and, this time, he must concede weight to his nine rivals.
So, with Keith Donoghue (inset) back on board, Gordon Elliott’s charge faces a stiffer task than last year. But, on this occasion, the heart rules the head and I give him the nod to get the better of Aintree rival Magic Of Light, winner of a Grade 2 mares event at Ascot last time.
The Willie Mullins-trained Penhill, no match for Benie Des Dieux in the Galmoy at Gowran Park, must also enter calculations, along with Eddie Harty’s Kilfenora, a progressive handicapper, successful off 143 over course and distance last time and tackling Grade 2 company for the first time.
The other Grade 2 on the card, the three-mile Ten Up Novice Chase, hasn’t attracted any stars but looks a wide open affair.
And local trainer Noel Meade holds a strong hand, with Thyestes third Minella Fair and First Approach, a pleasing third to Minella Indo on his chasing debut over course and distance.
But I’ll side with Captain Cj, yet to win over fences, but boasting a string of solid placed effort, including a second to Minella Indo here, on which he holds First Approach.
Earlier, Cj’s exploits included placed efforts behind the likes of National Hunt Chase candidates Carefully Selected and Champagne Classic. And he has rock-solid claims in a competitive event.