PRIZE SET FORU
JP McMANUS, one of the richest men in Ireland, can capture the richest jump race there with Minella Foru in this afternoon’s BoyleSports Irish Grand National.
McManus, seeking a third success in the E500,000 chase at Fairyhouse, might not have the blanket coverage like Gigginstown – responsible for 14 of the 30 runners – but he has three worthy contenders.
Shutthefrontdoor, successful in the 2014 race, will run for McManus along with Oscar Knight who made the cut after Double Seven, also owned by McManus, was taken out of the race last night.
Trained by Edward Harty, Minella Foru has been kept fresh for the race.
His latest outing was over hurdles at Naas in January but a better assessment of the gelding came on his penultimate outing when beating Ucello Conti in a 28-runner chase at Leopardstown in December 2015.
Ucello Conti has since highlighted that form on numerous occasions. Significantly, Barry Geraghty, McManus’s retained rider, has opted for Minella Foru.
Trawling further back in his form, the gelding was not disgraced in novice chases behind the talented Vautour and Un De Sceaux.
Market leader Our Duke looks a worthy favourite following his second behind Disko at Leopardstown.
Also, he will have his prospects enhanced as he comes from the in-form Jessica Harrington stable.
Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott, currently locked in a duel for the trainers’ championship, surprisingly have yet to win the race. Elliott runs 10 against Mullins three.
Gigginstown’s retained rider Bryan Cooper has a poor record of picking the right horse owned by his boss, but looks to have chosen the right one in the Elliott-trained General Principle.
The progressive gelding looks the one to chase home Minella Foru.