SECOND COMING
Walsh’s Grand battler can make amends
AFTER encountering more knocks than a dodgem car at a fairground in last year’s Randox Grand National, Any Second Now can put that experience behind him and triumph in the world’s most famous race.
In the race 12 months ago, ANY SECOND NOW (5.15, nb, ITV) was brought to his knees at the 12th fence by a faller so taking that into consideration, the gelding did extremely well to finish just eight lengths behind Minella Times and grab third place. Since that display, his trainer Ted Walsh, successful in the 2000 National with Papillon, has planned to make amends.
Admittedly, he has more on his plate, running off a 7lb higher mark, but his preparation cannot be faulted.
After two undistinguished outings over hurdles, the 10-year-old beat Escaria Ten (now a pound better off) in chase at Fairyhouse last time out, significantly after the weights were announced for this year’s event.
Delta Work has to go on the shortlist after bouncing back to form in impressive fashion when beating Tiger Roll in the cross-country chase at Cheltenham last month.
He has a similar profile to Tiger Roll, a smart performer
that had lost his way, but has been energised by running in cross-country events.
Longhouse Poet became a serious player after his success at Gowran in January – the race his trainer, Martin Brassil, also won with Numbersixvalverde on the way to taking the National in 2006.
Having won the Becher Chase, that takes place over a circuit of the National course and then produced a foal, Snow Leopardess has a huge shout to make the frame.