RATHVINDEN CAN LEAD GREEN SWEEP

IRELAND dominated last season’s Grand National and for the second successive year I reckon there will be a green sweep for the raiders from over the water, with an Irish first four led home by RATHVINDEN. The 11-year-old, one of four entries for trainer Willie Mullins and the choice of his No 1 jockey Ruby Walsh, has the credentials you need to win the Grand National. He has a touch of class and his win in the four-mile National Hunt Chase at last year’s Cheltenham Festival proves he has stamina for this marathon test. Rathvinden’s easy win in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February was a perfect stepping stone to today’s challenge. With Gordon Elliott-trained favourite Tiger Roll looking better than ever, he must be in the shake-up if he has a clear round in his bid to repeat last year’s win. For the second season running, Tony Martin-trained Anibale Fly finished placed in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and this classy chaser can be placed in the National for a second season, too. Mullins’ Pleasant Company — ninth in 2017 when a bad mistake at the 25th fence was costly, and second last year — raises his game at Aintree and should run another big race.