O ONE better AN GAIN REVENGE ON CORACH RAMBLER MAXIMUS AND PANDA BOY HAVE A CHANCE
to be ended. And in recent years plenty of winners have scored ending a long wait – like grey Neptune Collonges; Tiger Roll becoming the first dual winner in more than 40 years; seven-year-old Noble Yeats in 2022 becoming the first of that age group since 1940 and Minella Times helping Rachael Blackmore become the first female rider to triumph.
There are, though, plenty of others with realistic chances of victory. Corach Rambler is again ahead of the handicapper following his fine third in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival last month. He will go off favourite again and looks sure to be in the firing line. Although carrying more weight and having had a tough race at Cheltenham mean he may have to settle for a place this time.
Corach Rambler broke the Irish domination 12 months ago but there are plenty from the Emerald Isle who can go close to giving them a sixth winner in the past eight runnings. Vanillier is one of them and Mahler Mission – who will be John McConnell’s first runner in the race – is another on his fine second in the
Coral Gold Cup at Newbury back in December.
I Am Maximus – who also won the Irish Grand National last year; and fellow Mullins-trained, JP McManus-owned Meetingofthewaters are also Irish raiders with a big chance of making the frame.
Panda Boy – from the shrewd Grand National-winning stable of Martin Brassil – is another with place claims at least on his fine second in the Paddy Power Chase at Christmas. While Christian Williams’ Kitty’s Light – winner of the Eider Chase, Scottish National and bet365 Gold Cup last season – is one of the home team with a chance of going close to victory.
But it may be Ireland’s time again with Vanillier coming out on top on this
occasion.
Twice a winner of National fences in Grand Sefton and Topham Chases in 2021-22 season. Won again at Aintree over Mildmay fences this season but down the field in two starts since. Can go well over the fences but stamina doubts temper enthusiasm.
Not run since sixth in Kerry National in Listowel last September. Pulled up in Irish National last year and could take a big effort to win the National on form and without a run for so long. Unlikely to be up to the challenge and won’t be worrying the judge.
Second in Troytown Handicap at Navan in November and has won three mares’ chase over shorter distances including at Cheltenham last month. If she stays the trip could be an interesting contender. Unexposed and could improve.
Won Paddy Power Handicap at Leopardstown over Christmas but unseated back there in February. It didn’t stop owner JP McManus from snapping him up and ran superbly to be third in Ultima at Cheltenham last month.
Has a chance of being involved in finish.
Pulled up in last year’s Irish National and fourth in Bet365 Gold Cup later that month. Has run well without getting close to wininng in four starts this season, including when fifth at Cheltenham last month. Should go well but hard to think he’d go close.
Finished seventh in last year’s National and won Cross Country contest in France in November. Second in muddling race at Down Royal last month, but has the ability to get round again. But at age of 12 that may be all he can do.
Good second at Limerick in December and similarly runner-up to Ain’t That A Shame in Thyestes Chase the following month. Disappointing at Cheltenham last month and has most of his racing at shorter distances. Has little appeal.
Second to My Silver Lining in Classic Chase at Warwick in January gives her a chance of going well. Maybe lacks experience outside of novice and mares’ company. But if she stays and jumps like at Warwick could at least get round. A likeable mare.
Interesting contender from Grand Nationalwinning stable of Martin Brassil. Placed in some good races including when fifth in last year’s Irish National and second in
Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown.
One for the shortlist.
Unseated and pulled-up on two starts at the Cheltenham Festival in the past two seasons. Overall form is patchy and has generally fluffed his lines at the biggest meetings. Unlikely to be any different this time and surprise even if he just finished.
Won Kim Muir Chase at 2022 Cheltenham Festival and landed superb victory over National fences in Becher Chase in December. Pulled up in Welsh National and down at Haydock and Cheltenham since. Should go well but unlikely to make the frame.
Superb record in long-distance staying events and has a real chance of going close. Second and first in Scottish National and third and first in the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown in last two seasons. Also won the Eider Chase.
All the attributes to run big race.