Talking Horses: Irish Grand National keeps punters guessing after upsets

D ermot McLoughlin has turned the Irish Grand National into a bookies’ benefit over the last two years, saddling winners at 150-1 (Freewheelin Dylan) and 40-1. While the local trainer has been robbed of a chance to record an unprecedented treble by a late injury to last year’s winner, Lord Lariat, Monday’s feature at Fairyhouse is still a race punters should approach with considerable caution.

A market on the eventual favourite could be a lively betting heat in its own right, with Thedevilscoachman, Panda Boy, Angels Dawn and Stumptown all certain to attract support as a result of their form, connections or both. Stumptown, who was edged out late on by Angels Dawn in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham last month, is possibly the pick of those at Monday’s weights, with Angels Dawn shouldering a 9lb penalty.

In such an open race, though, there must be a stronger each-way alternative at longer odds and Now Where Or When (5.00) is a plausible option at around 20-1. Stuart Crawford’s eight-year-old is more exposed than many of his rivals but appeared to improve when stepped up beyond three miles for the first time in a Grade Three at Fairyhouse in February.

Graded form does not always translate to handicaps but the time of that race was solid, and he finished within two lengths of two Grade One winners in Kemboy and Vanillier, a live contender for next Saturday’s Grand National at Aintree. Now Where Or When has crept in at the bottom of the weights on 10st 1lb and it would be no surprise to see him outrun his current odds.

Kempton 2.55 Four of the five runners have Classic entries, including Rich, who is potentially overlooked in the betting at around 8-1. She did not have the experience for the Group Two Rockfel Stakes last time