After a Grand National and a Scottish Grand National win, a sterling Cheltenham Festival (despite an upset in the Gold Cup), you just wouldn’t back against another Willie Mullins winner in the Irish Grand National.
Looking through the runners and the number of entries he has, I just can’t see him not winning and, maybe he gets a clean sweep like he did at Aintree, though there is some stiff competition.
Surprisingly, a Mullins horse isn’t a favourite, though High Class Hero at around 10/1 (third favourite) could offer good value though his form has been patchy of late and I’m not massively convinced.
At around 20/1 you’ve got Quai De Bourbon who I thought was going well in the Grand National until he fell on the 14th fence at Aintree and should Patrick Mullins be on him, he may fare better this time around and seems to have a lot to give.
I’m tempted by Sa Majeste and despite a couple of poor runs recently, I think that a flatter track and better conditions may just help his case and at around 25/1 this could prove to be a worthy each way shot.
Who Beyond Mullins?
Should a Mullins horse not deliver, there are a few that could and I’m really liking Gordon Elliot-trained Better Dyas Ahead at around 12/1 – certainly he has the potential and he’s had a couple of good runs recently.
The favourite, Rebecca Curtis-trained, Haiti Colours has a stunning profile and is in decent form, having won the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, though for me, it’s the odds that are putting me off and I don’t really see any value. If it drifts to around eight’s or nine’s pre-race then I’d be tempted by a cheeky flutter.
If you’re looking for a decent each way shot, then personally, I don’t think you can look much further than Welsh Grand National winner, Val Dancer at what I think is a staggering 33/1 price. Big things are expected from him and should he hit the front early on, others could well have a hard time passing him. It’s also worth noting the Grand National winner, Nick Rockett won with those odds as well.
Another Choice is also one at 50/1 that could give you a nice little return each way and I think looks decent for a place. He’s definitely a stayer and if he gets into a nice position, early on, it could well pay off.
Other than that, not a lot really jumps out, though it’s definitely one I’ll be watching closely. Perhaps, just this once, the smart bet really isn’t on Mullins.