Sunday, May 20th, 2012
The Irish Grand National odds have Beautiful Sound as favourite, even though he’s struggling to get a run in the race.
For the latest Irish Grand National odds click here
A maximum 25 runner field is expected at Fairyhouse for one of the biggest events in their racing calendar.
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5/1 Beautiful Sound, 7/1 Prince Erik, 8/1 Quantativeasing, 10/1 Some Target, 12/1 Sunnyhillboy, Organisedconfusion, The Last Derby, 14/1 Bar
The big talking point ahead of this race is the likely absence of the favourite Beautiful Sound, who is almost certainly not going to get a run. Despite being favourite since the weights were announced, he’s only second reserve. Assuming Beautiful Sound doesn’t make it, Prince Erik is likely to go off favourite. He’s a decent horse, having run in the Irish Derby, but is fairly inexperienced and doesn’t look over enthused with the jumping game.
Tony McCoy rides Quantativeeasing for Nicky Henderson. He’s another relatively inexperienced type hoping to fool the handicapper. Ruby Walsh has decided not to ride the Willie Mullins trained Some Target, who’s claims are based on his 5th in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham. Instead he prefers Shakervilz, who is having his first run in more than a year. Novices do have a habit of doing well in this race, so the relatively inexperienced should not necessarily be ruled out.
The Jonjo O’Neill trained Sunnyhillboy has some claims based on his form behind Poquelin over shorter distances.
Of the outsiders, Whatuthink has proven course form, finishing third in this event last year. Oscar Time didn’t do that form any harm at Aintree, and he should be relatively fresh.
Whauthink is well worth an each-way investment and we’ll back Whatuthink at 14/1 with Betfred – use the link and you can claim a free £50 bet. Betfred are also paying out each-way on the first 5 places, and not 4 like some bookmakers.