Richard Fahey talks about Aintree chances
It's great to have a runner at Aintree on John Smith's Grand National day as Dakar Run goes in the closing John Smith's Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race.
He's done nothing wrong in two starts, winning in very soft ground and I think he'll be even better on good going this weekend. It was officially good-to-soft at Huntingdon last time, but it wasn't, it was bottomless and I nearly pulled him out. His class got him through and I'm sure better conditions will bring out the best in him. We'll find out how good he is in Liverpool, but we think he's quite talented and I'm hoping for a very big run. He's an exciting horse to have in the yard and it wouldn't be a huge surprise if he went there and went really well.As for the big race, the John Smith's Grand National, I think the prize could be going back to Ireland for the first time since 2007 and On His Own looks a worthy favorite. His win in that Grade Two hurdle in Ireland suggests he's in rare form and he could be a very well handicapped horse for top connections.I'll take him to lead home an Irish 1-2-3 with Chicago Grey and Seabass fighting it out for second, while Sue Smith's Mr Moonshine jumps well and he could run a big race at a huge price.Sky Bet offer in-running National marketThe market will go live when the tapes go up for the great race and head of racing PR Michael Shinners explained: "How many times do you build yourself up for the big race and your horse fails to negotiate the first couple of fences. We have decided to bet the race in running for at least the first circuit and give all our customers the opportunity to back the winner."The race is always full of thrills and spills and the traders who are going to change the prices throughout the race will no doubt need to have a lie down in a dark room after the race!"
Mullins on Grand National favourite, On His OwnThe nine-year-old has been prominent in ante-post lists for the Aintree highlight since tipping up when still traveling strongly in the race 12 months ago.When he did eventually return to action, in the Boyne Hurdle at Navan in February, On His Own ran out a surprising, but hugely impressive winner.Dual National-winning jockey Ruby Walsh missed the ride a year ago after suffering injury earlier in the day, but is due to be on board this time.Mullins said: "He seems to have arrived at the track in good order and I don't think the drying ground will be any harm to him."He had a setback earlier in the season and because of that we haven't been able to get three or four runs into him."There was nothing suitable for him after his first run back over hurdles, but he's here now and in good shape, so I'm happy enough with that."Read more at; http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/preview/546573/mullins-aims-to-make-national-his-ownToday’s going at Aintree is Good, Good-to-Soft in places (Mildmay and Hurdle course) and Good-to-Soft, Good in places (National course).Current Market Negatives (Aintree); 2:30 Dynaste and 4:15 At Fishers Cross – Although I do disagree with the negative on Dynaste, and believe he can win.Check back soon for today’s tips on a separate blog
