2018 Irish Grand National Preview

The feature race at Fairyhouse this weekend is none other than the Irish Grand National which is an extremely valuable Grade A handicap chase ridden over three miles and five furlongs.

This race will likely play a huge role in deciding who walks away Champion Trainer this season in Ireland between Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins. Gordon is once again winning on the quantity front here as he saddles many runners these include, Folsom Blue, Monbeg Notorious, Dounikos, Squouateur, Bless The Wings, General Principle, Outlander, Sutton Manor, Jetstream Jack, Lord Scoundrel, The Paparazzi Kid, Woods Well and Tell Us More. So just the 14 runners I believe this time for Gordon.

Willie Mullins is however represented by just the four runners and these come in the form of Bellshill, Pairofbrowneyes, Isleofhopendreams and Kemboy.

I've managed to narrow it down to the two selections here and the first of these at the shorter price comes in the form of MALL DINI for Patrick Kelly. He looked to be travelling much the best in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham but just couldn't get past the eventual winner and had to settle for second. I fancy his chances of another big run here and he's a general 9/1 shot.

The other one I like here at a big price is one of Gord's runners and that's GENERAL PRINCIPLE at a general 33/1. He was fifth in this last year and despite not been his most competitive in handicaps this time around he still ran a decent race behind Folsom Blue when back in fourth.

He's won off a higher mark than this in the past and could well put up a decent showing at a massive price.