Irish Grand National Preview: Tiger still on a Roll

The Gigginstown Stud army rolls into town once more for the 2017 Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse, however the maroon marauders don’t dominate the betting for once. That honour falls to Our Duke who has been well backed over the past week. The lightly-raced seven-year-old won a maiden at Navan and a novice at Leopardstown (by half a length from Coney Island), both in December, and shaped very well when one and three-quarter lengths second of 6 to Disko in the Flogas Novice Chase at the latter course last time. He was unsuited by the way the race developed there and will prove suited by a return to longer trip here.

Fletchers Flyer is the only guaranteed UK challenger (though there are two in reserve) and the Harry Fry-trained runner is a former Irish point winner who bettered his useful form over hurdles when returning to Ireland to win a competitive handicap at Punchestown (by two and a half lengths from Forever Gold) a year ago. He’s only had two starts since, including a creditable two and a half lengths third to Bigbadjohn in the Reynoldstown Novices' Chase at Ascot last time.

Rogue Angel won at Galway, Listowel (Kerry National Handicap Chase) and this race (by a short head from Bless The Wings) last season but hasn’t been so good this term, possibly amiss when pulled up in the Grand National won by One For Arthur at Aintree last time. He needs to bounce back, a comment that also applies to 2015 winner of this race Thunder And Roses, Measureofmydreams, Raz de Maree, Stellar Notion, Wounded Warrior and Roi des Francs, all of whom finished out of the places at Aintree last weekend.

The more interesting Gigginstown contender is 16/1 shot Tiger Roll who won the Munster National Handicap Chase at Limerick (by seven lengths from Stellar Notion) in October and put two below-par efforts behind him when winning  the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham last time by three lengths from Missed Approach, overcoming at least three notable errors. He stays well, holds the Willie Mullins pair of Haymount and Arbre de Vie on that form, and whilst not always the most reliable, is hugely respected back in handicap company.

Abolitionist improved after four months off when winning the Leinster National Handicap Chase at Naas last time by one and three-quarter lengths from Folsom Blue, leading on the bridle before two out. He has an 8 lb penalty here but is clearly in good form and is not one to discount too readily. That comment also applies to Noble Endeavor who won the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown (by three and a half lengths from The Crafty Butcher) in December and was then a creditable three and a half lengths third of 23 to Un Temps Pour Tout in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last time (suffered post-race ataxia). He should prove suited by this longer trip if over those exertions.

The 2014 winner Shutthefrontdoor looks attractively handicapped if back to near his best, while Baie des Iles (sixth in this race last term) and the lightly-raced Minella Foru are others worthy of close consideration, however the best bet is Tiger Roll at 16/1.

Recommended bet:

Tiger Roll to win the Irish Grand National at 16/1.