Irish dominate Aintree market

Irish-trained runners dominate the market for the Aintree Grand National with five horses currently sharing favouritism

Irish-trained runners dominate the market for the Aintree Grand National with five horses currently sharing favouritism. Totesport make Dun Doire, Point Barrow, Far From Trouble and last year's first and second, Numbersixvalverde and Hedgehunter, the 14-1 co-favourites for the April 14th feature.

They also offer 10-11 about a raider from across the Irish Sea claiming the four-and-a-half-mile marathon after they have taken home the Aintree prize in five of the last eight runnings.

Spokesman Damian Walker said: "The Irish have the race cracked and looking at our betting, the 2007 race could be their third win in a row and sixth in nine years.

"They have such a strong hand with the last two Grand National winners in Numbersixvalverde and Hedgehunter, plus lighter weighted challengers in Point Barrow (10st 12lb), Far From Trouble (10st 10lb) and Dun Doire (10st 8lb).

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"They had the one-two in 2006 and we're taking no chances with their runners this year."

Totesport have also shortened up Nil Desperandum to 16-1 from 20-1 after Venetia William's charge was handed a burden of 10st 6lb this morning.

The same firm also go to 20-1 from 25s for joint top-weight Exotic Dancer. Jonjo O'Neill's Letheby And Christopher Chase winner is handicapped alongside Hedgehunter on 11st 12lb.

Paddy Power make Numbersixvalverde and Hedgehunter their joint 12-1 favourites and offer a more generous 2-1 about an Irish-trained winner.

Aintree Grand National betting:

totesport: 14-1 Dun Doire, Far From Trouble, Hedgehunter, Numbersixvalverde, Point Barrow, 16-1 Eurotrek, L'Ami, Nil Desperandum, State Of Play, 20-1 Clan Royal, Exotic Dancer, 25-1 Bewleys Berry, Homer Wells, Idle Talk, Kelami,Ladalko, Liberthine, Royal Auclair, 33-1 bar.

Paddy Power:12-1 Hedgehunter, Numbersixvalverde  14-1 Dun Doire, Far From Trouble, Point Barrow  16-1 Eurotrek, Nil Desperandum, State Of Play  20-1 Clan Royal, L'Ami  25-1 Bewleys Berry, Bothar Na, Forget The Past, Joe's Edge, Kelami, Ladalko, Liberthine, Longshanks, 33-1 bar.