Racing: Numbersixvalverde will attempt to follow in the footsteps of some of Irish racing's most legendary names in Easter Monday's Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National, but it is still unclear who will be in the saddle.
The Martin Brassil-trained horse, winner of the Thyestes at Gowran in January, is one of 39 horses left in the Fairyhouse feature after yesterday's forfeit stage and is at the forefront of the ante-post National betting. Paddy Power make him an 8 to 1 joint favourite with Point Barrow, who remains in despite trainer Pat Hughes's comments about the horse being far from a certain starter. Cashmans have him as a 10 to 1 second choice behind their 8 to 1 favourite Kadoun.
The latter is trained by Michael O'Brien who is seeking a fourth success in the Irish National.
Kadoun is owned by JP McManus who also owns the likely topweight Le Coudray. Next highest in the handicap is the former Hennessy winner Alexander Banquet at 6lb lower.
However, Brassil is hopeful that Numbersixvalverde fits the profile of a potential Irish National victor despite history throwing up some epic names that he will have to try and emulate. The last horse to complete the Thyestes-Irish National double was the triple Fairyhouse hero Brown Lad 29 years ago. Just four other horses have managed it and they include Flyingbolt (1966) and Arkle (1964)
"Some big names have managed it but in the last few years horses that have been in or around his mark of 124 have done well in the race. Maybe it suits a good novice who isn't totally exposed yet," said Brassil who had the biggest success of his career to date in the Thyestes when Numbersixvalverde just beat Kymandjen by a short head.
"We are 7lb higher than that now but Kymandjen is 4lb higher for finishing second. That was over three miles but our horse is definitely better over further and he will really appreciate the distance at Fairyhouse. He handles most ground except fast and I thought he was very unlucky the last day when he lost a lot of ground at an important stage," added the trainer yesterday.
That last start was an unlucky third to Point Barrow and Mullacash in a Grade Three at Navan in mid-February. Ruby Walsh rode the horse that day but it was the leading amateur Niall "Slippers" Madden that was on board in the Thyestes.
"I would be very happy if Ruby can ride but it's all in the air at the moment. Slippers broke his collar bone just before Cheltenham, so I don't know about him. But he is a horse with a live chance, so I hope we will be able to get someone decent," Brassil said.
"The horse is in great form but you need luck in these big races and you have to respect someone like Arthur Moore who will I am sure have minded Marcus Du Berlais since Leopardstown," he added.
The ground at Fairyhouse is now "soft to heavy" and although overnight rain is forecast, it is not expected to be significant.
Paddy Power bet: 8 Numbersixvalverde and Point Barrow, 10 Kymandjen, What Odds and Kadoun, 12 Jack High, Jaquouille and Marcus Du Berlais, 14 bar
Cashmans bet: 8 Kadoun, 10 Numbersixvalverde, What Odds and Marcus Du Berlais, 12 Ansar, Jaquouille, Kymandjen and Jack High, 14 bar.
