It’s Irish Grand National weekend at Fairyhouse and there are three great days of racing.

Saturday at Fairyhouse

Ferns Lock  is unbeaten in his career and is clearly one of – if not, the best – chasers in the Hunters’ division, so I’d say he’ll take all of the beating in the 14:45. He’s already beaten Billaway this season.

Allegorie De Vassy  is much the best horse in the Mares Chase (15:20) but her jumping can be erratic at times. I’m not sure how much it’ll affect her here, but she’s got an engine and ran well at the Festival last month.

Limerick Lace   from Gavin Cromwell’s yard is also an improving mare.

Mars Harper  ran well to a point in the Plate at the Festival, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he ran well back at this level (15:55). He doesn’t win much but is largely consistent.

Verdant Place  is seeking a hat-trick of wins in the 16:30 having won his last two at Punchestown. I’m not sure how much improvement is in him, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he went well again. It’s a good race, though, with plenty of horses who are dropping in grade and could be competitive. I’ve got to say, Aidan Kelly is a very good young rider and his 7lb claim is very valuable.

He’s got a chance of another good spin in the 17:05 where he rides the improving mare Ballybawn Belter  , who won a good Mares Handicap Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival. I don’t think we’ve seen the end of her improvement and she’s got next to no weight to carry.

I also think Hey Jonny  will run well under Rachael Blackmore. He’s consistent and still looks well-treated.

Sunday at Fairyhouse

The first two races look tough, but the third race is a Grade 1 Mares Novice Hurdle (14:35).

I like Ashroe Diamond from Willie’s [Mullins] yard. She’s hardy and has been doing really well over hurdles this season. I also thought Night And Day would run well in the Mares’ Novice at Cheltenham, but she didn’t make the race as she had a knock. She could run well, too.

Banjaxed and Deep Cave are two I like in the Grade 2 Novice Hurdle (15:10). Banjaxed might be a huge price, but I think he’s slowly getting the hang of the game now. Deep Cave ran well behind Good Land at the Dublin Racing Festival and will appreciate coming back down in trip.

There are a few horses who need to bounce back from poor runs last time in the 15:45, including American Mike, Joyeux Machin and Arctic Bresil.

The same applies to Hunters Yarn, who I think will do just that. His run at Cheltenham last time was too bad to be true in a handicap and his team think he’s much better than that. It’ll will certainly be a good race to watch.

I think the Grade 1 on the card (16:55) will also go to Willie’s team. Appreciate It ran well at Cheltenham, and I think will go well again, but I’ve got a feeling James Du Berlais is coming to hand now. He’s only been with Willie a year since moving from France, but he ran very well at Cheltenham and will win a big one soon.

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