The Irish National is the obvious highlight today, as usual Elliott comes mob handed, Mullins has strong chances and a number of other Yards will feel they have a chance of a big race winner. A field of 21 is alarmingly low to be honest and begs so many questions. What would the field be if Ireland didn't have 80% of the Aintree National field, why haven't some of the UK Trainers gone over there to potentially grab a massive prize, should the 2 main Nationals now have Entrie based on Qualifying races, especially Aintree, where once again the field is full of horses on old declining marks who frankly aren't anywhere near the top 30+ long Distance Chasers on 23/24 form??...all things to ponder on in the summer and before the next NH season, personally I'd love to see National and Regional Nationals (on a sliding scale of Class and numbers) and the big marquee Chases over 3 and a 1/2 miles, act as qualifiers where the first 1 -3 home (depending on the quality of the race) were given GUARANTEED spots in that seasons GRAND NATIONAL, effectively making it a National of National and big long Distance race winners, with non Qualifiers then getting in based on current season form figures, with exceptions for as an example the first 6 home in the previous 2 years Grand Nationals, it's NOT rocket science is it?

 

Anyway, too much talky talky...on to today 

 

Tips and Analysis from Fairyhouse, a decent Handicap at Huntingdon and a sporting each way Lucky 15 e/w selections (no more than a 10p e/w unit). We planned a tip and analysis in the 3.04 atRedcar but sadly that Meeting has been abandoned