’Verde can land wide open National

NUMBERSIXVALVERDE is the choice to land a wide open 27-runner Powers' Gold Label Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse this afternoon.

The nine-year-old already has one major prize in the locker this season, taking the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park, and this dour stayer will surely relish the three miles and five furlongs. He comes here on the back of an unlucky third behind Point Barrow and Mullacash at Navan last time. In truth it would have been no surprise had Ruby Walsh pulled him up on that occasion.

The selection was travelling strongly when making a dreadful blunder five out and it was remarkable that he was actually able to work his way back into the contest.