The Dell looks solution to tricky National puzzle
When in doubt have Barry Geraghty on your side is a useful tactic and the in-form pilot might enjoy a first ever success in Ireland’s principal National Hunt race aboard the ten-year-old.
Geraghty comes here on the back of a remarkable five victories at the Cheltenham Festival, topped off by a memorable success on Monty’s Pass in the Aintree Grand National.
There will no fresher horse in the field than the selection.
He has only run once this season and that was a promising performance. It came at Cork last month when The Dell ran a cracker to finish three parts off a length second to Native Jack.
He has to be fancied to reverse those placings and confirm the form with Torduff Boy (third) and Timbera (fourth).
Eeven allowing for the fact that this is a moderate National, it is still hard to envisage Davids Lad defying top weight of 12-0.
There are numerous others for the short list, however, and the handicapper has left no cause for optimism.
The Dell jumps well, will like the ground and the trip, and should beat a lot more than beats him!
Noel Meade and Paul Carberry have prospects of a double with Dashing Home and Moratorium. Dashing Home can take the Blanchardstown Renault Hurdle.
He finished 10th of 27 behind Spectroscope in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham, but that was a creditable effort, considering he was badly hampered three from home.
Meanwhile at Cork this afternoon, Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen look set to complete a double with Final Exam and Evolving Tactics.
Final Exam, who will relish any rain, made an excellent reappearance at the Curragh, beaten a head by Miracle Ridge (rec. 34lbs), and can land the Listed Cork Stakes.
Evolving Tactics, not knocked about when third to Dalcassian at the Curragh, gets the nap in the Newmarket Maiden.
