Los Amigo can make bold bid for Irish Grand National.
The eight-year-old has won three of his five starts over fences, two of them at Fairyhouse and, trained for the last year for today’s test, he should run a big race for Andrew Lynch and Dreaper, who has won the race four times, even if it’s thirty-seven years since his last success with Brown Lad.
Los Amigo won his beginners chase on the inside track at Fairyhouse and, in his only outing this season got the better of Lion Na Bearnai and Gold Bullet in a conditions event in January.
The Overbury gelding filled second spot behind On His Own in the Thyestes last season was also runner-up behind Gallant Oscar in the Leinster National in Naas.
Wearing cheekpieces, his stamina and sound jumping entitle him to a big shout in a wide-open renewal of this marathon handicap.
Willie Mullins has never won the race and Ruby Walsh’s mount Perfect Gentleman, fourth to Cause Of Causes in the National Hunt Chase in Cheltenham, looks the better of his two contenders today.
Plenty of eyes will be on Cantlow, the likely favourite and the mount of A P McCoy, his final ride in the Irish National. But, on form, another McManus-owned runner, top-weight If In Doubt should have a better chance, on his third to Don Poli at Cheltenham. Cases can be made too for many of the thirty runners, with Tammys Hill, Champagne James, The Job Is Right and Vics Canvas among the popular fancies. But, with luck in running, Los Amigos might finish in the money.
