Carroll hoping Number will come up

Bernie Carroll is looking forward to seeing Numbersixvalverde back in action over fences at Fairyhouse on Saturday.

Carroll’s John Smith’s Grand National hero, trained by Martin Brassil, is to have his first start over the bigger obstacles since that memorable day at Aintree when he tackles the At The Races Bobbyjo Chase.

Along with some potential National rivals like Point Barrow and Dun Doire, the three-mile-one-furlong chase contains the notable name of the Michael O’Brien-trained In Compliance, conqueror of War Of Attrition last time out.

“The plan is to run on Saturday and then we might go for a hurdle before going for the National again,” said Carroll.

“He’s in good order. His last run was in a muddly sort of race compared to the run over Christmas, where he went brilliantly. We’d expect a big run on Saturday but I believe In Compliance could run too.

"He’s a hell of a horse and I fancy him for the Gold Cup. If we could finish within 10 or 15 lengths of him, we’d be doing all right, that’s for sure. It should be a fun day on Saturday. I’ll go racing and then be off to the rugby to see the Irish beat England!”

Looking further ahead to Aintree, Carroll reports his horse firmly on course, but is not over-confident of a repeat success.

“I think a weight of 11st 3lb makes it tough in the National, unless he has improved all ends,” he explained.

“The handicapper always makes it hard for you, but of course we still expect him to run well. The big worry is the race is a week later this year, which makes it likely the ground will be firmer and he needs some cut.”