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Ruby Walsh Tips Thread

Todays Tips

But, that said, I really like Briar Hill. He’s certainly no Flash Harry, but is just a good horse, to my way of thinking.

It has been well documented the way he works on the gallops. He will come up alongside the worst horse in the yard and do exactly the same against the best.

I’m taking nothing for granted and know this is a good race, but do expect Briar Hill to win, it’s as simple as that.

I kick away on Heathfield for Tony Martin in a 30-runner maiden hurdle, but it is hard to make any sort of case for him.

I fancy Willie’s Sizing Tennessee, who is a dual bumper winner. He did disappoint us in the Cheltenham bumper, but seems to have strengthened up plenty and has schooled well.

I’m on Good As Gold for Pat Fahy in a wide-open handicap hurdle. She’s a mare that likes to be held up — Navan is a good place for that — and has an each-way chance.

I ride Call Me Bubbles for Willie in anothe fiercely competitive handicap hurdle, one of three runners for him.

I could have gone with Supreme Carolina, but Sarabad didn’t enter calculations, because I couldn’t do the weight.

Two and a half miles around Navan will certainly suit Call Me Bubbles and he is clearly not without hope.

My father’s Colbert Station and Paul Nolan’s Noble Prince — I won on him at Thurles last time — are more than useful chasers and both have a life.

I’ll be more than surprised should Willie’s Royal Caviar fail to win the bumper. He’s a gorgeous horse, with a bright future.
 
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/...-see-urano-into-winners-enclosure-253319.html

If you saw Cadspeed working at home, he would have you in the poor house. He simply does not translate it onto the racecourse.

He didn’t exactly impress at Thurles last time, when a remote fourth to Trifolium, and will have to step up markedly on that to take a hand.

Cadspeed has one chance and that is if the surface turns into a quagmire. We live in hope.

My last ride is on Easy Vic for Tony Martin in a handicap chase. He’s not exactly reliable either, but does have a nice weight down at the bottom 10-5.

He finished second to Hold Em Cowboy over flights at Navan and, to my way of thinking, is better suited to jumping fences. This shapes like a very ordinary contest and you’d have to think Easy Vic will at least be competitive.

Besides Cadspeed, Willie Mullins has other runners, starting with Gigginstown’s Valseur Lido in the first, a novice hurdle.

He’s ex-French and bolted in first time out in this country at Cork. I’d say Valseur will go off at prohibitive odds and there will be long faces all round should he fail to deliver.

Willie introduces another French recruit for Gigginstown in Don Poli in a maiden hurdle. I’m not saying he is in the same league as Briar Hill, but does remind me of him.

Last week I described Briar Hill as no Flash Harry and that’s exactly what I would call Don Poli at home. He comes up the gallops the same way, with the worst and the best horses.

Essentially, he is just idle, but possesses an engine. If you back him there will be stages of the race when you won’t be very happy but, I suspect, he will be in front at the line.

Killultagh Vic runs for Willie in the bumper. He is working quite nicely at home and certainly well enough to do himself justice.

Willie sends City Slicker to Ascot today for the valuable Ladbroke Hurdle and he has a real each-way shout. When you see last season’s juveniles topping the weights then you have go to think that an older horse such as City Slicker will go close.

He will love travelling right-handed, has a great man riding in AP and we have been very happy with him at home of late.

Willie takes the wraps of Un de Sceaux at Thurles tomorrow and has found a very suitable opportunity to get his campaign up and running.

The race has just three runners and when you consider that it is impossible to make a case for Our Ollie and that Rory O’Moore is rated 30lbs below our horse then anything less than an emphatic win for Un de Sceaux will be disappointing.

He is unbeaten in four outings, two French bumpers and twice over hurdles at Punchestown, and was especially impressive at the festival in April when scoring by 13 lengths.

Un de Sceux summered well and has got stronger. He is hard on himself, however, so Willie has got him fit slowly and has also been teaching the horse to relax.

We think that has been successful, but Rory O’Moore is a bit of a tearway, so there should be lots of pace on and it is going to be interesting.

I’m going to nap Urano in a two mile and six maiden hurdle. That, of course, goes against my better judgement, but it is that type of weekend.

Paul Townend and I have tried everything with this horse. We’ve dropped him out, forced the pace, gone left and right-handed, on all sorts of ground, and nothing has worked.

Urano is now taking a rather dramatic rise in trip and, hopefully, will finally bypass the number two berth and head for the winner’s enclosure.
 
Well, I was all set to be off on my travels again today to ride three horses for Willie Mullins at Sandown, but the meeting was abandoned yesterday afternoon.

By Ruby Walsh
That was disappointing, because we were giving Glens Melody, Gitane Du Berlais and Upazo great chances in their respective contests.

But no one has died and it is a case of onwards and upwards with four cracking months of the season still remaining.

Willie has a strong hand at Cork today and three of his four runners have good chances, starting with Turban in the opening conditions hurdle.

Whether I will be at Cork, I’m not sure, because Willie was tied up all day yesterday and into the evening. If he wants me to head south then I’ll only be too delighted, so watch this space.

Anway, back to Turban. He won a beginners chase around here and forget about his last outing at Killarney in May, when the surface was too fast.

Turban is in really good form at home right now, will love the ground and is more than capable of going close.

Wicklow Brave has three bumper successes to his credit and has schooled well for his debut over jumps in a maiden hurdle.

The slight reservation you would have is his ability to handle the ground.

I know he won on soft ground at Listowel in September, but this will surely be much worse.

Willie has real prospects of a treble with Blood Cotil in the beginners chase.

A smart horse, he was a natural jumper of hurdles and has taken equally well to fences.

The other representing Willie is Connaught Manor in a maiden hurdle, but he’s moderate and it is hard to make a case for him.

I’m at Naas tomorrow for three rides and at least two of them, Mozoltov and Briar Hill, have outstanding claims.

Mozoltov, who is owned by the Gigginstown House Stud, runs in a novice chase.

Ordinarily, he would be Davy Russell’s ride, but we all know what happened during the week.

Davy rode the horse to win easily at Fairyhouse first time over fences and I’m hopeful he will now outstay Ned Buntline.

Briar Hill goes in the Grade 2 Slaney Hurdle and Willie has also left in Upazo.

The idea was for him to run at Sandown today, of course, so we will have to wait and see how that now pans out.

Anyway, as you are all aware, my admiration for Briar Hill has been well documented at this stage.

He is just a very good horse, who will do no more than the bare minimum required, and we’ll be inconsolable, for the want of a better word, if Briar Hill fails to deliver.

I end on Chiltern Hills in a beginners chase for mares. She has the size and scope to make a chaser, but enigmatic might be the best way to describe her.

She got her act together last season and then lost her way again. Perhaps, a watching brief might be best on this occasion.

Everyone else as impressed with Hurricane Fly at Leopardstown last Sunday as I was? He was terrific and is a pleasure to ride.

He has it all, speed, stamina and a great attitude. I very much agree with his trainer that there is improvement to come.

Don’t have the slightest doubt Willie has only one day in mind and the world and its mother knows when that is.

Annie Power was superb at Cheltenham on Wednesday. She won very well and jumped beautifully, but for hitting the last.

It will take some horse to give her 7lbs and, as long as she has a tail on her, will always be getting that in Grade 1 company.

Will she go the two-mile or the three-mile road at Cheltenham, who knows? Let’s just say that, right now, she is supplying me with more questions than answers.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/...-walsh-blood-cotil-can-jump-to-it-254245.html
 
MUCH IMPROVED: Upazo disappointed last season, but has looked a different proposition this campaign.
Ruby Walsh

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/...pazo-facing-acid-test-in-tolworth-255002.html


I’m on duty for him at Kempton, David Casey heads to Warwick, while Patrick Mullins and Paul Townend look after things at home at Punchestown.

Let’s start with my two rides at Kempton, Upazo and Twinlight. A week ago, I was all set to go to Sandown to partner Upazo in the Tolworth Hurdle, but the meeting was lost and the race rescheduled for Kempton.

Upazo, of course, disappointed us last season, but has looked a different proposition this campaign, winning in fine style on two occasions at Fairyhouse.



There is no doubt, however, that stepping into Grade 1 company now represents a major step up in class and this will tell us what he’s made of. He went to Sandown, of course, and then spent a bit of time touring England, before returning home.

But he does seem in good order and worked quite nicely on Tuesday, although not asked to do anything overly strenuous.

I read during the week that the Pipe stable think The Liquidator won’t be as well suited to Kempton as Sandown.

But he looked a good horse when winning at the Punchestown festival, has done nothing wrong subsequently, and if we can beat him then I’d imagine Upazo will win.

Twinlight, my second ride, heads into the unknown in the two miles, four and a half furlongs Listed chase.

All the evidence is that he is best at two miles, so whether will get this trip we simply don’t know.

What we can say is that the opposition are exposed, whereas he is young and improving.

Twinlight, as well, is definitely best travelling right-handed and if he is ever going to get two and half or so then it will be around here.

David Casey has three good rides at Warwick: Glens Melody, Rathvinden and Vesper Bell.

Glens Melody kicks him off in a Listed hurdle for fillies and mares.

I rode her last time at Cheltenham, when she performed way below what we expected to finish a remote third.

But the ground was just too quick and she wouldn’t let herself down on it. This surface will be far more to her liking and she has to go close.

Rathvinden moves from winning an ordinary maiden hurdle, admittedly in a canter, at Cork to a Grade 2 over two miles and five.

At the moment it is hard to get a handle on him and this will tell us a lot more than we know now. I won’t be surprised if the trip plays to his strengths.

Vesper Bell has his share of weight, 11-4, in a handicap chase. I’ve landed this particular race twice in the past and it is a contest you can carry a decent burden and win.

You have to jump and stay and Vesper Bell does both, even if he did fall at the first at Aintree on his latest appearance.

Willie has plenty of runners at Punchestown and we’ll have a look at some of them, headed by Vautour in the Grade 2 novice hurdle.

I rode the ex-French horse to win on his debut in this country at Navan and was most impressed. I like him a lot and think he will take this rise in class in his stride.

The Bosses Cousin does duty for Willie in the first, a beginners chase.

He hasn’t run for 317 days, not since falling two out, when holding every chance, at Thurles last February.

Despite that tumble, he is actually a great jumper and has been in training a long time.

The other of Willie’s I want to mention is Pink Hat in the maiden hurdle for mares. She was beaten by Theatre Bird at Clonmel, but that horse went on to boost the form when winning again at Leopardstown.

I thought Pink Hat jumped well enough at Clonmel, but the way she schooled during the week I’d say will be even better now.

I have four rides at Navan tomorrow and there’s no doubt Un De Sceaux looks the best of them in a four-runner hurdle.

His record is five from five, two of them bumpers in France, and won 29 lengths on his seasonal debut at Thurles.

Un De Sceaux shapes as if he has improved from Thurles and we all know what he does and it will be out and away.

There’s no messing with him, he will be able to maintain a relentless gallop and if something comes sailing by then good luck to them.

Willie takes the wraps of Aklan, who won twice on the flat for John Oxx, in the 24-runner maiden hurdle.

He’s been off for 505 days, but has been in since August, so I don’t see fitness as an issue.

Aklan is a fine big horse, who has schooled well, and my gut instinct is that it will take a fair sort to beat him.

I partner Gallant Oscar for Tony Martin in a handicap hurdle and he has a chance, in a moderate race, if improving by, say, five or six pounds.

I end aboard Popcorn for Willie in a handicap chase. He has been absent for a very long time - 764 days, to be precise. Don’t be shocked if he runs a cracker. Popcorn was ready to rock in the Paddy Power at Leopardstown, but was taken out to leave eventual winner, Rockyaboya, into the race.
 
There’s an old saying that a good start is half the battle and I hope to give punters a flyer by taking the first at Naas, a maiden hurdle, on Ivan Grozny.

Successful twice on the flat in France, he made a fine start in this country at Leopardstown at Christmas.

I rode him that day and we just got chinned close home by Plinth and Tony McCoy. My lad was a bit deliberate in his jumping down the back, but pinged the last and then we looked to have it in the bag.

Plinth seemed to have our measure going to the flight, but wasn’t clever at all. He rallied back, however, and managed to grab us.

Anyway, it was a good first run over jumps by Ivan Grozny and he’s been in fine form at home in the meantime.

I’d say he will definitely improve for better ground, but still have to be reasonably optimistic will take this.

Willie runs two in a Grade 3 hurdle and I’ve gone with Upsie, in preference to Mourad. The latter returned with a modest sixth behind Boston Bob at Punchestown and would need to improve.

That said, Upsie was disappointing at Leopardstown when only fourth behind Theatre Bird. She stopped to a walk in the straight, so let’s hope can leave that behind.

Tony Martin has booked me for Captain Hox in a maiden hurdle. He thinks he has a good chance, but his form seems moderate, although it does look a bad race for Naas on a Saturday.

At Fairyhouse tomorrow the plan will be the same as today, to get away to the perfect start by winning the first, another maiden hurdle, on Daneking.

He’s certainly not one of Willie’s stars, but shapes as if more than good enough to take a contest of this nature.

Daneking ran a fine race at Leopardstown, third to Western Boy and Kylestyle, and the form could not be working out any better.

Western Boy went on to run Vautour to three parts of a length at Punchestown last Saturday, while Kylestyle bolted in at Thurles on Thursday.

Willie has two in the Grade 3 hurdle for mares and I’ve gone with Vicky de L’Oasis, in front of Gitane du Berlais.

I rode Vicky at Newbury last time and she performed way below expectations in finishing a well beaten third.

I can offer no explanation for such a poor effort, but think she is far better than that and, hopefully, will prove it now.

Gitane Du Berlais won by eight lengths at Aintree for Paul Townend and, realistically, there is little or nothing between the pair. Gitane, however, is only a four-year-old and it is always hard for horses of that age at this time of the year.

I’m on Turban, ahead of Cadspeed, in a handicap chase. Turban was beaten over hurdles by Waaheb at Cork, but is a good jumper and returning to fences won’t do him any harm. A strongly run race is what he wants and is likely to get that.

Cadspeed is out of the handicap, which is unfortunate, because he ran really well at Navan on his latest appearance.

I ride Fernhurst Lad for Tony Martin in another handicap chase. You’d have to say that his prospects aren’t particularly good, having finished a poor ninth at Navan last time.

Tony, however, says he is a big horse, who is hard to get fit, so obviously we are not entirely without hope.

Willie introduces a newcomer, Most Peculiar, in the bumper and he should go well. He has turned a corner since November and appears to be improving all of the time.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/...sh-get-off-to-a-flyer-with-grozny-255712.html
 
No tips but good video profile

 
“He was travelling well,” Walsh recalled of Silviniaco Conti’s run last year. “Looking at the video you’d say he was going to win, I wasn’t so sure on his back. I was happy but I wasn’t exuding confidence. I still think Bobs Worth is the one they all have to beat. At Leopardstown at Christmas was the first time I thought Bobs Worth was a really good horse. I loved the way he quickened up from the last and I think he’s the one they’ll have to beat in the Gold Cup.”

And for those looking for a Dark Horse, Walsh nominated Blood Cotil (available at 16/1) in the Coral Cup on day two of the Festival.
 
Well, I’m off to Paris this morning ready for action and very much looking forward to partnering Un de Sceaux at Auteuil in the afternoon.

I’m absolutely raring to go and obviously hoping to make the ideal return and guide Willie Mullins’ horse to another success on his native soil.

Un de Sceaux, of course, won at Auteuil late last month and this is basically the same race again, over the same trip, two miles, three and a half furlongs.

I rode out for my dad last Monday morning, before heading to Fairyhouse later on for the Irish Grand National. Then on Tuesday, I was at Willie’s and rode four lots, including On His Own and Boston Bob.

I was back at Willie’s on Thursday and, this time, didn’t half put myself to the sword. I rode four horses, that can be best described as free, and came through with flying colours.

I was on Blood Cotil and Twinlight, who can be free in their races, and also had a sit on Champagne Fever and Djakadam. You wouldn’t regard Champagne Fever and Djakadam as free on the track, but they are at home, when going more slowly than they would in a race.

Anyway, Un de Sceaux and whether we can get it just right today. My plan will be to contain the horse somewhat, especially down the back.

I am not going to attempt to ask him to travel much slower than he normally would, no we are talking fractions here.

The idea will be to try and get it right at all stages, so that Un de Sceaux will have sufficient left to withstand the likely late challenge of Gemix. And that is my challenge, to get the fractions through the race exactly spot-on. You could probably say it is maths on horseback!

It is a very quiet weekend here at home for Willie, the proverbial calm before the storm.

He has just one runner, Vedettariat, in the bumper at Limerick tomorrow. His last outing was on this track when he could hardly have been more disappointing in finishing only seventh.

He really is a puzzling horse. I’ve seen him work at home of late and have no doubt he has the ability to win a contest such as this.

If everything goes according to plan today, then it will be all guns blazing for next week at Punchestown.

I have some hugely high-profile rides, headed by the dual champion hurdler, Hurricane Fly.

Paul Townend, as usual, has been riding him in all of his work and the horse is certainly bright and perky.

But he does have plenty to find with the current champion, Jezki, so the question is can Hurricane beat him over a track he loves?

I’m particularly looking forward to Vatour, who was brilliant at Cheltenham and a cracking horse.

Cheltenham was made for him, and probably suited better than Punchestown will, but he’s four four from four and it will take a good one to beat him.

Another Cheltenham hero, Faugheen, is in mighty oprder. John Codd, who rides him out and loooks after the horse, is more than happy.

I’d imagine Quevega will head for the Stayers’ Hurdle, again, but this is shaping like a tidy contest, so it will be interesting.

Champagne Fever seems to be in great order and I’d say will turn up over two miles in the Ryanair Chase on Thursday.

And then there is the choice I am going to have to make that is keeping me awake at night, On His Own or Boston Bob in the Gold Cup on Wednesday.

As I told you I had a spin on both of them on Tuesday and they went equally well, leaving me none the wiser as to the way to go.

I intend to walk the track at Punchestown tomorrow, see what the ground is like, then take the weather into account and arrive at a conclusion. In any case more about all of those horses, and many more, throughout next week here.

Next Saturday at Punchestown will see the 25th running of a charity race in aid of Irish kidney research. It will mark the 10th anniversary of Diageo (Ireland’s) involvement.

One of the people who will ride in the race is a man called Eoghan O’Neill. He suffered a stroke, had kidney failure and was then on dialysis.

That was followed by a kidney transplant, but last year he failed to pass the test at RACE and wasn’t granted a licence.

But, undaunted, he has been riding out for a long time now and this time did pass the test and has been granted a licence. I think there is great credit due to Dr Adrian McGoldrick, the Turf Club medical officer, and to the Turf Club.

But O’Neill has to be regarded as a hero. There are those who think National Hunt jockeys are iron men, but this guy puts us all in the shade.

And a word to all the Munster fans going through Paris today. Get the price of your trip on the PMU in the coffee bars with Un de Sceaux and just leave a few quid at the airport for Ruby!
 
Ruby rides Boston Bob ahead of On His Own in the Gold Cup on Wednesday....
 
No nap this week

:devilish:


things off for me in Navan today. He ran well for a long way in the Flogas (which we still call the Moriarty) before unseating AP McCoy at the last. He was quite keen that day and maybe 2m 5f tested him. I didn’t think he’d have any trouble with stamina as he won over two and a half at Punchestown.

He does like to get on with the job but he’s 140 rated and if that is to be believed he should win here. He’s in really good form at home and it looks an ideal opportunity for him to get his head in front again. The drop down to 2m 1f shouldn’t inconvenience him. He needed the run the last time he ran over the distance so that doesn’t concern me.

Felix Yonger (4.25) won the Hilly Way before having a bit of a setback. Leopardstown was an ideal comeback over hurdles and winning there puts him in good condition for a Grade 2 like this. He could have gone to Fairyhouse but both races are worth the same money. I know he’s only won once over two and a half but I’ve always been of the opinion that it would suit him. I didn’t think he sparked in the spring at all last year; maybe running on testing ground through the winter didn’t suit him. He seems to be in good nick and he won well the last day. Hopefully he can do so again and set himself up for a pop at a bigger race at Punchestown.

Flemenstar makes his comeback after a long lay-off, with a change of rider in Keith Donoghue. He’s obviously a very good horse but he’s had 18 months off, he’s not getting any younger and I’d imagine they’d have their eyes on bigger things down the road with him.

I ride Star Of Aragorn (2.55) for James Nash in Limerick. I suppose he’s having an unusual prep for a race like this, having run in Dundalk last night. But the race has cut up and James is giving him a go. Your Busy ran well for him in Cork so hopefully Star Of Aragorn can do the same.

Willie runs Bosman Rule and Sambremont in the two-and-a-half mile novice hurdle (3.30) and I’ve plumped for the latter, who’s a half-brother to Djakadam. I was a little disappointed with him in Thurles but looking back on it, he’s not that far behind Milsean, who ran a blinder at Cheltenham. He probably wants further but there are no races coming up so he has to run over two and a half.

Bosman Rule won last time over two miles but I think there’s a good race to be won with Sabremont. I think he’ll be a smashing horse over fences next year. I would love if this race was further but he’s wearing cheek pieces and I think he’ll give a really good account of himself.

I finish up on Val De Ferbet (4.35). He bolted in at Fairyhouse, beating Noble Emperor. He made a very bad mistake at the third last in Naas when Danny Mullins rode him. It looked like he didn’t get home that day but we’ve always thought he was a horse that wanted a trip. I’d say he’d improve for the better ground that we have now.

We’re very happy with his work and he’ll give a real good account of himself. Rule The World is the top-rated horse in the race but he’s still a maiden. Bishops Road isn’t too bad either but at the entry stage, this looked a stronger race than it does now. If Val De Ferbet gets into a good jumping rhythm he’ll run a huge race.
 
and more

Shaneshill (3.50) had a great run in Cheltenham when he was second to Douvan. He gets in here with no real penalties.

He’s had an up-and-down sort of year but he’s in really good form.

I think he ran a better race in Cheltenham than Outlander did and that was off a good lay-off too. He hadn’t run since early December and should improve a little for the run.

McKinley carries the Grade 1 penalty but was disappointing in Cheltenham. Maybe a smaller field in novice company might suit him better.

Shaneshill has his stablemates to beat but I think he’s my best ride on Sunday and should beat them.

In the opener, Unic De Bersy (2.20) hasn’t run since finishing second in a maiden hurdle at Clonmel 17 months ago. Prior to that, he won a bumper in Tipperary.

He went okay in a schooling hurdle at Thurles 11 days ago. It’s a long enough lay-off he’s coming off but we’re happy with him.

He wasn’t a bad horse and should run a good enough race but I think he’ll improve for the run all the same.

Willie has three in the Tattersalls bumper (5.30). Patrick rides Castello Sforza.

I rode him in a schooling bumper in Thurles last week and he went well, but it’s not a race Willie has much luck in.

It’s a sales race and Willie doesn’t tend to rush his horses, so it comes on us quick. We have a poor record in it but hopefully this fella will put that right.

In Cork, David Casey is on board On His Own (4.35) in what looks a match with Roi Du Mee in the Imperial Call Chase. He hasn’t won since he won the Bobbyjo last year and probably deserves to get his head in front. He ran a blinder in the Gold Cup but that said, Roi Du Mee is a fairly prolific winner at this grade.

Poker Gold (1.55) won in Dundalk but would have to prove he stays. Danny rides and he is also on Tennis Cap (5.10). He should surely improve from his first run back in Naas after a two-year lay-off. That was a very disappointing run. He will have to improve an awful lot but we think he’s an awful lot fitter.

Danny also gets the leg up on Argentino (3.30), who is working well but was very disappointing in Naas last time after winning his maiden in Clonmel. He would need to pick up on that.
 
Walsh has been giving the Paddy Power blog his tips on Saturday's contest and he has picked out his 1-2-3-4-5 in the feature!
I know some of you cant sllep at night waiting for Rubys tips so here is his National 12345 via Paddy Power


Ruby's Five

1 - Shutthefrontdoor
2 - Rocky Creek
3 - Cause Of Causes
4 - Ballycasey
5 - Corrin Wood

SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR

Last year’s Irish National winner and they have a good record in this race. Looks to have been targeted at Aintree since then. Mightn’t be much value with the McCoy factor but definitely has a chance.

ROCKY CREEK

Won well at Kempton last time and looks well handicapped. A graded winner running in a handicap and looks to have a massive, massive chance. Was fifth in the race last year.

BALTHAZAR KING

Ran a blinder here last year. Jumps, stays and gives his all but it’s hard to think he’s ahead of the handicapper.

THE DRUIDS NEPHEW

He still looks to have plenty of improvement in him. He impressed me when he won well at Cheltenham and even in his defeat to Sam Winner you could see he was going places. A huge player but regular jock Barry Geraghty is missing through injury so Aidan Coleman gets a great spare ride.

CAUSE OF CAUSES

Won the four-mile chase at Cheltenham so has to enter calculations even if he doesn’t look particularly well handicapped. But there’s no point in being well handicapped if you don’t see out the 4m 4f trip and he looks like one that will definitely stay. Paul Carberry rides him and he won before on Bobbyjo in 1999.

SPRING HEELED

Don’t fancy him.

UNIONISTE

Third to the Gold Cup winner Coneygree the last time and is a class horse. Might be in the handicapper’s grip though.

GODSMEJUDGE

Former Scottish Grand National winner. Jumps and stays and handles good ground. Was a long way behind Rocky Creek at Kempton but may have had a bigger target in mind. Definitely has a chance.

PINEAU DE RE

Last year’s winner but it’s been a long time since a horse won back-to-back Grand Nationals. Not impossible, but as rare as an away win for QPR. Red Rum was the last in 1973/74 if you’re asking, Matt. I wasn’t born. You hear me?

ALVARADO

Fourth here last year but was a bit keen. Jockey Paul Moloney has a great record of getting horses placed in this race.Could have an each-way chance again if he settles a bit better.

BALLYCASEY

I’ll be riding him but there’s a question mark over whether he will stay the trip. Unfortunately we won’t know that until about 4.30pm next Saturday as they pass the post.

SOLL

Has been impressive in his couple of runs since switching to the David Pipe stable. A sound jumper and stays well but would need a career best to win it in my opinion.

MANY CLOUDS

A good winner of the Hennessy Gold Cup in November before being slightly disappointing in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. His chance will be improved by any rain that falls as he’s definitely better on soft ground. Has plenty of weight but certainly has the class on his day.
 
Thanks you Lester- Spring Heeled is the one then :D

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The 35-year-old first tasted Grand National success on Papillon in 2000 and Hedgehunter five years later, but while those two were both fancied in the betting he'll go for glory this time on a 33/1 outsider, even if it is trained by Willie Mullins.

Though he was a Grade One winner over fences as a novice, Ballycasey has lost his way this season and was last seen being pulled up in the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Walsh is convinced he's better than he showed that day and hopes the severe step up in trip will help him improve this weekend.

The jockey told Racing UK: "He was disappointing and got behind when running no race in the Ryanair. He got taken off his feet and got detached and maybe the step up in trip will suit him.

"We think he’s in good form but he has to put a couple of disappointing runs behind him. You look back to some of his novice chase form when he beat Don Cossack, he’d have a chance, but on his most recent form he’d struggle.

"If he gets into a good rhythm and jumps who knows, he definitely has the ability, it’s just getting it out of him that’s the problem."

If Ballycasey doesn't get Walsh among the headlines at Aintree, it's likely some of Mullins' other raiders will, with Arctic Fire, Champagne Fever and Un De Sceaux all going for Grade One contests this week.

Arctic Fire goes in the Doom Bar Aintree Hurdle on Thursday, his first go at two and a half miles, and Walsh is hopeful he'll get the trip.

"He ran a blinder [in the Champion Hurdle] and improved from Leopardstown to Cheltenham," Walsh said.

"He was behind Hurricane Fly and Jezki in Leopardstown, but he improved. Two and a half is a bit of an unknown with him but he’s in good form at home and has come out of Cheltenham well, so fingers crossed he can go and get his head in front. The way he came up the hill at Cheltenham you’d think he’d get it."

Champagne Fever missed Cheltenham having being denied a place in the Queen Mother Champion Chase after being bitten by stablemate Un Atout on the way over from Ireland.

Walsh says he's over that now and is looking forward to riding him in the Grade One Melling Chase on Friday: "It happens, we can’t change that now and he’s in really good form.

"He's yet to win at Grade One level yet over fences but hopefully he can step up to the plate on Friday.

"It’s a competitive race with Sire De Grugy and Don Cossack in there, but he’s in really good form and hopefully he can give a good account of himself."

The most exciting spectacle at Aintree this week could well be magnificent Arkle winner Un De Sceaux tackling the Mildmay fences in the Grade One Doom Bar Novices' Chase over two miles on Saturday.

"He worked this morning and he worked really well, we’re happy with him and Aintree should suit him," said Walsh. "There’s no undulations and if he jumps as well as he did at Cheltenham he’ll take an awful lot of beating."
 
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