Date: Monday 1st April 2024
The Irish Grand National trends continue to point strongly towards younger, progressive horses rather than exposed handicap types.
The key angles remain consistent: 6-8 years old, carrying 11-4 or less and sitting just below the very top of the handicap.
Using the Turf Talk approach, these are the three that come out best on the ratings.
MAIN SELECTION
Intense Raffles (13/2 available)
A near-perfect trends fit and one that looks tailor-made for this race.
He has the ideal blend of age, weight and progression, and comes into the race with the type of profile that has been consistently successful in recent renewals.
BACKUP SELECTION 1
Panda Boy (9/1 available)
A progressive type who fits the key profile very well.
He has the right level of experience without looking exposed and shapes as though this sort of stamina test will bring out further improvement.
BACKUP SELECTION 2
Favori De Champdou (16/1 available)
A slightly overlooked runner but one that makes plenty of appeal on the trends.
He sits in the right part of the handicap and has the type of progressive profile that could see him outperform market expectations.
SUMMARY
Intense Raffles is the standout selection, with Panda Boy the main alternative and Favori De Champdou offering value.
