Any Second Now grabbed himself a fine win at Naas and further cemented his status as a leading contender for the 2020 Randox Health Grand National, the JP McManus-owned runner a well-backed 3/1 shot for the Grade Three WhatOddsPaddy? Chase, a race in which trainer Ted Walsh had enjoyed previous success with subsequent National winner Papillon and also Seabass which finished third in the world-famous steeplechase.
Bidding for his first win since triumphing in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival last year, Any Second Now took over the lead from last year’s winner Cadmium in the final straight to finish first past the post.
Trainer Ted Walsh said: “He travelled well and jumped well, and if he runs as well as Seabass (at Aintree), I’ll be delighted.
“He was nicely treated with 11st 1lb on his back. The only fence he reached for was the last, and Mark was delighted with him.
“It’s a good prep for Aintree. Whether he’s good enough or not, only time will tell. He’s going there in a good frame of mind and he gets the trip. If you’re not in you can’t win!
“He won a Grade Two hurdle at Punchestown as a novice. He’s a classy enough horse, and the soft ground suited him as well.”
Any Second Now is a best price of 14/1 for the 2020 Randox Health Grand National, thus making him third-favourite behind two-time winner Tiger Roll.
You can snap up the last few remaining tickets for the Grand National by visiting the Official Grand National Tickets page today.