Irish Grand National Antepost Tips: Two Each-Way Contenders to Watch at 16/1 and 33/1
Curtain closing on the jumps season brings with it one final thrill ride – the BoyleSports Irish Grand National – and with soft ground forecast and ITV4 coverage confirmed, it’s time to find a couple of cracking each-way punts.
Rain is on the radar for Easter Monday, and with Fairyhouse expected to be testing, it’s little surprise that stamina is the key currency in the betting ring. With the Sportsbook opening up the market, there’s value to be found among the 49 still standing.
Now, let’s not pretend there’s a full-scale British invasion. There are just three representatives from across the water – Haiti Couleurs for Rebecca Curtis, Val Dancer for Mel Rowley, and the ever-reliable Jonjo O’Neill duo including Johnnywho. Still, as they say, three’s a crowd, and it’s more than we’ve had in recent times.
As for Willie Mullins – who tends to dominate every race from Ffos Las to Fairyhouse – he’s surprisingly light-handed with just four remaining, while Gordon Elliott brings enough runners to fill a team sheet, but has only one Irish National win to his name, and that came back in 2018. Recent form suggests he’s not quite been firing on all cylinders at the big festivals either.
Favourite Has Form and Fluency
🏇 Haiti Couleurs (FR)
Trainer: Rebecca Curtis
Jockey: Sean Bowen
Form: 411-21131
Current Odds: 5/1
Cheltenham winner Haiti Couleurs heads the market – and not without reason. He made light work of the National Hunt Chase (yes, that marathon they keep renaming) and goes up just 6lb for that success.
He stays longer than your nan’s goodbye, jumps soundly, and still looks on the upgrade. From a mark of 141, he’s nicely treated if things fall into place – which, given his progression and profile, they just might.
Gavin Cromwell’s Now Is The Hour was looming up menacingly before tipping up two out in that same Cheltenham contest. He could have the tools to turn the tables, but Haiti Couleurs hasn’t put a foot wrong since fences entered his life – and this could be his crowning moment.
Long Odds, Long Trip – Perfect for Val Dancer
🏇 Val Dancer (IRE)
Trainer: Mel Rowley
Jockey: TBC
Form: 11133-113
Current Odds: 33/1
If Monday turns into a bog, then say hello to Val Dancer. This lad ploughed through the Chepstow sludge to take the Welsh National, and while we could barely see it through the fog, what was clear was his staying power.
He’s not built for speed, but point him at a fence and let him gallop, and he’ll keep on finding. That kind of resolute front-running could serve him well in a race like this – especially if he gets into a rhythm up front.
He was due to run in the Midlands National but was pulled due to conditions (which weren’t exactly as advertised), and he went well in the Haydock Grand National Trial off 138. He’s in off 131 here, which screams value. He won’t mind the rain one bit and looks a cheeky each-way play at a big price.
Cromwell’s Classy Mare Might Just Stay Forever
🏇 Bioluminescence (IRE)
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
Jockey: TBC
Form: 2/211P-122
Current Odds: 16/1
Here’s one with a touch of sparkle – Bioluminescence, donning the famous green and gold of JP McManus. While there’s a Grade 1 entry at Punchestown waiting in the wings, Fairyhouse might just be her stage.
She’s caught the eye with some slick jumping and travels like a dream – evidenced by her win at Limerick, where she coasted home on the bridle. Second to Dancing City at Naas was no disgrace either, as he’s no mug and had far too much toe on the day.
If this turns into a war of attrition – and with rain battering the track, it likely will – her stamina and jumping could see her right in the thick of it. Proven on heavy ground and still improving, 16/1 is more than fair, and she could be one to keep onside in a race that often rewards bold mares.
The Verdict: Back the Mudlarks
In a race where depth is never in short supply, it’s Haiti Couleurs who still ticks the most boxes. His Cheltenham win was mightily impressive, and off a fair mark, he looks every inch a future Irish National winner.
But for punters looking for value away from the top of the market, Val Dancer could be underestimated in the betting, particularly if it turns into a stamina-sapping slog. Likewise, Bioluminescence has all the hallmarks of a horse still on the rise – and in Cromwell’s hands, you wouldn’t bet against her outrunning her price.
Happy punting, and enjoy the day – even if the only thing drier than the ground is the ITV commentary. 🏇💧
