Grand National - Look Out For the Irish Heavy Mob

If recent Grand National history is to be believed, then a higher weighted Irish horse must have every chance to win the world greatest steeplechase this year. They have already scored five times this millennium and have a number of tasty starters this week. Add this to the introduction of the compressed handicap. meaning that for the first time the usually better quality and heavier handicapped horses have a great chance this year.

Although the Irish did not fair so well at the recent Cheltenham Festival, their confidence remains undiminished and there are several runners for the circumspect punter to look at as a potential winner this week. For those not so circumspect there are even more who offer excellent each way odds.

Of the five Irish runners who carry more than 11st, there is support in one form or another for all of them. In fact they all may be worth some sort of a little flutter.

Hedgehunter, winner and then runner up in 2006/7, came in a tired 9th last year, but, nonetheless the stable are encouraged following recent good runs. With Ruby Walsh on board and with the great experience of both, surely must be worth an each way shot.

HI Cloy - A good outsider here who may still be carrying too much weight on current form, but was once daubed as being ideal Grand National 'material'. You should note he is a course winner too, winning the 2006 Melling chase. 66/1 is probably a fair price but you never know!

Slim Pickens - For many he is the 'pickens' of the Irish heavies. 3rd last year and he is only 9 years old! Reports suggest that he has been specifically trained with the National in mind. He is around 12/1 at the moment and must be in with a great chance.

Chelsea Harbour - Irish trial winner with plenty of stamina. He has attracted a lot of support from both sides of the Irish sea, but doubts linger regarding his jumping prowess.

Snowy Morning - Maybe has the best form line in the race having been 2nd to the almost invincible Denman in the 2007 Sun Alliance chase. Clearly a class horse - but hey what does class mean in the most exciting race in the sporting calendar?

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