Editor / 07 April 2009 Free Bet

Easter Monday means one thing in the Bailey household - a trip to Fairyhouse for the Irish Grand National. This year, I'm entertaining some of the wife's friends (over from Canada) and believe it or not, they've never seen National Hunt racing before, so the pressure is on me to produce the winners! Here's a look at the early market...


Wichita Lineman
He's been chalked up as favourite with most bookmakers at [10.0], but he's still available on Betfair at [18.0] for small change - albeit in an immature market as yet. Tony McCoy gave him a classic ride at Cheltenham when winning the William Hill Trophy (having touched [60.0] in-running) - and while the jockey deservedly got plenty of credit for that win, we shouldn't forget about the horse! He looks like a slogger, and the longer distances should suit.

Emma Jane
Willie Mullins' mare is the Betfair market leader at the time of writing priced at [10.0]. She was decent enough over sticks in her time and has finally come into her own as a chaser this season. She won a tough handicap at Naas last time out and there's been a rumour going around Carlow that she's flying over the fences at home. Then again, there are always rumours going around Carlow!

Royal County Star
Tony Martin is known as the 'Handicap King', but I must admit that I find it hard get his horses right and tend to avoid them whenever possible. He's having a poor year and Royal County Star's recent Navan win is Martin's only triumph in 2009 thus far, despite sending 91 horses to post. Bookies are being cautious around [11.0] and it will be interesting to see what the market makes of this one come Monday.

Arbor Supreme
Another one from the Mullins yard, the seven-year-old made a couple of mistakes in the Guinness Chase at Down Royal on St Patrick's Day, but in fairness, he battled back and done well to claim third in the end. He looks like he has potential but I think I'll take a watching brief until he's proved himself further.

Notre Pere
The Welsh Grand National winner has been given topweight of 11st 12lbs and trades around [20.0] on Betfair. He skipped Cheltenham, but had ran quite well when coming second to Neptune Collonges in the Hennessey Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown in February and definitely has a chance in the place market.

Garde Champetre
He's not strongly fancied at [21.0] but I thought he was worth a mention considering his Cheltenham Cross Country win when holding off stablemate L'Ami. Unfortunately, L'Ami was pulled up in the Aintree Grand National, but Garde Champetre has had yet another great season and is rarely out of the placings. 10st 6lbs isn't too harsh all considered and he may be a dark outsider.

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