Eoin Ryan / 11 April 2009 Free Bet

Jonjo O'Neill's Wichita Lineman trades as the [11.00] co-favourite on Betfair ahead of the Irish Grand National which is run at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday.

However, should Jim Dreaper decide against running Notre Pere then the weights would rise by 7lbs leaving Wichita Lineman with top weight of 11st-7lbs to shoulder and a tough task ahead. The only horses to carry top weight to victory in the race were Desert Orchid and Flashing Steal and Wichita Lineman would not be in their league with due respect.

Willie Mullins runs three and Ruby Walsh has chosen Pomme Tiepy above Emma Jane and Arbor Supreme. Punters have backed Pomme Tiepy into [11.00] from [18.00] in recent days and with 9-12 to shoulder the six year old has a nice weight. Of course, that will go up to 10-5 should Notre Pere not run, something that Walsh might be quite pleased to hear!

Tony Martin has had a quiet year by his standards but in Royal County Star [14.00] Drumconvis [16.00] and Newbay Prop [40.00] he has three horses that all have live claims. Drumconvis ran a cracker at Cheltenham and but for a mistake four out he would possibly have won.

Nina Carberry has partnered Garde Champetre to cross country wins in the past and back over regulation fences punters are sure to latch onto this one at [17.00].

Others of interest in the Betfair market include Rare Bob, a largely unexposed sort over fences who has winning recent form over three miles and comes from a yard who won the race in 2003, and Himalayian Trail, who fell at the first fence at Aintree last weekend but certainly has claims on the pick of his form.

*******