It was amazing to cheer home Stag Night at Cork on Saturday. A second winner for the month, for the season, for the year… small sample size, but 30pts up moving into April, I’ll take that.

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5.00 Fairyhouse: Irish Grand National, 3m 5f

Lightly raced and progressive Nick Rockett appears to be a rock solid favourite. Able to run off 146 he could easily be a good deal better than this current handicapper assessment.

He impressed in his three starts over fences this year in hot enough company. Only five lengths behind Corbetts Cross in December, and an excellent runner- up behind American Mike in February when he stepped up to 3 miles under rules for the first time.

Trained by Willie Mullins, one has to take that into account, but the price is skinny enough. There are reasons to take this 7-year old on: evidently he isn’t the biggest horse and with that in mind a 21-runner big National is a new experience.

An uncompetitive maiden hurdle at Naas isn’t quite the same as the Irish Grand National, especially as there should be a lot of action toward the front of the pack today.

Going 3m 5f is a first, too. Nick Rockett won a Point to Point over 3 miles, that gives hope but doesn’t provide a guarantee, especially if the race is fast on this heavy ground.

There are two I’m interested in against this favourite: one is stable mate We’llhavewan, who’s also surprisingly low mileage over fences and potentially on a really good mark compared to his hurdles rating.

He ran a fine race when second in the Grand National Trial at Punchestown, when effectively 5lb wrong due to being out the handicap and Townend weighing in over.

I thought it was impressive how he surged from over 4 furlongs out, making a big bold move after jumping the second last and seemed briefly to have a lead that’ll last for a win. That big move cost him dearly in the end, though, as he was reeled in an finished a tired 2nd.

He hasn’t been seen often jumping a fence since winning on his chasing debut in summer 2022, but had excuses afterwards. His jumping was pretty assured at Punchestown, though.

We’llhavewan had a light campaign, won well over hurdles and looks favourably weighted here at the bottom of the field with valuable 5lb claimed by Kieran Callaghan. Whether he’ll truly stays the trip we’ll find out later.

The other one I’m interested in is Favori De Champdou. He’s a decent hurdler but already looks a better chase, and no surprise given his connections.

He’s low mileage for a 9-year-old and was quite impressive when he won the Florida Pearl at Punchestown early in the season. He bombed out the last two and requires a bit of faith that he’s back to the previous form.

Still, only 4 runs over fences, there’s possibly more to come. This is the game he’s been bought for. If you can forgive him those last two runs, he looks like an exciting Novice Chaser.

Conditions should suit and he had a small break. A return to a right-handed track can also suit. He ran to a 151 RPR at Punchestown, if he can get back to that form and show any improvement, he’ll be right in the mix off 145.

5pts win – Favori De Champdou @ 19/1
5pts win – We’llhavewan @ 11.5/1

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1.40 Wolverhampton: Class 5 Handicap, 1m 4f

Richard Hannon has his string in strong order, hence returning Major Major makes some appeal, if he’s ready to go in a weak enough race that could fall into his lap.

There shouldn’t be too much pace on, so he could either move forward and make all, or follow closely whoever else is doing the donkey work for him.

The 4-year-old gelding improved nicely over these longer trips last season and his last two performances warranted an upgrade in competitive Handicaps.

He’s unexposed on the All-Weather and could improve for this surface given his breeding and family on the dam side all done well on the sand. His final start in 2023 at Lingfield’s polytrack was eyecatching, and if he can translate this form to tapeta he’ll be a strong chance today.

A mark off 68 could underestimate him. Certainly in conditions and pace likely in his favour today, with excellent 5lb claiming Alec Voikhansky in the saddle.

He achieved a 65 speed rating on turf last season. He should be able to run to this level, perhaps even better on All-Weather too. He looks a good win ahead of his mark.

10pts win – Major Major @ 13/2