There is no good reason to stop BAIE DES ILES from following-up his impressive success in an Irish Grand National Trial at Punchestown three weeks ago.
The handicapper gives him a 5lb rise for that, but with this being a conditions race, he picks up a handy 7lb for his age from most his rivals, and 15lbs from Roi Des Francs who he slammed by 25l in the Trial.
That was an improvement on his fifth in the Welsh Grand National and he remains open to further progress with the drop back in trip no problem. The heavy ground must also be in his favour, and it’s sure to make the extended three miles a stamina-sapping test.
The one to be feared, and currently vying for favouritism at the top of the market is Pleasant Company who made a pleasing comeback for Willie Mullins on his season opener. But on a strict line through the form with Bonny Kate, Baie Des Iles should have a few pounds on the Ruby Walsh mount and is fancied to finish runner up to the selection.
The Gigginstown trio of Wounded Warrior, Thunder And Roses, and Roi Des Francs can fight it out for the final place spot.
1.5pts win Baie Des Iles @3/1, 15:30 Saturday, Fairyhouse (betfair)
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