Sunday can be written off as another poor day with none of my 3 selections winning. At Fairyhouse Royal Illusion was up with the leaders and had every chance from 2 out however he weakened quickly and fell at the last the 4/1 joint favourite Skyace won while Asterion Forlonge was 3rd. The 7/4 favourite was 2nd at halfway and on terms from the 9th but he made no further impression and was 3rd at the last with the 12/1 chance Janidil winning. At Cork Coqolino was a non runner with Botani winning the race.
Easter Monday sees both festivals at Cork and Fairyhouse come to an end,the big race at Cork is the 3.00 when 9 start the Coolmore N.H. Sires Kew Gardens Handicap Chase. Weihnachts is looking for a hat-trick after victory's at Fairyhouse and his career best at Gowran Park 34 days ago,he was a comfortable winner there and should go well again here. Shakeytry picked up his latest win at Tramore in January and was a very creditable 2nd in a handicap hurdle at Navan when last seen at the beginning of March and should not be taken lightly. Goulane Chosen was a below form 7th in a handicap chase at Gowran Park 24 days ago,his last win was at Limerick back in early 2019 but if he can recapture that form he can make his presence felt. An outsider to look at is Espion Du Chenet who picked up his last win at Thurles in February he finished 5th in his last outing but could bounce back here as long as he cuts out his mistakes.
The highlight of the Fairyhouse festival comes at 5.00 when 31 begin the Boylesports Irish Grand National. Run Wild Fred was a very good second in a handicap chase at Gowran Park 67 days ago with the horse that beat him that day Coko Beach going again here,the longer trip should suit with the places being reversed. Escaria Ten is a fast improving chaser who since his first win at Thurles in December finished 2nd in a grade 3 at Naas and third in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham. There is definitely more to come and he should show it here. Agusta Gold returned after a 320 day break to win a mares chase on this course in January, a good 4th over hurdles at Navan later that same month puts her in the frame on this her first start for trainer Willie Mullins. The other one with a big chance is Latest Exhibition who has been in good recent form only being beaten by Monkfish in his last two grade one outings at Leopardstown and this smart hurdler will challenge. The other two who could finish in the places are Home By The Lee and Off You Go in what will be an exciting race.
Big race predictions: Cork: 3: Weihnachts Fairyhouse: 20: Run Wild Fred.
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