Groody Hill heads betting market for Irish Grand National
Groody Hill has been declared the 8-1 favourite for next month’s Ladbrokes.com Irish Grand National. This development was made on Tuesday, when Groody Hill featured among 69 possible runners for the Grade A Fairyhouse handicap.
The six-year-old has been out of action since his outing at Leopardstown on December 27. The Paddy Power Chase saw him ending up third on the chart.
It was definitely an unlucky outcome for C. Roche’s trainee, who missed runner-up slot by ½ of a length. His third position in the Paddy Power Chase came after a fantastic hat-trick.
The first of his three back to back wins came on October 26, when he outpaced his rivals in the Punchestown Annual Membership Handicap Chase.
It was a forceful performance by him. After a consistent run, he strike while the iron was hot, capturing a decent lead at the end moment.
Stretching his advantage during last few furlongs, Groody Hill defeated his opponents comprehensively. Following a brilliant run, the 9-2 chance clinched victory by five and a half lengths.
Maintaining high standards in the subsequent trip, he sealed top spot in the M. W. Hickey Memorial Handicap Chase. The maverick runner completed his hat-trick at Navan, where Ladbrokes.com Troytown Handicap Chase saw him outsmarting everyone convincingly.
Under A. P. Crowe, he secured first place by ½ of a length.
Despite making a mistake early on, the son of Alderbrook managed to keep himself prominent all the way through. Although Ad Idem kept him under pressure right through the race, Groody Hill kept his nerves calm to seal victory by a healthy margin.
Groody Hill is among ten runners, who will represent JP McManus in the upcoming big meeting, to be held on April 09. Although the John P. McManus-owned looks in good shape for the Fairyhouse handicap, it will not be an easy trip for him. He will face some
dangerous runners, such as Alfie Sherrin, Four Commanders and Allee Garde.
Willie Mullins also has a strong representation in the 3m5f event. The champion hander will be represented by nine contenders including Apt Approach, The Midnight Club and Quiscover Fontaine.
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