Another Papillon? Ted Walsh-trained Any Second Now primed for Grand National bid

Katie Walsh believes comparisons can be made between leading Randox Grand National contender Any Second Now and her dad Ted's previous Aintree flagbearers Papillon and Seabass, with the recent runaway Navan winner preparing for his first try at the unique fences.

The JP McManus-owned nine-year-old, who claimed the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup at the 2019 Cheltenham Festival, looked in rude health when landing the Grade 2 Webster Cup last month and is set to head to Liverpool as the 10-1 second favourite behind Cloth Cap.

That was his first win since the 2020 Paddy Power Newlands Chase at Naas, a race won by both Papillon and Seabass in the past.

Any Second Now and Mark Walsh jump the last en route to Webster Cup victory at NavanCredit: Patrick McCann

Speaking at a virtual press event ahead of the Aintree highlight, Katie Walsh, said: "The great thing about Papillon and Seabass was that neither of them were slow and could win over two miles.

"Dad isn't afraid of running them over shorter trips and loves smartening them up that way. It would have been a question of whether or not they would get the trip beforehand."

She added: "I think as the National has changed over the last few years that you need to be able to travel easy within yourself for the first mile and a half, then everything starts to change a bit. In that regard, Any Second Now is a strong traveller and can run – and win – over two miles in competitive races.

"They're different types of horses but he'd be quite lairy and spooky, more like Papillon. There are definitely similarities among the three of them in that they can travel well early."

Katie Walsh and Seabass lead over the last before taking third in the 2012 Grand NationalCredit: Mark Cranham

Ruby Walsh still cites his 2000 Grand National victory on Papillon as his most cherished day in racing and for that reason would ride Any Second Now if still part of the weighing room, but believes Cloth Cap has a standout winning chance.

"In theory, he's so far ahead of the handicapper," he said. "If I was sitting down right now as a jockey and waiting for the phone to ring, I'd be delighted if Jonjo [O'Neill] or my dad rang, or Willie Mullins for Burrows Saint or Paul Nolan for Discorama – I most certainly wouldn't say no."

Walsh remains a key part of Willie Mullins' operation and believes the very best of the champion trainer's Burrows Saint will be seen on a sound surface.

"He's definitely a better horse on better ground," said the man who steered Hedgehunter to victory for Mullins in the 2005 Grand National.

Burrows Saint: the Irish Grand National winner has strong Aintree claims says Ruby WalshCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"He was aimed at the Grand National last year but obviously Covid came and in 2020 it didn't exist. That's where he's been aimed again. He's had three runs this season and ran better in the Bobbyjo Chase than his previous two runs. He's going in the right direction."

Asked if he envisaged the Irish dominance at the Cheltenham Festival to be reflected at Aintree, Walsh explained: "Probably not, but maybe in the Grand National.

"There are plenty of Irish-trained horses with chances; the likes of Any Second Now, Burrows Saint, Minella Times, Magic Of Light, The Storyteller, Anibale Fly, Acapella Bourgeois and Discorama.

"At the top of the betting there's plenty of Irish horses, but I don't think you'll see that all across the meeting. I don't think as many Irish horses will even go to Aintree."

Read more on the Nationals at Aintree and Fairyhouse:

Jamie Codd preparing to do lowest weight in 17 years on Irish National contender

Watering begins at Aintree with further irrigation before National not ruled out

Top amateurs free to ride at Aintree with 'Irish bubble' based at Haydock

Tiger Roll decision to be left late with Irish National and Aintree on the table

Magic double? Harrington's hopes alive of Grand National and Classic success

Check out the Racing Post Grand National microsite for the latest tips and odds for the big race. The best Grand National betting advice and exclusive free betting offers all in one place.