Big-race tips: why this horse can win the 2022 Irish Grand National

The BoyleSports Irish Grand National (5.00 Monday) is nearly upon us and anticipation is ramping up for one of Ireland's most prestigious races of the season. Here, our experts provide their tips for the great race . . .

5.00 Fairyhouse Monday: BoyleSports Irish Grand National racecard and betting

Farclas

By Justin O'Hanlon, tipster

Who knew that the Triumph Hurdle would prove to be a trial for the top staying handicap chases further down the line, but Gordon Elliott has done it with Tiger Roll and now has the opportunity to land the Irish National with 2018 Triumph hero Farclas.

The son of Jukebox Jury began to show his affinity for this type of contest last season, finishing third in the Paddy Power Chase at Cheltenham and fifth in the Grand National at Aintree.

He has the profile of a horse put away for this race after chasing home stable companion Run Wild Fred in the Troytown at Navan in November and a big run can be expected.

Confirmed runners and riders for the 2022 Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse

Off You Go

By Mark Boylan, reporter

JP McManus looks to have a strong hand in this year's running and his 25-1 shot Off You Go shouldn't be underestimated as he bids to build on last year's sixth in the race.

It proved extremely difficult to land a blow from off the pace in the 2021 edition and this Charles Byrnes-trained performer did well in the circumstances to finish where he did. The likely decent ground on offer will surely be up his street, with cheekpieces added for the first time here.

We tend to see the best of him in big handicaps so do not read much into his couple of runs in conditions hurdles and chases lately – his mark of 145 a potentially attractive one.

Max Flamingo

By Maddy Playle, journalist

I have supported him at much bigger prices than the current 8-1 on offer, including in Wednesday's Weekender column, but I still think Max Flamingo has rock-solid claims in a race which might not have the same strength of recent years.

Novices have a great recent record in the race and he has plenty of experience, including in big-field handicaps and an eyecatching effort at this track.

He shapes as if the marathon distance will bring out plenty of improvement and this has been a long-term plan.

Max Flamingo: novice has had six starts over fencesCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Franco De Port

By Matt Rennie, reporter

While I don't suspect there will be another 150-1 boilover like last year, I'm happy to take on the market principles with Franco De Port.

The seven-year-old is quite hard to catch given he hasn't won since Boxing Day in 2020, but we do know he possesses top-level class – that win came in the Racing Post Novice Chase – and likes the track, having finished second in the Grade 1 novice chase here last year.

The form of his solid second in the Thyestes has been franked since too and there were still positives to take from his luckless fourth in the Leinster National last time.

Jack Foley's 5lb claim is very useful as well and he could run a huge race off a hefty weight.

Champagne Platinum

By James Hill, tipster

JP McManus had an incredible week at Aintree, and his luck could continue as he has as many as eight going for him here.

Most interesting of his runners is Champagne Platinum, who looks on a nice rating of 138 on his best form. His British mark was just 1lb higher when he finished fifth in last season's Pertemps at Cheltenham. He wore the cheekpieces that day, and the headgear is back on here, and he proved he stays this far when second in the National Trial at Punchestown in February.

Farclas

By James Stevens, reporter

There has been 150-1 and 20-1 winners of the Irish National in the last four years but there has also been two classy types sent off favourite and for all that Farclas is a rather obvious choice, he looks the most likely winner in my eyes.

He has a combination of really strong form in staying chases and on better ground in big spring meetings and the two come together for him here. His National fifth in 2021 was a fine effort but even better was his Cheltenham Festival second to The Shunter.

That was over 2m4½f but he shaped like a thorough stayer when beaten only by talented stablemate Run Wild Fred in the Troytown in November.

It was particularly interesting that connections decided against a shot at Aintree again but the ground and trip appear to be ideal so they may well reap the rewards – especially as he comes here a fresh horse.

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