County Meath trainer Noel Meade looks likely to be represented by Tom Horn and either Protaras or Ipsos Du Berlais in Sunday’s Paddy Power Cork Grand National at Cork.
His likely running plans mean Tom Horn has been promoted to Paddy Power’s 5-1 favourite (from 13-2), while Protaras and Ipsos Du Berlais are both 12-1 shots.
Meade said today: “I think Tom Horn will run in the Paddy Power Cork Grand National, while Protaras will run if the ground is good and Ipsos Du Berlais if it’s soft.
“Tom Horn ran well when second in the Munster National, but he’s creeping up the weights and was put up another 4lb for that effort which is a bit of a minus. He wants goodish ground.
“Protaras was staying on all the time last time and this is three and a half miles. I think this will be his last run for the moment and he sort of minds himself in a race.
“Ipsos Du Berlais stays well and is in good form and was third in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown. Stamina is his forte and he keeps plugging away. I haven’t talked to the owners yet, but I’ll probably claim off him and he’s ready to go as he is reasonably fit.
“I don’t think Bose Ikard will run, Silver Tassie definitely won’t and Thomond almost certainly won’t.”
The Paddy Power Cork Grand National is shaping into a cracking contest with County Carlow conjuror Shark Hanlon also yesterday revealing that he intends unleashing top weight Nearest The Pin and Darenjan, 16-1 and 20-1 respectively with Paddy Power, in the feature event.
Paddy Power Cork Grand National, sponsors bet:
Paddy Power: 5 Tom Horn, 6 Bose Ikard, 7 Dushrembrandt, Sword Fish, 8 Unoccupied, Vics Canvas, 10 Rogue Angel, Silver Tassie, 12 Ipsos Du Berlais, Protaras, 14 Bruff, Carry Each Other, Kashline, 16 Nearest The Pin, A Decent Excuse, The Bishop Looney, Thomond, 20 Darenjan, Dedoctorsdaughter, Most Chaste, The Amarillo Kid, Whodoyouthink, 25 Ballyfinboy
