Action Master looks the value bet in Connacht National

The Dessie Hughes (below) hope will relish the fast surface at Roscommon


The shock 50/1 Irish Grand National heroine Liberty Counsel will have to overcome topweight at Roscommon tonight if she is to add another 'National' to her CV and a better value option could be Action Master.

A total of 16 line up for the €25,000 Connacht National and Action Master's trainer Dessie Hughes will be hoping any rain stays away as his enigmatic sort should relish quick going after a decent run on the level at Leopardstown on Friday night.

Jessica Harrington will also be hoping the surface stays fast as Steps To Freedom finally gets to make his fencing debut in the first of the three chases. It's a hot race with Gigginstown's hope Rathlin among a collection of in-form horses. Getting weight from them all though is the other Gigginstown hope, Arnaud, who was impressive in beating Rebel Fitz at Killarney.

David Wachman's Inkerman has the same name as a Vincent O'Brien star of the late 1970s and has his second start in the opening maiden. Wachman should know where he stands with Silver Lightening having beaten that horse at Fairyhouse last Wednesday with General Brook.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column