Wotsitooya looks Grand value

Racing: Even before racing was finished yesterday the Fairyhouse track was being watered but one of the fastest run Powers Gold Label Grand National's of recent years still looks likely today.IrishGrandNationalFairyhouse, 3.50On TV: RTÉ 1

The declared 23-strong field has already been reduced with Mystic Lord reported a likely non-runner and it may not end there.

Timbera, one of the main ante-post fancies, could also be doubtful with trainer Dessie Hughes saying yesterday: "It would want to rain or else be watered well."

There was not much consolation from the forecast. The Fairyhouse manager Dick Shiel reported: "We are told there is little or no chance of rain and we will start watering after the last of the jump races today."

There wasn't any consolation from the jockeys who rode on the track and Eskimo Jack's rider Conor O'Dwyer said: "It's very quick, really on top." Barry Geraghty, who rides The Dell, declared: "There's a grand covering of grass but it's plenty quick."

Geraghty won the Aintree Grand National 16 days ago and is trying for a double not achieved since Tommy Carberry in 1975.

However, there will be plenty of competition for the in-form rider with Mick Fitzgerald on the market mover Ross Moff and Tony McCoy expected to ride Winning Dream.

McCoy will have to travel from Antrim where he will attend the funeral of Willy Rock, the trainer who first introduced the British champion to racing.

Ross Moff's trainer Tony Martin also saddles the 2001 winner Davids Lad who will carry topweight and try to defy history.

Only Brown Lad (1975-76-78) has managed to regain the National crown and the last horse to win with 12st on his back was Flashing Steel (1995.) However, that hasn't stopped Davids Lad taking his chance in the €170,000 contest which is one of the most prestigious races of the season.

The ability to act on fast ground will be vital today and significantly the most successful trainer in the race is starting to fancy his chances.

Michael O'Brien has won the National with Glebe Lad (1999) Vanton (1992) and Kings Spruce (1982). This time he depends on Wotsitooya and said yesterday: "He has a serious chance. He was unlucky not to win the Galway Plate last year. He has been working well and will love the ground."

Wotsitooya is one of the few who will actively relish the conditions and looks a reasonable bet to provide rider Paul Maloney with the biggest success of his career.

To do so he will have to reverse Cork placings with plenty of the opposition but the ground could be the key.

Native Jack won at Cork from The Dell and the latter's trainer Frances Crowley said: "He has plenty in his favour. He jumps well, goes on the ground and the trip shouldn't be a problem. I just hope lightening can strike twice for Barry!" The Dell's effort was an eye-catching one for a horse that hadn't run since last year but he does have a history of running well fresh.

He gives Geraghty a solid chance of bringing off the rare double but Wotsitooya could be the value of the race to spoil his party.