GRANG NATIONAL SELECTIONS

Just one bet for myself in the race - LONGHOUSE POET 22-1 e/w

Reason - Finished 6th in this race last season, in which he faded out of contention within the final 4F of the race beaten 34L in the end. That was only his 6th start over fences and was a tad over cooking his fences, so there is reason to believe that another season under the belt, this 9yo can go well again with a more experienced round of jumping. This is the target since last years race in which he challenged for the lead at the business end. 19lbs better off with Noble **** and 8lbs better off with Any Second Now, he carries 4lbs less in weight over this marathon trip and also has the services of JJ Slevin. Kept to hurdles races until the end of Feb and as a result has kept its mark under wraps. Won a chase race under rules in March taking an easier target then other more profitable targets and when headed, responded well to be on top at the finish and the unseating the time before in grade 3 bobbyjo chase (sent of 10/1) can be overlooked. Will need luck as always, but if he gets into a rhythm, he is sure to go well. I might have a couple of quid on Vanillier (18/1) as I do like horses who have contested the bobbyjo chase before this.