FAR FROM Cheltenham, the former Grade One-winner Air Force One takes a circuitous route to next month’s Aintree Grand National when he lines up in today’s feature at Down Royal.
Unlike most equine traffic this week, Air Force One, a 50 to 1 shot for Liverpool, makes the long journey across the Irish Sea from Charlie Mann's Lambourn yard to contest the €17,000 chase.
He carries the colours of Kildare man Brian Walsh who also owns the 2007 National hero Silver Birch and this should be a return to winning form for the English horse against last year’s race winner One Cool Cookie.
The top hunter Agus A Viccould also be on his way to Liverpool and should be hard to beat in the hunters chase while Some Fool, third to Jetson at Navan last time, looks one to check out at the Down Royal meeting too.
Wexford also hosts a St Patrick's Day card and while Dermot Weld's focus will be on Cheltenham this afternoon, his Vital Plotcomes out best at the figures for the conditions hurdle. Clarkeycan defy a 6lb penalty for winning at Limerick on Sunday.
