IT’LL be okay for IROKO in the Grand National at Aintree (4.00) — but only just.
The National fences are easier and there will be only 34 runners if they all line up.
It’s not the test it was but it is certainly one of the most open Nationals in living memory.
The top five on ratings are covered by just 4lb — and Iroko just edges it. The bonus little ‘p’ seals the deal as it means improvement is expected.
Expected — but not guaranteed of course and the race is bang-full of well-handicapped horses.
You can even make a case out for I Am Maximus (not one of the top five on ratings) for being well weighted despite running off 8lb higher than when romping home in the race last year by just over seven lengths.
For perspective, it was rated by us as one of the BEST Grand National performances this century.
Iroko has not won this season but he has certainly offered plenty of encouragement on his three completed starts, leaving the impression he has a bigger effort in his locker.
He shaped especially well when runner-up to the talented Grey Dawning at Kelso last month and that will act as the ideal stepping stone for this.
He was also second in last season’s Mildmay won by Inothewayurthinkin, who, of course, has since gone on to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Another JP McManus runner who is still ahead of the handicapper is Perceval Legallois.
His jumping has let him down at time but he put it all together when winning at Leopardstown over Christmas. He followed up by winning a big-field handicap hurdle.
Top five weight-adjusted ratings as follows: 183p Iroko; 182 Stumptown; 181 Perceval Legallois; 180 Hyland; 179+ Intense Raffles.
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