Grand National-winning jockey Robbie Power believes the bookmakers have got it wrong regarding his mount Killyglen in Saturday’s spectacular at Aintree.
Power landed the great race at only his second attempt when galloping to glory on Silver Birch in 2007 and feels odds as big as 66-1 offered on Stuart Crawford’s nine-year-old are way off the mark.
“He’s in good, old form. I rode him at Navan after racing last Saturday week. I jumped five fences on him and he went really well. He seemed in good order, but you need a lot of luck,” the Irishman said.
“He won that good novice chase (Mildmay) at Aintree two years ago. If he came back to that sort of form he’d have a good chance.
“I don’t think his runs this season have been that bad and he’s way overpriced.
“Touch wood, he seems a pretty good jumper – he’s the kind of horse you need for Aintree.”
Killyglen will be Crawford’s first runner in the National, and the County Antrim trainer is hopeful of a decent display if the ground is good.
“It’s all systems go and we’re hoping there’s not too much rain,” he told At The Races.
“We can’t control the rain but I’m happy with the way the horse is going.
“He schooled well last week and did a nice piece of work the other day.
“Hopefully he can put up a good show.”
Last year’s winner Don’t Push It heads the 65 entries following the five-day stage at which the pick of the withdrawals were Midnight Chase, Synchronised, Scotsirish, Notre Pere, Ballytrim and Nedzer’s Return.
Although Willie Mullins has taken out Scotsirish and the injured Ballytrim, the Irish champion trainer still has a strong hand, headed by pre-post favourite The Midnight Club.
The County Carlow maestro can also call upon Dooneys Gate, as well as Arbor Supreme and Our Monty, who are now the final two horses guaranteed a place in the 40-runner maximum line-up
British champion Paul Nicholls is still searching for an elusive first National triumph and he is also mob-handed, with Gold Cup fourth What A Friend seemingly the best of his team.
The Tother One, Niche Market and Ornais are other likely contenders for the Ditcheat handler.
Other pre-post fancies Backstage, Ballabriggs, Oscar Time, Big Fella Thanks and Silver By Nature also figure in the remaining entries.
PA mfl/gm
