J J Slevin’s William Hill blog: A big chance in the Irish National

Monday, Fairyhouse

Glendine Billy (2.05pm)

I don’t know a huge amount about him to be honest as I only picked the ride up late on. It is his first run in a handicap, and he has got a nice light weight, but he would have to improve on his maiden form to figure in a race like this. It is probably a tough start to life in handicaps for him, but I’m just happy enough to get the ride off Tony Mullins.

Eastern Legend (2.40pm)

He is quite a highly rated horse coming off the Flat. He is rated 95 on the Flat, and he won the October Handicap on his last start in that sphere. He should like a bit of soft ground, and he could be a bit of a dark horse. I’m delighted to get the ride off Mr Bolger, who is a fellow Wexford man like myself. My dad spent a few years with him 30 years ago, and he is a legend of the game. The horse could be quite smart as I’m sure he will be well schooled for this, and he could quite easily do something. It is the first time I’ve ridden for Mr Bolger, although I have ridden in his colours for Brendan Duke. It is a good sign to see the horse going for a Grade Two first time out over hurdles. He has strong form from the Flat, and he will like the ground. One thing coming from Mr Bolger’s yard is that fitness and schooling won’t be an issue.

Intense Raffles (5.00pm)

I’m delighted to get the ride on him, although it is a bit unfortunate in the circumstances with Daryl (Jacob) being out injured. I’m pleased that Anthony (Bromley, racing manager to owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede) put my name forward for the ride.

There are only 21 runners in the race this year, but it is still a competitive race. He has been over the fences twice now at Fairyhouse on bad ground which is a big plus, and novice chasers have a very good record in the race. As he is only six he is a horse with potential going forwards, whereas some of those older horses are on their way down, and all being well he is on the way up. Those French horses get lots of graft jumping wise so he should be fine in that respect, and he has looked quite good in his two starts at Fairyhouse, albeit they were in small fields.

I’m excited to be riding him in the Irish National. He looks like a big staying chaser so this trip should hold no fears to him. Hopefully he goes there with a really good chance.