DAVIDS LAD FAVOURITE FOR IRISH GRAND NATIONAL Davids Lad has yet to be confirmed as a definite runner in the Irish Grand National, but has been installed as 5/1 favourite for the Fairyhouse showpiece on Easter Monday. Tony Martin said of his nine-year-old, winner of the race two years ago: 'It is the plan to run him but there are other options, including the Attheraces Gold Cup, if the weights look like going up a lot.' Davids Lad has 10st 10lb in the Fairyhouse event and with top weight First Gold expected to miss the race and Foxchapel King, the second highest weighted entry, ruled out of the race by trainer Mouse Morris on Thursday the weights will go up by a minimum of 7lb, although an 11lb rise is more likely. Meanwhile, Pat Doyle confirmed Just In Debt, 6-1 second favourite with Cashmans, an intended runner in the big race. Just In Debt, who has a 12-length win over Hedgehunter, Willie Mullins' big hope for the three mile five furlong handicap, to his credit, finished sixth on his most recent start at Cork last month. Doyle said on Thursday: 'Norman Williamson rode Just In Debt at Cork and recommended we go for the Irish National. He has to ride Takagi for Edward O'Grady so we are on the lookout for a good jockey. The horse is in great order and he should get into the handicap. But he will probably end up with more than the 10st minimum, which won't be ideal.' Michael Hourigan on Thursday ruled out Galway Plate winner Rockholm Boy, a 10-1 shot with Cashmans. He said: 'He's got a hairline fracture to a hind cannon bone and will be on the easy list for a few weeks.'
