Key connections to watch: Townend's only ride of the day on Saturday The racing in Ireland this weekend is far from out of this world, but with Cheltenham less than a month away, that’s no surprise. In fact, we could get to see some Grand National form pointers at Fairyhouse, as the Bobbyjo Chase is their feature race on Saturday. Willie Mullins has won nine of the last 10 renewals of the big race and as he trains four of the 10 runners this year, he should be going close once again. There are several other key figures with runners and rides at Fairyhouse and Naas this weekend too. We’ve picked out some of the names to follow in Ireland on Saturday and Sunday, as they are expected to land a winner or two. Owners It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on JP McManus and he has a few interesting runners at Fairyhouse on Saturday. Top of that list is last-time-out winner Blow Wind Blow. Enda Bolger trains this gelding and he took a huge step forward to win a maiden at Thurles last month. He makes his handicap debut and could well be one to watch. Gigginstown House Stud run Detroit Maverick in the concluding bumper at Fairyhouse and he ran a nice race to finish second on his first start under rules. He wasn’t beaten far and is entitled to improve for the run. Trainers The aforementioned Willie Mullins runs Grangeclare West, Spanish Harlem, Captain Cody and Lecky Watson. It’s the latter who makes the most appeal and we should see the best of him now that the Grand National weights are out. Gordon Elliott is Fairyhouse’s leading trainer so far this season, with 16 winners on the board, and he has plenty of chances on Saturday. Stellar Story looks particularly interesting in the big race of the day, and Three Card Brag shouldn’t be far away either. Martin Brassil is operating at a healthy strike-rate at the moment and Best Years Yet returns after a lengthy absence, having won over hurdles at Auteuil for previous connections. We haven’t seen the best of him just yet. Jockeys Paul Townend had his pick of four in the Bobbyjo Chase and he went for Grangeclare West, who ran a cracker to finish third in the Grand National at Aintree last year. The 10-year-old is his only ride of the day on Saturday but he should have plenty of rides at Naas. Jack Kennedy is operating at a strike-rate of 32 per cent in the last fortnight and he rides Three Card Brag in the Bobbyjo Chase. His other two rides are Fabhcun and Mi Lucky Caitlin. It would be no surprise if he manages to ride a winner or two.
