Lane On Track For Fairyhouse

Cloudy Lane will bid to land another valuable prize in the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Monday.

Donald McCain jnr's charge landed a gamble when scoring at the Cheltenham Festival last month and has continued to delight connections.

'He's in great nick and ready to run,' said McCain.

'Cheltenham is still championship racing and it's still the Festival but everything went very straightforward and he travelled well through his race.

'He won well and he was looking around a little bit in front.

'He's come back very well and fresh and we're looking forward to the weekend.'

Cloudy Lane has yet to win over a trip further than Cheltenham's extended three miles but his handler feels he possesses sufficient stamina to make his presence in the Irish National.

'He got every yard of the trip at Cheltenham and he gives you the impression he'll get it but you don't know until you try,' he reasoned.

'He deserves his chance and he's a decent little horse ? he's done nothing wrong and he's tough.

'He's a bit more grown up than (stablemate) Regal Heights, which is why he's been able to run in the handicaps he's run in as he's a bit more streetwise.

'He's got a great weight and must have a very solid chance if he sees it out.'

Cloudy Lane is generally available at 12-1 to land the Irish National.

(C) PA Sport