Trouble Makes National Splash Far From Trouble has been installed as Blue Square's co-favourite for the John Smith's Grand National after his facile win at Down Royal.Having his first outing since winning the Galway Plate last August, the JP McManus-owned eight-year-old breezed to an eyecatching 10-length verdict from the useful Powerstation in the Bank Of Ireland Hurdle over two miles, four furlongs.Although Far From Trouble's National price has plummeted as a consequence, connections are currently favouring the Irish equivalent on April 9.Frank Berry, racing manager to McManus, said: 'He'll probably firstly go for the William Hill Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.'But at the moment, the Irish (National) is preferred to the English National as he's only eight, and probably a bit young to take on the Aintree fences.'Christy Roche's charge is now a 12-1 chance for the Aintree feature and joins former National winners Numbersixvalverde and Hedgehunter at the head of Blue Square's market for the world's biggest steeplechase.(C) PA Sport
