BETFAIR 2009 IRISH GRAND NATIONAL TIPS

With the big race at Fairyhouse only a few days away, we're seeing plenty of action and movement on the Betfair markets for the 2009 Irish Grand National. As it currently stands, Pomme Tiepy and Wichita Lineman are both listed at 9.6, which represents some solid value amongst such a competitive field. Arbor Supreme comes in at a solid 12.5 while former favourite Emma Jane boasts a price of 12.0. From what I've seen monitoring the odds on a number of top UK bookmakers was a lot of action moving towards the (very) long odds on Battle Axe. This 9 year-old Irish number just triumphed in the Shamrock Handicap Chase and is a solid bet over distances. With Betfair odds on Battle Axe currently sitting in the neighbourhood of 90.0, I would say its more than worth a punt especially considering the outcome of the UK Grand National last week. I've seen one of my chief picks, Skip Two, drop by nearly half with Betfair currently listing odds of 26.0 for this 8 year-old Irish Hurdles specialist. He finishes a solid second to so Billiant at the Newmarket Handicap Hurdle. He was in stellar form last summer and I expect a good performance from him. I wouldn't quite go so far as to call him a steamer at this point, but I could easily see 12.0 at post-time on Skip Two. Overall, I expect the odds to shorten considerably on Emma Jane, Notre Pere, Wichita Lineman and Arbor Supreme. I still think Garde Champetre has what it takes to make a statement here, but I'm getting more and more excited about Skip Two as the days go by. I think he's a quality runner and excellent value.