Paul Townend rides a number of fancied horses at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday for champion trainer Willie Mullins.
The Cork jockey has six rides in total, including I Am Maximus in the Irish Grand National.
Ahead of the action, Townend exclusively spoke to Ladbrokes about each of his rides:
Figaroc – 2.05 Fairyhouse
He was a winner at Clonmel the last day over 2m3f. I am not sure the drop back in trip will be right up his alley but nevertheless he will take his chance. He has plenty of weight for what he has achieved. He was pretty disappointing before he won the last day for us. Maybe the handicapper is seeing something we didn’t. He is a horse who will jump a fence next year and we will know a lot more about where we go with him after Monday.
Blood Destiny – 2.40 Fairyhouse
He was well touted before going to Cheltenham. He was very impressive in his two runs in Ireland. His run at the festival was too bad to be true. He got very worked up before the race with Patrick [Mullins] and just ran too free. Hopefully it hasn’t left a mark. His work and schooling has been good since. I hope he picks up where he left off in Ireland. He is a course and distance winner and this is a nice opportunity. I am really looking forward to riding him.
Asterion Forlonge – 3.50 Fairyhouse
He ran well at Thurles over three miles the last day. The drop back in trip here isn’t ideal for him but he is a good strong, travelling horse. Going right-handed suits him. The benefit of that run swayed me towards him over Monkfish who was off the track a good while. Obviously Monkfish is a very good horse and we will see how much ability he has retained. Master McShee has to be taken seriously here as well. It is a very competitive race and you can make a case for all six runners. However, I think my horse will come on plenty for his run at Thurles.
Easy Game – 4.20 Fairyhouse
He is a brilliant horse for the yard. He is coming off a bit of layoff but his work has been good and he comes here fresh. I am looking forward to getting on him. Janidil has race fitness and was disappointing at Cheltenham after winning at Gowran. He wasn’t beaten all that far at the festival, I just thought he would be better. I am delighted to get back on Easy Game. He is so consistent bar his run in the Galway Plate last year. It is pleasure to ride him and I hope he runs well.
I Am Maximus - Irish Grand National – 5pm Fairyhouse
JP McManus purchased him after he ran well at Cheltenham. He wasn’t beaten that far by The Real Whacker. He seems to be getting his jumping together. He had a good run behind Mighty Potter at Leopardstown. He is still a maiden over fences, but he has plenty of experience now. Going right-handed isn’t ideal for him but hopefully the big field will keep him straight. He is off a competitive mark and that experience in the Grade 1’s will definitely stand to him.
Thedevilscoachman seems to be all the rage. There are question marks about his jumping though. Angels Dawn was a brilliant result at Cheltenham and got a penalty for that but off 10’4 she has to have a real live chance. She is very consistent. It is a typical Irish national, where you can make a case for so many of them. I think if we can get into a rhythm, we can run a big race. He is the type of horse who could do well in a national.
Pont Aval – 5.40 Fairyhouse
She has been running ok in chases but handicap company might suit her. She has gained a bit of experience. She was disappointing the last day at Thurles but the step up in trip will be a big help for her and I think she can put up a big performance in this.
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