Joseph O’Brien increasingly sweet on Banbridge taking National chance

Joseph O’Brien is preparing a two-fold assault on the Randox Grand National and is increasingly warming to Banbridge’s claims in Saturday week’s Aintree showpiece.

With stablemate Jordans – second to Caldwell Potter in novice company at the meeting last year – permanently inked in for National service, a decision on Banbridge’s participation will rest with owner Ronnie Bartlett, who has seen Galvin and Stattler both run well in the past.

And the Owning Hill handler is hopeful the former King George hero is given the nod, believing he has plenty of the attributes required to make his mark in the world’s most famous steeplechase.

O’Brien said: “Jordans will run in the National and there’s a good chance Banbridge will as well – we’ll see what Ronnie wants to do, but it’s looking like it at the moment.

“Sean (Bowen) got off Banbridge at Cheltenham and said two-five is probably a bit short for him, but three-two would probably stretch him there, the pace they go.

“Three miles at Kempton is perfect for him. He ran well in the Ryanair, but was just flat out all the way. Personally I think he’d be interesting in the National. I’m not saying he’d win it, but he’d be a great ride in the race.

“If he got in a nice rhythm over the first three miles you see what happens from there. He’d probably be better off in an old-style National when they didn’t go as hard as they do now, but he’s good at Aintree and I think it will suit him.”

He added: “It’s great to even run in these races, if you’re lucky enough to see one line up at less than 100-1, (then) you hope to have a clear run and hope for the best. I don’t think he’s a 100-1 chance, I think he’s about half that price, but I think he’ll run well. He does want top of the ground.”