Johnny Ward's Irish Angle: I'm hoping Anibale Fly can end my drought

For what it’s worth, I fancy Anibale Fly in the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.

But let it be known that I have never backed the winner of the great race, and there is probably less than a one-in-ten chance I’ll back the winner this year – unless I back loads of them, marginally helping my chance of success.

The Irish have been rocking at Aintree so far and we have strong credentials for National glory with 20 runners – best of luck to them all.

At home, there is plenty happening. We have Leopardstown’s Classic trials, perhaps not as significant as they were but, nevertheless, set to reveal plenty, while we have a cracker of a Jumps meeting at Fairyhouse and an appealing Flat card at Cork Sunday.

The vibes are strong about Madhmoon and perhaps he will prove different class here, but San Andreas looked badly in need of the run when favourite for a Naas handicap off a rating of 100 on his return.

He will enjoy the ease in the ground and, at the very least, looks capable of getting involved for place purposes, with the trip more suitable perhaps than it is for the likely favourite.

Cuban Hope has been kind to us, winning his last couple of starts, and the hat-trick is within his grasp.

He has been raised 10lb for scoring at Navan last time when he relished the step up to ten furlongs, and he looks set to progress further with racing given how green he was earlier in the season.

He could even emerge as a big Triumph Hurdle candidate next March if someone fancies buying him!

Heir Of Excitement tended to produce his best form when trained in Britain on ground with an ease in it - one of his two wins were achieved on soft - and he made a pleasing start to his life in Ireland when second at Leopardstown.

Generally, Joseph O'Brien's recruits tend to improve for a run and he must have a massive chance here, despite a high draw.

This is a winnable maiden hurdle and Tens Or Better is entitled to be thereabouts.

She landed a gamble in a bumper in December and is getting there over hurdles despite being narrowly denied at Fairyhouse last time when odds-on.

She can continue to improve.

John Kiely has not had this Famous Name-bred long and he should make a hurdler.

I am not sure this is going to suit trip-wise, but he has a massive chance on form based on his second to Cuban Hope at Navan.

With regards to the trip, he has two big pluses: his low draw and Billy Lee.

Future Proof has cheekpieces on for the first time, which ought to be no harm as he drops back to ten furlongs having been hurdling well as a juvenile.

He looks pretty straightforward and, well drawn, has an excellent chance here for Noel Meade and Declan McDonogh.

I know very little about the rider here, but I do know that Dermot Weld is in form. He has also persevered with this son of Shamardal, who probably has his ideal trip and ground – or something close to it – here.

Now is the time to chance him.