Update: I’m tipping 18/1 shot to win Irish Grand National – Here’s my 1-2-3-4-5 prediction News

The Irish Grand National is due to take place – on Easter Monday – as predictions continue to be made.

Willie Mullins has been the star of the show over recent weeks – with Grand National and Scottish Grand National victories – but still I don’t foresee the Irishman leaving his mark in his homeland. Instead, Gordon Elliott might finally clinch the day’s big race after a slow season.

Ireland has seen no shortage of rain in recent days, setting the stage for a race favouring those who love muddy conditions or those who have managed to enter with a low weight, like WILL DO (18/1). The eight-year old made the field yesterday after previously being the second reserve, but Tullybeg’s withdrawal could be pivotal.

While Will Do has yet to secure his maiden victory over the fences, he was a notable third in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and might thrive on this longer journey. With the ground likely to suit him and Harry Sexton claiming a valuable 7lb, the gelding appears ready to make an impact on the race.

Similarly, KINTURK KALANISI (17/2) seems perfectly prepared for this meeting. After last year’s win with Intense Raffles, Thomas Gibney knows what it takes to win an Irish National.

The gelding was last seen unseating Anna McGuiness at Naas, but seemed to be travelling well at the time and appeared to have plenty left in the tank.

MALINA GIRL is another horse that appears to have a strong chance, despite mares not traditionally performing well in this race. Trainer Gavin Cromwell has had another fantastic season, and so a win at Fairyhouse wouldn’t be too much of a shock.

His stable’s star performer ran impressively in the Ultima, finishing third position behind two very well-handicapped runners, and showed great stamina up the hill to beat off the rallying Happygolucky. With good form on record and on this ground, she could put in another strong performance for her team.

National Hunt Chase victor HAITI COULEURS (7/1) also has a shot – and he could still have plenty left in the tank. The Welsh contender stormed ahead at Cheltenham but looked set to duel with the reopposing Now Is The Hour before he fell. A 7lb higher mark could see him get off lightly.

To round off my top five, I’m willing to gamble on YEAH MAN (33/1) returning to form. The eight-year-old hasn’t performed particularly well this season but a step up in distance could coax out some more improvement on his preferred heavy ground.

Irish Grand National prediction (1-2-3-4-5)

1 – Will Do (18/1)

2 – Kinturk Kalanisi (17/2)

3 – Malina Girl (20/1)

4 – Haiti Couleurs (7/1)

5 – Yeah Man (33/1)