Martin eyeing Aintree again for Dun Doire

Feb 1 2008 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

TONY MARTIN is readying his string for a bid to win the crack at the John Smith’s Grand National with Dun Doire set for a spin over hurdles at Punchestown on Sunday.

Irish trainers have won the Aintree showpiece in six of the last nine seasons, but Martin has not been one of them.

Dun Doire, who has not been seen on the track since being pulled up in last year’s Grand National, is one of five entries Martin has in entered at Aintree on April 5 along with Newbay Prop, Patsy Hall, Royal County Star and Wonderkid.

Both Dun Doire and Newbay Prop, who was third in the Thyestes Chase last time, are entered in the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup at Haydock Park on February 16.

But only the latter is expected to head to Merseyside in two weeks with Dun Doire pencilled in for a first run of the season this weekend.

Martin said: “He runs on Sunday and I’m very pleased with him.

“Newbay Prop might get to Haydock, but it would come a bit too quick for Dun Doire if he runs on Sunday as he’d only have a fortnight.”

Dun Doire is a best-priced 40-1 with Ladbrokes and William Hill, while Newbay Prop is 33-1 with Ladbrokes, William Hill, Skybet, Paddy Power.

Martin has been happy with Patsy Hall since he unseating his rider in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup behind Denman at Newbury in early December and likely to be seen on the track within the next few weeks.

Martin said: “I probably made a mistake and should not have gone to Newbury with him. I’m quite happy with him now and he’ll run in about three to four weeks.”

Royal County Star is the least likely to line up at Aintree in April as he is being aimead at the Irish equivalent at Fairyhouse on March 22.

Martin said: “The intention is to run him in the Irish National. He’s back after a break and he may run first over hurdles at Punchestown in about three weeks.”

TODAY’S NAP: Ryedale Ovation (3.30pm Chepstow).