The Bobbyjo Chase has developed into a key Grand National trial, and recent history suggests this year’s running will be examined closely for Aintree clues. With Captain Cody and Lecky Watson among a strong field, Saturday’s 3m2f contest at Fairyhouse again looks an important staging post for staying chasers with bigger spring targets.
Proven Grand National trial
The race has long been marketed as a National pointer, but the last few years have underlined that reputation.
Hedgehunter set the tone in 2005 when winning the Bobbyjo and then the Grand National in the same year, and since then a series of staying chasers have used this race as their final stepping stone to Aintree.
The most striking recent examples are I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett.
I Am Maximus won the 2024 Bobbyjo before landing the 2024 Grand National, while Nick Rockett repeated the double in 2025, turning the Fairyhouse race into a direct pipeline to Aintree success in consecutive seasons.
Any Second Now won the 2022 Bobbyjo and finished second in the same year’s Grand National, while Vanillier filled the runner‑up spot in both the 2023 Bobbyjo and 2023 Grand National, further strengthening the form link between the two contests.
Rathvinden also fits the pattern, winning the 2019 Bobbyjo before finishing third at Aintree, and Grangeclare West was third in the 2025 Bobbyjo before running in last year’s National.
The race is named after Bobbyjo, the 1999 Grand National winner, whose victory is still celebrated as a turning point for Irish runners at Aintree and remains a landmark chapter in modern Grand National history.
Captain Cody
Captain Cody represents the profile of a modern National contender using Fairyhouse as a springboard.
He ended last season with a decisive victory in the Scottish National at Ayr over 4m on good to soft ground, firmly establishing his stamina credentials.
Subsequently only seventh in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over 3m, he was nevertheless strongly supported for the Thyestes at Gowran, sent off as the joint favourite before falling at the fifth fence. He returns to Fairyhouse with proven form at the track and under conditions that should suit a thorough stayer.
Paul Townend’s decision to ride Grangeclare West instead is a notable factor for the market, but Captain Cody still appeals as a solid, battle‑hardened staying chaser whose blend of Scottish National form and local course efforts fits well with the established Bobbyjo–Grand National profile.
Lecky Watson
Lecky Watson was one of last season’s leading novice chasers and now has to re‑establish himself.
He was unbeaten in three chase starts as a novice, including a 4l success over Stellar Story in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham, where his stamina and ability to handle testing ground were key assets.
This season has been more disappointing. He failed to feature on his return in the John Durkan, was well beaten in the Savills Chase (finishing ahead of Stellar Story but behind Grangeclare West), and was pulled up in the Irish Gold Cup on his most recent start.
He now shoulders top weight in a competitive Bobbyjo, and connections will be looking for clear signs that he can return to the level of his novice campaign.
From a National perspective, a return to form here would immediately make him of interest for Aintree given his proven stamina and festival record, but this race looks a crucial test of where he currently stands.
Saturday’s race
The betting forecast reflects the strength and depth of this year’s renewal, with Grangeclare West heading the market at around 16/5, followed by Three Card Brag (7/2), Answer To Kayf (11/2), Captain Cody (6/1), Spanish Harlem (8/1), Gerri Colombe (9/1), and then Stellar Story (16/1), Intense Raffles (20/1), Lecky Watson (25/1) and Jordans (70/1).
Grangeclare West brings high‑class staying form, including an excellent third in last season’s Grand National, and his fourth in the Savills behind Affordable Fury suggested he retains plenty of ability, though his best efforts have tended to come on better ground.
Spanish Harlem was in the process of running a big race when looking set to win the Thyestes before unseating at the last; if reproducing that level, he is a major contender.
Three Card Brag has compiled a very solid staying profile, with strong efforts in big‑field handicaps at Listowel, Cheltenham and Newbury over three miles and further, and looks suited by conditions again.
Gerri Colombe, a five‑time Grade 1 winner and runner‑up in the 2024 Gold Cup, remains a key point of interest, but he must prove that his ability has not diminished after a long break and mixed comeback runs over hurdles and fences.
Answer To Kayf, Intense Raffles, Jordans and Stellar Story each have pieces of form that bring them into the argument, particularly those with previous Fairyhouse success and proven effectiveness on heavy ground, though each arrives with a question to answer in terms of either current form or suitability to these exact conditions.
Bobbyjo Tip
Given his consistent staying profile, proven effectiveness in large, competitive fields and ability to see out a strong-run 3m2f, Three Card Brag looks the most straightforward choice to trust on Saturday.
He arrives with fewer ground doubts than Grangeclare West, fewer completion concerns than Spanish Harlem, and more recent, hard‑earned form than Captain Cody, making him the percentage call in a race that should again shape the Grand National picture.
Given the recent record of the Bobbyjo as a launching pad to Aintree, a decisive performance here is likely to have immediate implications for the spring markets and for the emerging shortlist of serious National contenders.
Betfred are offering competitive odds on this year’s Bobbyjo Chase, giving punters a strong value option if they’re looking to get involved in the Fairyhouse feature.
BETFRED
