/ Editor / 18 March 2007 /

Dun Doire is the new Grand National favourite after scoring at Down Royal on Saturday for trainer Tony Martin.

The eight-year-old was far from convincing in beating the small field over the 3m 2f trip and was all out to hold off the challenge of Romaha to score by three-quarters of a length .

Jockey Bobby McNally also had to survive a scare at the eighth from home when nearly brought down by News Item.

Despite the narrow margin of victory and the incident on the first circuit, McNally was relatively pleased with the gelding's performance.

"The ground was very tacky and he pricked his ears going to the last," said McNally.

"I would've liked to have had a lead after the last as he only does just enough.

"That should set him up nicely for Aintree."

Dun Doire now heads a very open Aintree ante-post market on 13 ahead of four other Irish-trained runners. Next best is Numbersixvalverde on 15 followed by Hedgehunter and Far From Trouble both on 18.5 with Point Barrow just behind on 19.

The shortest priced British-trained runner is Paul Nicholls' Eurotrek on 20.

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