Gordon Elliott bids for hat-trick heroics in Grand National Trial

4.00 Punchestown
BoyleSports Grand National Trial Handicap Steeplechase (Grade B) | 3m4f | 5yo+ | RTV

Topweight Pleasant Company, a Bobbyjo Chase winner and Aintree Grand National runner-up, is an obvious starting point in this competitive contest.

It's been a while since Pleasant Company showed his best form and at the age of 12 his best days may be behind him. However, Folsom Blue proved veterans can still have a major say in valuable staying chases when landing this contest as an 11-year-old in 2018.

That was the first of two wins in succession for Gordon Elliott in this €100,000 showpiece and the trainer is well represented again.

Minella Till Dawn appears to be the trainer's number one and will have Mark Walsh on board. A strong fancy for the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park, the son of Shantou missed the cut on that occasion but this would provide connections with ample compensation.

Roaring Bull and General Principle did manage to feature in the Thyestes and look the best of Elliott's other five runners.

As well as Pleasant Company, Willie Mullins is represented by Stones And Roses and perhaps the more interesting Ifyoucatchmenow, who runs in a handicap over fences for the first time.

James Dullea may not be operating with the same firepower as Elliott or Mullins but in Rocky's Silver the trainer has claims of landing a big pot such as this one.

Pleasant Company (left) just failed to reel in Tiger Roll in last year's Grand NationalCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

A winner of the amateur riders' National at Punchestown last month, Rocky's Silver went up 7lb for that impressive performance but Conor Orr negates 5lb of that burden.

The Paul Nolan-trained Mon Lino is another who will be of interest if the ground comes up testing.

What the stats say

Gordon Elliott has been the main beneficiary of this race being given an injection of prize-money in 2018, with the trainer winning the last two runnings with Folsom Blue and Dounikos.

It may be billed as a Grand National Trial but only 2003 winner Hedgehunter has gone on to strike at Aintree, which he did the following year, while no horse has managed to win the Fairyhouse showpiece in recent times.

Mares have a good record in this race with Baie Des Iles [2017] and Bonny Kate [2016] flying the flag in recent years.

What the trainers say

Willie Mullins, trainer of Pleasant Company, Stones And Roses and Ifyoucatchmenow
Pleasant Company, who we are aiming at the Grand National or Irish National, will love the ground. However, 11st 10lb is a big burden and he looks to have it all to do. Stones And Roses was very disappointing last time but he has a lovely low weight [9st 13lb]. I think the trip of three miles, four-and-a-half furlongs will suit him. Ifyoucatchmenow is off bottom weight [9st 10lb] and should get the distance, but she lacks experience and might find things tough.

James Dullea, trainer of Rocky's Silver
He's in great form and came out of his last race well. The trip should suit, and the softer the better. He needs to improve but he's only a seven-year-old and hopefully he can.

Rocky's Silver: won the amateur riders' national last timeCredit: Alain Barr (racingpost.com/photos)

Paul Nolan, trainer of Mon Lino
He ran well in the Porterstown before getting a bit outpaced over hurdles the last day. He's not an easy ride but Slippers Madden gets on well with him. Hopefully the Porterstown doesn't leave a mark on him as it was a dour old slog. He loves it heavy and will have a better chance in testing conditions.

Tony Martin, trainer of Cle En Main
He ran well the last day and it's a good pot worth. He's got a grand weight and a good rider. What more could you ask for? Fingers crossed he runs well.

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