Conflated takes the eye as Elliott targets Kerry National with strong squad

Guinness Kerry National Handicap Chase | 3m | 4yo+ | RTV/TG4

Gordon Elliott's Conflated boasts obvious claims. A classy novice chaser, Conflated warmed up for this race with an eyecatching performance on the Flat and rates the pick of Elliott's four-strong team.

JP McManus has seven in the race and cases can be made for most. Mark Walsh has sided with last year's Fred Winter winner Aramax, who may not have fully shown his hand over fences.

McManus's Top Moon remains an interesting sort. He was disappointing when sent off just 15-2 for the Galway Plate, but is fitted with first-time cheekpieces by trainer Joseph O'Brien here.

Mullins bids to follow up

When Cabaret Queen stormed to victory in this race 12 months ago, Willie Mullins was bridging a 14-year gap to when he won the €150,000 prize with Bothar Na in 2006.

The champion trainer is hoping he will not have to wait as long to notch another success in the prestigious handicap, and will be represented by Brahma Bull, Annamix and Koshari, while Karl Der Grosse is second reserve.

Cabaret Queen supplied Paul Townend with his first success last year and the champion jockey has elected to ride Annamix in the follow-up bid.

Willie Mullins: well represented in the Kerry NationalCredit: Patrick McCann

Mullins said: "Annamix is stepping up to three miles for the first time and the ground will suit. Brahma Bull has a big task at the weights, but the ground will also suit. Koshari ran well in the Galway Plate, but it’s hard to see him improving although I think there is another big day in him.”

He added: “I don’t think the trip is going to be a negative for any of them. We have chances, but it’s a very open Kerry National.”

What they say

Frank Berry, racing manager to JP McManus, owner of Darasso, Modus, Top Moon, Aramax, A Wave Of The Sea, The Big Lense and Shady Operator
Darasso ran well in the [Galway] Plate and Joseph [O'Brien] is quite happy with him. Modus also ran well in the Plate. If he’s in the same sort of form, he should be in with a good chance. Top Moon was disappointing in the Plate and we’re trying him in cheekpieces now. Hopefully he can bounce back. Aramax should be fine over the trip. A Wave Of The Sea might have a squeak on a going day and The Big Lense runs well fresh but might have it all to do. Shady Operator is also in good form.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Farclas, Conflated, Aramax and The Big Lense
Farclas is rock solid and has form in all the big staying handicap chases. I've been saying all along that Conflated could be unexposed as he has Graded form. Aramax and The Big Lense have their chance. Aramax looked like he would handle a step up in trip when third at Galway, while The Big Lense would be involved if he’s on a going day.

Gearoid O'Loughlin, trainer of Ben Dundee
There’s not much stamina in his pedigree but he got two miles six at Galway so should have no problem getting three miles at Listowel. I’d be disappointed if he wasn’t in the money.

Paul Gilligan, trainer of Born By The Sea
He’s in very good form and if he brings his Galway Blazers run to the table he should go close.

John McConnell, trainer of Robin Des Foret
He’s run well at the track before. He had a nice run at Killarney and is definitely fitter for that.

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