Key trainer quotes as The Big Dog bids for back-to-back wins in National Trial

Hollywoodbets Grand National Trial Handicap Chase | 3m4f | 5yo+ | RTV

Last year's winner The Big Dog arrives here on something of a retrieval mission after a nightmare trip to Chepstow for the Welsh National, but connections will be hoping he can bounce back and land a repeat victory in this stamina-sapping Grand National Trial.

The Big Dog runs off an 8lb higher mark than 12 months ago but, crucially, he will be reunited with last year’s winning rider Jamie Codd.

Chepstow was just a disaster for The Big Dog backers. Everything seemed to be going to plan until he hit the ninth, where Jonathan Burke lost an iron and he was soon pulled up.

Peter Fahey's nine-year-old will bid to prove there are still major pots to be won off his mark of 144 and he can be expected to go well back at the scene of his greatest triumph.

Gordon Elliott knows a thing or two about winning this race, having done so in 2018 and 2019.

With four of the 13 declared runners hailing from Cullentra House, Elliott once again holds the key with the unexposed Floueur and proven stayer Death Duty appearing to hold the best claims.

The Dabbler is less exposed than most and proved when second in the Porterstown that he is a talented staying handicap chaser in the making, and this race should be right up his street.

The Dabbler out to confirm promise

Liam Cusack is a dab hand with staying handicap chasers and is confident that The Dabbler is capable of putting the stable in lights this season.

Whether that comes with victory today remains to be seen but Cusack, who has one eye on the Irish Grand National for his improving stayer, thinks the demands of this race will suit The Dabbler.

The Dabbler (centre): second in the Porterstown last timeCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

He said: "When we saw he was getting in the handicap proper, we said we'd let him take his chance. He's a nice staying chaser in the making and he seemed to be really suited by the trip in the Porterstown.

"He gets in with a nice weight but I just hope the ground doesn't get any worse. Soft would be okay but no worse than that."

What they say

Eddie O'Leary, racing manager for Gigginstown House Stud, owners of Coko Beach, Death Duty and Torygraph
Coko Beach found it a little lively in the Thyestes but he'll be more in his comfort zone on this ground and over this trip. Death Duty had a fantastic run in the Paddy Power and maybe he bounced in the Thyestes, but you'd have to have been underwhelmed by his run at Gowran Park. Having said that, a lot of our horses found the ground too quick in the Thyestes. You'd have to think he will love this trip. He was a very classy novice a few seasons back before he got a bad injury but Gordon [Elliott] is convinced there is a nice pot to be won with him still. Gordon is giving Torygraph a chance but I've yet to see it. The step up in trip should suit him and he's less exposed than most but I'll believe it when I see it.

Charles Byrnes, trainer of Doctor Duffy
Soft ground would be a bit of a concern. We decided to claim five pounds off his back when the weights went up. He's in good form and we're hoping for the best but we'd rather have better ground.

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Alfa Mix and Jimmil
Maybe stepping up in trip will bring about a bit of improvement from Alfa Mix. I'm not sure if he'll stay this far but hopefully he will. Jimmil should be fine over the trip. He was a little bit disappointing on his return, but we're hoping for better from him here.

Enda Bolger, trainer of Champagne Platinum
I’m hoping that the trip will suit him. He stayed on well at Navan over three miles and the extra half mile should be right up his street. He's in good form and we're hoping for the best.

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