McCain on raiding mission with last year's winner Federici

3.50 DownpatrickToals Bookmakers Ulster National EBF Handicap Chase | 3m4½f, 5yo+ | ATR

Federici, winner of the race a year ago when trained by Enda Bolger, represents Donald McCain in this marathon test in which the eight-year-old will be attempting to become the first back-to-back winner since News Item scored for George Stewart in 2006 and 2007.

Will Kennedy’s mount faces 11 rivals including two others who have won over the distance – Folsom Blue and Tulsa Jack. Runner-up in the Leinster National on his most recent start, the Mouse Morris-trained Folsom Blue heads the weights, while Tulsa Jack, trained by Noel Meade, is a dual National winner having landed the Cork edition in 2015 and the Midlands version at Kilbeggan last summer.

Gordon Elliott, represented by Definite Ruby and Captain Von Trappe, was successful with Riverside City two years ago and will be bidding to continue his excellent record in staying handicap chases this season.

Enda Bolger, who has sent out two winners of the race, runs the JP McManus-owned Love Rory, who wears cheekpieces for the first time.

Attempting to keep the prize in Ulster will be the Stuart Crawford-trained Baby Bach, Topper Thornton, who represents Colin McBratney, and Stephen McConville’s multiple winning pointer Anseanachai Cliste.

What they say

Mouse Morris, trainer of Folsom Blue
He stays well and has won over the trip. He ran a blinder when second in the Leinster National and if he runs a similar type race he should be there or thereabouts.

Noel Meade, trainer of Tulsa Jack
He’s coming back from a break and is in good form. He’s shown he gets the trip and the more the ground dries out the better it will be for him.

Donald McCain, trainer of Federici
He won the race last year before he came to me. He ran well in the North Yorkshire National at Catterick and then ran a screamer at Hereford – we made plenty of use of him to try to win the race, the ground was atrocious and he was going to be third but pulled himself up going to the last and I can’t blame him at all.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Captain Von Trappe and Definite Ruby
Definite Ruby is in good form. She’ll like the trip and if the ground dries out a bit it will be a plus. Captain Von Trappe has been disappointing. He has ability but doesn’t always show it.

John Ryan, trainer of Georges Conn
He didn’t jump well at Naas last time and will need to jump better. If he does, he’ll have a good chance. He’ll stay the trip and if the ground dries out a bit more it will suit.

Enda Bolger, trainer of Love Rory
He missed the cut for the cross-country at Cheltenham, so we decided this would be a suitable race. He’ll like the trip and the track, so we’re hopeful of a good run.

Colin McBratney, trainer of Topper Thornton
I was happy with his last run at Down Royal. He’s had a few issues but seems to be coming back to himself. He’s well and I’m hoping he’ll finish in the money.