McNally excited as The Jam Man takes on monster Elliott team in Troytown

1.35 Navan
Ladbrokes Troytown Handicap Chase (Grade B) | 3m, 4yo+ | RTV

Ronan McNally has enjoyed an unforgettable summer with the exploits of Dreal Deal, and the part-time kitchen-fitting business owner is now bidding to record the biggest win of his career, sending Troytown Chase favourite The Jam Man into battle at Navan.

The County Armagh handler has secured the services of Paul Townend and will be hoping his former course winner can take advantage of an attractive chase mark, rated a stone lower than he is over hurdles.

The versatile seven-year-old lacks the big handicap chase experience of some of his rivals but should have a major say if smuggled through the field for a late challenge.

Gordon Elliott was denied a fifth Troytown triumph in a row when saddling 11 runners in the race back in 2018, and he could send out the same number this year having been out of luck when launching a seven-strong attack 12 months ago.

Aforementioned, raised 9lb for his Munster National success last time, looks the pick of Elliott's candidates this time around, but the in-form seven-year-old could struggle to confirm Limerick form with runner-up Portmore Lough.

The John Kiely-trained grey ran a remarkable race to finish second after being completely stopped in his tracks at the first fence on that occasion, and it's likely that with a clear run he would have won.

Meeting Aforementioned on effectively 3lb better terms now, he could go two places better than last year when behind top-level performer Chris's Dream.

Aforementioned: produced a fine performance to win the JT McNamara Ladbrokes Munster National at Limerick last timeCredit: Patrick McCann

The Jessica Harrington-trained Discordantly looked in rude health when galloping his rivals into submission at Galway last time and should not be underestimated with the potential for 10mm of rain Saturday night playing to his strengths.

What they say

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Death Duty, Dounikos, Roaring Bull, Aforementioned, Elwood, Gun Digger, General Principle, Cheb De Kerviniou, Minella Till Dawn, Diamond Turf and Out Sam
It's been a lucky race for us and we've declared 11, although Out Sam, who ran well at Cork last week, is a reserve. Aforementioned was a good winner of the Munster National and has been in good form lately. Death Duty is a classy horse who's had some injuries in the past, but hopefully he can run well off top weight. Cheb De Kerviniou enjoys cut in the ground so any rain won't be a problem for him. Elwood has run well at the course before and is having his first run of the season, as is Dounikos. We're hoping Minella Till Dawn, General Principle, Gun Digger, Roaring Bull and Diamond Turf can improve on their opening runs of the season.

Ronan McNally, trainer of The Jam Man
He seemed to have a little niggle with his neck that just cropped up, but we've ironed that out and he goes there in good shape with no excuses. I'm not sure if he's as good a chaser as hurdler – he isn't flamboyant over his fences – but if he gets to the business end of the race then hopefully his class can count. I'm excited to run him here because I've always wanted to give him a chance at a big handicap like this. Paul Townend was keen to ride him and I'm delighted to have him aboard.

John Kiely, trainer of Portmore Lough
He ran well in the Munster National after being unlucky at the first, but that's just the way things go. He's in good form and seemed to like the track when he ran there last year so hopefully he can give a good account.

Jessica Harrington on Discordantly: 'The softer the ground the better for him – he's a brilliant jumper and keeps galloping'Credit: Caroline Norris

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Discordantly
He went up 10lb for winning at Galway the other day and his aim is the Irish Grand National. The softer the ground the better for him – he's a brilliant jumper and keeps galloping.

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Plan Of Attack and Mormon
Plan Of Attack hated the ground in the Kerry National last time and we're hopeful it's not as bad now. He goes there in great form. Mormon is a nice horse who looks to have a nice mark. It's his first run of the season and we're looking forward to seeing how he goes.

Denis Hogan, trainer of Moyhenna
We think she enjoys going left-handed. She was put up 5lb for her second in the Kerry National and we felt every bit of weight could make a difference in a such a competitive race so Shane [Mulcahy], who claims 7lb, rides her this time. She's in great nick.

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