Rogue Angel leads Gordon Elliott team as trainer bids for first Cork National

3.15 Cork
Paddy Power Cork Grand National (Grade B Handicap Chase) | 4yo+ | 3m4f | ATR

Gordon Elliott has yet to add this event to his long list of National triumphs but his team of four for the Cork showpiece includes Rogue Angel, who knows what it's like to win this type of race.

The ten-year-old has won an Irish Grand National (2016), a Kerry National (2015) and this year's Midlands National, although his victory in the Kilbeggan event in July came after he had been beaten a neck by reopposing stablemate Timiyan, who was subsequently disqualified due to a positive test.

Rogue Angel: a National regularCredit: Patrick McCann

Third in the Kerry National in September and subsequently sixth in the Munster National, Rogue Angel is the mount of Jack Kennedy.

Elliott, who also runs the returning Out Sam and Ulster National winner Poormans Hill, said: "Rogue Angel is in good order. We know he stays very well and he's adaptable in terms of ground, so we're looking forward to a good run."

Mullins seeks second win

Elliott's great rival Willie Mullins won the race for the only time with Our Monty in 2009 and he is represented by Minella Beau, the mount of Ruby Walsh.

The versatile seven-year-old is one from three over fences and will be running in his first handicap chase.

Mullins said: "It's a bit unusual for us to run a novice in a long distance handicap like this so early in the season, but Minella Beau jumps well and we think he'll appreciate the ground and going up in trip."

Raz goes for the hat-trick

Heading the weights is 13-year-old Raz De Maree, winner of the Welsh National last season who will be attempting to land this event for the third time.

Successful for Dessie Hughes in 2012, he won the race for his present trainer Gavin Cromwell two years ago and is sure to come on from his reappearance run three weeks ago.

What the restsay

Andrew McNamara, trainer of Val De Ferbet
He ran well over hurdles at Galway last weekend and is in good shape. We've avoided big field handicaps with him as his jumping can be a bit hit and miss but we're running him here as the best he's ever jumped was when winning at this course last year.

Eddie Cawley, trainer of Forever Gold and Nobody Home
Forever Gold is an out-and-out stayer and was a close third in the Irish National last season. He seems in great form and I'm hoping he goes well, but he just might need the run. We'll have to see whether Nobody Home gets the trip. If he does he could be there or thereabouts.

Frank Berry, racing manager for JP McManus, owner of Timiyan and The Gatechecker
Timiyan made a bad mistake at the first in the Kerry National and never got into the race. He didn't jump great in the Munster National last time and a lot will depend on whether he's got his confidence back. The Gatechecker is in great form and is going for three wins in a row. He's not always the most straight-forward but Michael (Hourigan) is very happy with him and we're hoping for a big run.

Liz Doyle, trainer of Justmemyselfandi
Blinkers and popping him off in front have brought him forward both in terms of running and jumping. We'll probably be positive with him again this time. He has a nice low weight, is healthy and well and gives the impression that the further he goes the better.

Jim Dreaper, trainer of Sizing Rome
We think the trip will suit him. It's a step up in class for him as his low weight indicates and we'll have to see if he can be competitive in this sort of race. It will probably be his last run until the spring and, hopefully, they won't get much rain.

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