Ucello leads Elliott squad in richest ever Leinster National

Download The Ladbrokes Exchange App Leinster National Handicap Chase | 3m | ATR

This race is the most valuable chase ever run at Naas with €59,000 up for grabs to the winner and with such prize-money on offer, a typically competitive field of 19 will contest the three mile contest.

A big prize means a big challenge for Gordon Elliott as the Meath trainer has a strong hand in Grand National-bound Ucello Conti, Rightdownthemiddle and Space Cadet.

Willie Mullins relies solely on Sambremont as he bids to record his first win since Ballytrim scored in this back in 2010.

What they say

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Ucello Conti, Rightdownthemiddle and Space Cadet
Ucello Conti is in very good form and he will love the ground. He has plenty of weight but he has been working well. Rightdownthemiddle would have a good each way chance if he handles the ground, but that is a worry. Space Cadet should handle the step up in trip well and I think he'll run well.

Liam Burke, trainer of Sumos Novios
He’s very well and if he was on a going day I think he would get involved. It would be nice to get a share of the prize-money anyway. He’s not straightforward but I am very happy with him at the minute and if he put in a similar run to his win at Mallow he’d have a great chance.

Willie Mullins, trainer of Sambremont
He produced his best effort for some time in a Grand National Trial at Punchestown last time. That was over 3m4f but the step back to 3m on real testing ground should suit him here. We have always thought that there was a staying handicap chase in him. He should have a good chance of being in the money.

Ellmarie Holden, trainer of Abolitionist
He is working super and has been schooling well at home. He got a little setback after the Troytown but he’s very well now. If he runs a similar race to his Troytown performance he will have a good chance. It’s a tough race but hopefully he will go out and run well.

Michael Hourigan, trainer of Undressed
If he runs to his best level of form he should go well. He stays very well and my only worry for him would be the gluey ground. I just hope it’s not tacky. He likes good ground, but even if it were to rain for him, that would help as it would loosen it out for him.