'We're going there all guns blazing' - which trainer is buzzing about his chances in the Midlands National?

Last year's winner Hurricane Georgie is among a strong team of four for Gordon Elliott as he seeks a third success in six years in this €100,000 summer showpiece at Kilbeggan.

Stable jockey Jack Kennedy is not on Hurricane Georgie like he was last year, though. He has switched on to Mars Harper, also owned by Pioneer Racing. 

Tullybeg has already won a National this year. He landed the Mayo one at Ballinrobe in May and will bid to follow up under Michael O'Sullivan off an 8lb higher mark and without Danny Gilligan's 7lb claim. 

Speaking about his quartet, Elliott said: "Tullybeg was really good at Ballinrobe and has come into his own over fences. We thought this race would suit Mars Harper, he's had a nice break and seems to be in good form. Vina Ardanza is a classy enough sort on his day and hopefully has a decent each-way shout, while Hurricane Georgie won the race impressively last year and obviously likes the place."

Stealthy Tom is on a roll and chasing a hat-trick. He won the Connacht National at Roscommon last month under a stylish ride from Mark McDonagh who once again gets the leg up on the improving eight-year-old. 

Trainer Enda Bolger said of his chances: "He came out of Roscommon in good nick. It's a great pot and we're going there all guns blazing. He's climbed the handicap and this is going to be tougher for him, but I couldn't be any happier with him going there."

Life In The Park was all the rage for the Mayo National, heavily supported into 3-1 favourite beforehand, but he could only finish third to Tullybeg having traded at a low of evens in-running on Betfair. He is only 1lb higher here and has the benefit of Mike O'Connor's 3lb claim. 

Willie Mullins has not won the Midlands National in the last decade but Pont Aval looked a reformed character when running away with the Killarney National by seven lengths and a 9lb hike in the weights might not prevent him from playing a leading role.

Read our Friday previews:

Charlie Appleby hoping for New London repeat as Tagabawa and Local Dynasty tackle £100,000 handicap 

'She has a big chance' - can anyone stop odds-on Godolphin favourite Star Of Mystery? 

'If she runs up to her Ascot form she’s the one they all have to beat' - analysis and quotes for the Group 3 at York 

'She's done nothing but improve' - Falmouth Stakes insight with Via Sistina's participation in major doubt 

Soul Sister attempts rare feat for Gosdens and Kieran Shoemark in fascinating Grand Prix de Paris 

William Haggas saddles two runners on Longchamp undercard with Crack Of Light taking 'logical next step' in Prix Malleret 

Sign up here. New customers only. Place your FIRST bet on any market at odds of min 2.0 (evs) and if it loses we will refund your stake in CASH. Max refund for this offer is £20. Only deposits made using cards will qualify for this promotion. T&Cs apply. Commercial notice: This article contains affiliate links. Offers are handpicked and come from operators that our experts have first-hand experience of. Opening an account via one of these links will earn revenue for the Racing Post, which will be used to continue producing our award-winning coverage of horseracing.