Testing Grand National Trial awaits Elliott's seven-strong squadron

BoyleSports Grand National Trial Handicap Chase | 3m4½f | 5yo+ | RTV

This race has the potential to become attritional. As if a marathon trip around Punchestown wasn’t enough of a test, the heavy ground will ensure the emphasis will well and truly be on stamina.

With that in mind, it could be worth looking at the bottom end of the handicap, as a light weight could be paramount given the conditions.

Gordon Elliott, who has won the last two runnings, is strongly represented with seven.

The Elliott-trained Minella Till Dawn is likely to make the market off the back of an easy win at Cork last month for which he was raised 14lb by the handicapper, while stablemate Out Sam is at his best when the mud is flying.

Out Sam (right) should cope with conditionsCredit: Alain Barr

Rocky’s Silver, trained by James Dullea, is another who relishes testing ground and he has the profile of an improving staying chaser.

Rocky’s Silver will race off a career-high mark of 130 after an amateur riders’ handicap chase victory at the track last month, but Conor Orr negates five of the 7lb he got for that impressive win.

On each of the two previous times betting opened on this contest before it was eventually called off due to the weather there was each-way money for Paul Nolan’s Mon Lino.

A proven stayer who acts well on heavy ground, Mon Lino has the ability to get involved.

Mon Lino: has the potential to go wellCredit: Caroline Norris

What the stats say

Gordon Elliott has been the main beneficiary of this race being given an injection of prize-money in 2018 with the trainer winning the past two runnings of this €100,000 contest with Folsom Blue and Dounikos.

It may be billed as a Grand National Trial, but no horse has managed to follow up in the Fairyhouse showpiece in recent times, although Hedgehunter won this race for Willie Mullins in 2003 before winning at Aintree in 2005.

What they say

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Roaring Bull, General Principle, Minella Till Dawn, Out Sam, Gun Digger, Prince Of Scars and Cheb De Kerviniou
Minella Till Dawn looks to have a good chance, but I also like Roaring Bull and Cheb De Kerviniou. Out Sam’s recent form isn’t brilliant but he loves a slog and could come into it on the ground. General Principle was third in the race last year off a higher mark. Prince Of Scars will handle the ground, while Gun Digger will need to find improvement to get involved.

Roaring Bull! The Gigginstown chaser came with a storming late run to win at Leopardstown in DecemberCredit: Caroline Norris

Willie Mullins, trainer of Stones And Roses and Ifyoucatchmenow
Both are in off a nice weight and will like the extended trip. They are nice jumpers and it will be an advantage being the right end of the handicap.

James Dullea, trainer of Rocky's Silver
All of this rain will suit us more as he loves soft ground. The trip will suit, the ground is in our favour and Conor Orr knows him well. We’re hoping for a big run.

Paul Nolan, trainer of Mon Lino
It depends which Mon Lino turns up as he seems to have two ways of running. Slippers [Niall Madden] seems to get on well with him and he does like heavy ground. He was a little bit unlucky in his last chase run.

Tony Martin, trainer of Clen En Main
He ran well the last day and it’s a good pot worth having a crack at.

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