'This is my Gold Cup' - Watson eyeing repeat Ulster National win with Amaulino

Randox Ulster National Handicap Chase | 3m4½f | 5yo+ | RTV

This is the best race of the year at Downpatrick and no trainer will want to win it more than Marshall Watson.

Amaulino did the business for the local trainer in 2019 before finishing second in 2020 and, while he pulled up injured in this contest 12 months ago, is respected in his bid to regain his crown after some confidence-boosting performances in point-to-points.

The Watsons gave serious consideration to running at Cheltenham but the head and the heart ruled. The evergreen Amaulino seems to have been around forever but he's only a nine-year-old, and he shouldn't be ruled out at his happiest hunting ground.

Gordon Elliott is double-handed and course winner Definite Plan heads the weights. The ten-year-old has shown little since landing a Cheltenham handicap under Jordan Gainford in October, finishing well down the field in the Troytown and failing to complete at Leopardstown last time out.

However, a step up in trip as well as being reunited with Gainford could help Definite Plan bounce back to form, as he returns to the scene of his sole success under rules prior to that Cheltenham win.

Definite Plan's stablemate Torygraph has failed to replicate his form over hurdles, where he ran in Grade 1 company last season, to the bigger obstacles but has been helped slightly by the handicapper as he competes of a career-low chase mark of 129.

Fort Worth Texas could be the one they all have to worry about as stepping into handicap company for the first time, Colin Bowe's mare could be less exposed than most of her rivals.

What they say

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Peaches And Cream and Spades Are Trumps
Both horses would have similar chances if they can put their best foot forward. Peaches And Cream would have a solid chance on his Troytown run and I'm just hoping the ground is good for him. There is a small question mark about the trip for Spades Are Trumps. He doesn't jump great, which is why we're going this far, as hopefully that will help him to get into a rhythm as they will be going that bit slower. Whether he can see it out, only time will tell.

Marshall Watson, trainer of Amaulino
This is my Gold Cup. I may not have a Tiger Roll in my yard but I have Amaulino and he’s our star. He broke down in this race last year but he is in good form again and has won a point-to-point this season. He loves Downpatrick, has won this race before and was second in it and, while we had the option of the Foxhunters', this looked the obvious place to target. The drying ground should suit and he goes there with a big chance.

Colin Bowe, trainer of Fort Worth Texas
She won't mind the trip. She's been putting together a few good runs and if she can step forward for running in a handicap, we'd be hopeful of a nice run.

Dermot McLoughlin, trainer of Thunderosa
He's a grand horse but he has his own ideas about the game. In fairness to him, he's in very good nick and maybe the track will spark him up a little. If he gets out of bed on the right side he could have a solid each-way chance.

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets