The makeup of the William Hill Champion Chase is reminiscent of that of David versus Goliath as Barry Connell’s Marine Nationale lines up against four Closutton inmates. Connell’s charge was an excellent seven-length winner of the race last season with Fact To File failing to fire. That capped off a strong season, backing up his Cheltenham Champion Chase success, but this season has been something of a nightmare.
Marine Nationale lost all chance on seasonal debut in December when making a bad mistake at the second. It was an excellent recovery by Sean Flanagan, who lost several lengths and was very nearly facing entirely backwards. He recovered and travelled well back into the race, but failed to reel in Solness after those easy exertions.
He was then sent off favourite at the Dublin Racing Festival, but ground scuppered his chances behind a foot-perfect Majborough. The market suggests Marine Nationale can reverse that form, and Sean Flanagan is eager to take his chance.
“It’s Barry v Willie” – Sean Flanagan
Speaking to the Racing Post, Flanagan said: “It’s Barry v Willie, which most people might say is disappointing with just two trainers represented, but it’s a deadly race. This is what it’s all about for me. To be going to these big festivals with a horse with a big chance in a Grade 1. And Marine Nationale has a massive chance.
“Given that one trainer has four of the runners I expect it to be very tactical, But my horse is straightforward and everything is in his favour. He’s got his ground, he loves the track and everything has gone well in the build-up. Everyone at home is happy with him so it’s all systems go.”
On the addition of cheek-pieces, Flanagan said: “It’s just to sharpen him up early. It’s just those first 200 yards to get him out and travelling in that first part of the race. They will help him to get his mind on the job. The cheekpieces can’t be anything but a positive for him.”
Marine Nationale will face Il Etait Temps for the third time, with the scores one a piece. Mullins’ comes in to the race in career best form having recorded an RPR of 176 at Sandown in December. Il Etait Temps fell at Ascot, but quickly bounced back to win the Champion Chase.
Majborough is once again on a comeback mission after jumping poorly at Cheltenham, but he was excellent here last season.
Energumene and Bloody Destiny finished in that order at Fairyhouse earlier this month, but that pair will have to improve drastically to figure on Tuesday.