Connell confident on Marine Nationale ahead of DRF
Barry Connell is confident for Marine Nationale's chances in the Dublin Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival Photo: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Marine Nationale is ready to win the Dublin Chase, according to his trainer, Barry Connell.
The nine-year-old Champion Chaser was only beaten half a length on seasonal reappearance at Leopardstown and is Even money favourite for the Grade One Dublin Chase on the 1st February (2.10pm).
Speaking on Racing TV, who offer the latest Cheltenham free bets, Connell said: “Marine Nationale has come out of the race in unbelievable form. He was entitled to be a little bit tired after the race, given the amount of ground he made up, but he ate up and was careering round the paddock with his tail in the air the next day.”
Commenting on his current form going into the Dublin Racing Festival, the handler said “We did a bit of work with him at the Curragh on Saturday and he’s as good as he ever was - better!”
Regarding his confidence in his stable star, Connell said “If he jumps a clear round, that’s all he needs to do.”
Marine Nationale’s opponents in the Dublin Chase currently include Willie Mullins’ quartet of Majborough, Dinoblue, Energumene and Il Etait Temps, while Gordon Elliott’s Found A Fifty holds an entry too, alongside Joseph O’Brien’s Solness, who beat the favourite at Leopardstown last time.
Dublin Chase betting market (via BOYLE Sports, providers of all the latest horse racing odds):
|
Marine Nationale |
Evs |
|
Majborough |
11/4 |
|
Solness |
7/2 |
|
Dinoblue |
7/1 |
|
Found A Fifty |
12/1 |
|
Quilixios |
12/1 |
|
BAR |
16/1 |
