Bar One Racing Leinster National attracts 30 entries
John McDonnell, Communications Manager at Bar One Racing gives a brief preview of the entries for the Bar One Racing Leinster National that takes place here at Naas on Sunday, 12th March.
The €100,000 Bar One Racing Leinster National has attracted an initial entry of 30 horses. Run over a distance of three-miles and worth €59,000 to the winner, it’s the last big race in Ireland ahead of Cheltenham 2023.
The Gigginstown colours were carried to victory by Diol Ker in 2022 and Noel Meade’s charge is one of six entries for last year’s winning owners. Meade has also entered Farceur Du Large and recent course winner Thedevilscoachman. The last name has an entry in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham, but should connections opt to stay closer to home, he’s sure to play a leading role in this race.
Lifetime Ambition was second in the Grade 3 Directors Plate on this card in 2022, and while he holds Cheltenham and Aintree entries, a repeat of his excellent run in the Bar One Racing Troytown in November would see him among the leading fancies.
Further down the weights Angels Dawn would be an intriguing contender off a low weight. Sam Curling’s mare was travelling well when departing two out in the Grand National Trial at Punchestown in February. Connections have the option of the Midlands National at Uttoxeter six days later but she’s sure to be well fancied if among those declared.
Barry Connell will be hoping to get Cheltenham week off to the best possible start with Espanito Bello. He was well-fancied for the Thyestes and ran creditably to finish fifth. He won his beginners chase at Naas in December 2020, but hasn’t achieved what some predicted following that first win over fences. He’s lightly raced for a nine-year-old and it might be that there’s a nice staying prize to be won with him.
These staying handicaps through the season tend to attract some regulars and the likes of Farclas, Gabhbs Cross, Death Duty and Defi Bleu can be expected to run their races but are always vulnerable to a younger more unexposed rival.
The five-day entries will be confirmed on Tuesday 7th March, with the final declarations published on Friday 10th March.
Click here to see entries for the Bar One Racing Leinster National
