Barry Connell feels that Marin Nationale is in a unique position this year and isn’t worried that the top champion chasers have yet to start their races this season.
Last year, Marin Nationale came back from an injury sustained during his rookie season, which restricted him to just two fences and left him with little racing experience against the best two-mile runners.
He lost his first three races but improved significantly at Cheltenham and followed up with a strong performance at Punchestown, setting a high benchmark for others to follow.
Connell, who missed Marin Nationale’s first race this season at the Fort Lear Chase due to a heavy field, thinks it’s unlikely the horse will compete in the Paddy’s Reward Club Chase at Leopardstown on December 27th, despite the horse having two wins and one loss in that event and being favored alongside Magiborough by sponsors.
“The rain has been minimal, and if it stays dry, the track might have to be watered. This horse won the Supreme on soft ground but didn’t perform well on the heavy Royal Bond ground. He doesn’t like extremely soggy winter conditions on his first race back,” Connell told Paddy Power.
“Things are different this year. Last year, he missed much of the novice season due to injury and was a bit behind competing in open company.
He had no chasing experience, so it took time throughout the season to get up to speed. Competing at the highest level for a two-mile champion chase requires on-the-ground learning, but now he has gained that experience.
His jumping was flawless at Cheltenham and Punchestown, and he’s already had a schooling session this season, so I wasn’t expecting any issues.
At almost nine years old, the horse has finished growing but had a strong summer and is in great physical and mental condition.
There were no delays in his preparation. He’s fit, everything is going well, and we’re looking forward to the race on the 27th.”
Fan Take: This update is exciting for horse racing enthusiasts because Marin Nationale’s improved form and promising condition hint at a thrilling season ahead. His return to peak performance could shake up the competition and bring new energy to the champion chase scene.
