Flanagan feels Marine has more to offer

Sean Flanagan believes there is still more to come from Marine Nationale as he prepares to line up in the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham next Wednesday.

Barry Connell’s charge is a general 9/2 shot for the two-miler, disputing second spot in the market behind odds-on favourite Jonbon.

The 2023 Supreme Novices’ winner has been placed in three starts this season, most recently when chasing home Solness at the Dublin Racing festival.

Flanagan felt that he took a massive step forward from his second to third run this term and believes he’ll be at his best on the big stage:-

“I would presume he’s probably been trained with one day in mind,” said the William Hill ambassador.

“Not taking anything away obviously from the Christmas Grade 1 and the Dublin Racing festival.

“He’s run two very solid races on both occasions but the amount he stepped forward from the Christmas run to the Dublin Racing festival run was phenomenal really.

“That was only his fifth run over fences so he’s still very unexposed.”

William Munny will attempt to emulate his stablemate in the festival opener, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

He comes into the race off the back of an impressive performance at Punchestown last month and Flanagan is hoping he can progress again:-

“William Munny still has that little bit to prove. Obviously his bumper form is very strong and he’s starting to get it all together over hurdles now.

“I do believe that his style of racing will be suited to the likes of the Supreme Novices’, he travels really well and touch wood he’s a very sharp, smart, jumper.”