Big yards target Midlands National breakthrough The €100,000 Kilmurray’s Midlands National Handicap Chase is the highlight of the year at Kilbeggan and a maximum field of 14 go to post for the latest renewal at 7.30 this evening. The 3m1f feature is one of the few big Irish jump races to have eluded Willie Mullins but the champion trainer will bid to put the record straight with Spanish Harlem. Paul Townend takes the mount on the seven-year-old who was fourth in the valuable bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown and looks set to go off favourite here having belatedly opened his account over this trip at Punchestown last month. Gavin Cromwell is also seeking to land the Midlands National for the first time and relies on the experienced Final Orders. The Camelot gelding beat all bar Dunboyne in the Ulster National at Downpatrick his spring and was also placed in a cross country race at the Punchestown Festival. “His best run of late has probably been in the banks race,” said Cromwell. “The ability is still there but he’s probably not that well handicapped. He does love the summer ground and seems in good form at home. “He’s a really good jumper and we’re claiming the 7lb as well so hopefully that will give him a chance.” The first on an eight-race card at Kilbeggan gets underway at 4.25 and the going is currently described as good following watering. The forecast is for a dry and warm day with temperatures in the high 20s. Racing also takes place this evening at Cork with the first of seven races beginning at 5.12. The going at the Mallow venue is also good following watering.
