Abolitionist pictured in action over flights© Photo Healy Racing
After an eyecatching runner-up finish in the Troytown, Abolitionist heads to Naas on Sunday for a crack at the valuable Leinster National.
Ellmarie's Holden's charge finished four lengths behind Empire Of Dirt at Navan in November and the latter is now among the market leaders for the Ryanair Chase at next week's Cheltenham Festival.
Noble Endeavor, who came in fourth, has since landed the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.
With solid form in the book, Holden is looking forward to running Abolitionist in this E100,000 Grade A handicap over three miles.
"It was a super run in Navan. He's been off for a while but he's in flying form and is ready to go. I'm very hopeful he will run a good race," the trainer said.
"He might like a bit nicer ground but I'm not too concerned about the going.
"Rachael (Blackmore) is flying and she got on great with him in the Troytown. She comes in a couple of times a week and knows him well.
"The Irish Grand National is the aim and he will have to go up a few pounds to get in. He would be well used to Fairyhouse."
Willie Mullins' Sambremont who was brought down in the Troytown, should relish this test. He chased home Baie Des Iles in a three-and-a-half-mile Grade B handicap chase at Punchestown last month. Ucello Conti was no match for Champagne West in the Thyestes at Gowran Park but knows how to pick up prize money in big fields.
He is one of three runners for Gordon Elliott who will have high hopes that Space Cadet and Rightdownthemiddle can feature. Bonny Kate is nothing if not consistent as third-placed efforts in the Troytown and Thyestes show. This prominent racer has to go on any shortlist.
