Yeah Man could be right in National contention if Thyestes run goes well

Yeah Man could set up a shot at the Randox Grand National when poised for a starring role in the Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park on Thursday.

One of two in the race for Gavin Cromwell alongside Velvet Elvis, the eight-year-old was an encouraging third in the Troytown in November and has been kept fresh for this assignment ever since.

With an excellent record in staying contests, Yeah Man took part in the Irish Grand National last spring.

However, Cromwell is set to give him an entry for the English equivalent this year and his Thyestes display could determine if he heads back to Fairyhouse or crosses the Irish Sea to tackle Aintree’s famous spruce in April.

“He ran well in the Troytown and seems in good form, we’ve targeted this for a while so hopefully he will run well,” said Cromwell.

“The race looks tailor-made for him and the more rain that comes the better – I think there is some forecast and hopefully it arrives.

“We’d be looking for a run in a National at the end of the season. I would say he will have an entry for Aintree and he will either go for one or the other.”

Last year’s Punchestown Grand National Trial winner Where It All Began is the shortest in the betting from Gordon Elliott’s sextet taking part, with his squad also including the talented Robcour-owned novice Shannon Royale.

Previous winner Coko Beach is one of three Gigginstown-owned contenders also trained by Elliott along with Will Do and Favori De Champdou.

Willie Mullins also possesses a strong hand, with Nick Rockett the choice of Paul Townend from five Closutton representatives.

“We’ve a good team, but I’m not sure if we have one that will win,” said Mullins.

“Nick Rockett ran a cracker at Leopardstown and it was a big decision whether we run him here or wait for the Dublin Racing Festival.

“When Paul got off him last year he wanted to go for the Irish National and he was right up there turning for home. He’s a stamina horse rather than a Leopardstown Chase horse.

“He has a lot of weight, but Paul picked him – I thought he might go for Glengouly myself. He (Glengouly) was a bit disappointing at Christmas, but will come on a lot for it and was second in the race last year.”