Gordon Elliott is responsible for eight of the 31 entries in the Bar One Racing Troytown Chase at Navan on Sunday, November 27th, including the hot favourite Frontal Assault whom the sponsors have made their 9/2 market leader.
Elliott has won the Troytown five times in all thanks to Balbriggan (2014), Riverside City (2015), Empire Of Dirt (2016), Mala Beach (2017) and Run Wild Fred (2021). His most recent scorer ran out a very impressive winner under Davy Russell, much to the delight of punters who supported him all the way into 4/1 favourite.
Frontal Assault also carries the familiar maroon and white silks of Gigginstown House Stud and he made a striking reappearance at Galway last month when comfortably landing a conditions chase over two miles and six furlongs under Kennedy.
The horse finished runner-up in last season's Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse too, when only finding the shock 40/1 winner Lord Lariat too good. Frontal Assault also has a course win to his name at Navan having won the Grade 3 Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle in spring of last year.
One of the most impressive winners of the Troytown in recent times was Chris's Dream in 2019 and his trainer Henry de Bromhead looks to have strong claims with Ain't That A Shame.
Although winless over fences after five starts, the eight-year-old was just touched off by The Big Dog in the Munster National at Limerick last time and boasts a rating of 142. Unsurprisingly, he has been installed as the 8/1 second favourite.
The Guinness Kerry National winner Busselton is also entered, fresh from his superb front-running display at Listowel, while Joseph O'Brien's other two entries are former Galway Plate winner Early Doors and A Wave Of The Sea.
Jessica Harrington is chasing her first Troytown Chase victory and last year's smart novice Lifetime Ambition, who ran so well in the Grand Sefton over the Grand National fences at Aintree earlier this month, is her sole entry this time around.
Barney O’Hare of Bar One Racing said: “We have already received great feedback from racegoers on our new bookmaker shop on the track meaning that whether it be on the rails, online or in the shop, our customers have the best service and options in the business.”
Navan Racecourse manager Aidan McGarry commented: “With €59,000 up for grabs to the winner it is not surprising to see such a quality list of entries for the Bar One Racing Troytown Chase."
BAR ONE RACING TROYTOWN CHASE
Sponsor bets: Frontal Assault 9/2, Ain't That A Shame 8/1, Defi Blue 10/1, The Big Dog 10/1, Flash De Touzaine 10/1, Lifetime Ambition 10/1, Busselton 14/1, Lieutenant Command 14/1, Diol Kier 14/1, Velvet Elvis 14/1, Farceur Du Large 16/1, Hurricane Georgie 16/1, Egality Mans 18/1, A Wave Of The Sea 18/1, School Boy Hours 18/1, Siberian Prince 20/1, 25/1 bar.