Midlands National preview: Key contenders and a free tip for Kilbeggan’s main event

The Midlands National takes place at Kilbeggan on Friday evening and there’s a substantial prize fund of €100,000 on offer. All the heavy weights of Irish National Hunt racing are represented so we’ve previewed the big race. We’ll assess the chances of the main contenders and provide a free tip. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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Contenders

4. Amirite

This horse was last seen finishing a fair fifth in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown in April and would surely have every chance if putting in a similar effort here.

1. Salvador Ziggy

Gordon Elliott’s gelding has finished first or second in all five completed starts over fences and was runner-up behind Duffle Coat in the Mayo National at Ballinrobe. He’s now quite a bit better off at the weights and is entitled to go close.

12. Mousey Brown

Dermot McLoughlin’s seven-year-old has won her last two starts impressively and is clearly a progressive sort. If she can continue on her current trajectory, another big run shouldn’t be ruled out.

8. Ontheropes

Paul Townend is on board for Willie Mullins and the 10-year-old has admittedly had a disappointing 18 months or so. He has now slipped to an attractive mark and a return to form isn’t out of the question.

6. Tullybeg

Recent form suggests that Gordon Elliott’s gelding has a bit to find off this sort of mark and probably needs some help from the handicapper.

5. Duffle Coat

He was an easy winner at Ballinrobe in May but the handicapper certainly didn’t miss that performance. Life will certainly be harder here but jockey bookings suggest he’s the yard’s number one.

10. Lucky Zebo

Henry de Bromhead’s representative is very lightly raced over fences but his most recent effort suggests he’s best watched.

Free tip

Salvador Ziggy looks like the one to side with here and he can provide a third win in the race since 2018. There could be more to come from him over the larger obstacles and a return to the winners’ enclosure is anticipated.

If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.

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