Cheltenham Festival winner Angels Dawn for trainer Sam Curling has now been given the target of the Irish Grand National after the mares superb staying performance in the Kim Muir Handicap Chase.
Really kicking her form into gear this season when a short head second at Punchestown on New Year's Day in a Handicap Chase.
She then went to Down Royal in January and got back to winning ways on soft ground over three miles off a mark of 122.
Upped 6lb for her next run at Punchestown she was running a superb race in the Grand National Trial over 3m4f and when challenging she unseated her rider.
Only on a mark of 131 for the Kim Muir Handicap Chase she cruised into the race jumping beautifully and when challenged by favourite Stumptown, she rallied up the hill to clinch victory.
🥊 Angels Dawn vs Stumptown - thriller!
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 16, 2023
A game effort from the mare Angels Dawn who wins a cracking renewal of the Kim Muir for Sam Curling & Pa King to lead home at least a 1-2-3-4-5-6 for Ireland #CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/Xy18V3biSx
Given a rise of 7lb for that win she will race off 138 in the Irish Grand National and connections are dreaming of another big performance.
(Credit ATR) “The Irish National is the aim now, she came out of Cheltenham very well,” said Curling.“
It looks like she’s going to get in so we’ll head for Fairyhouse as long as the ground stays the way it is, but I’d say it will.
“I didn’t think she’d get in at one stage, but she’s jumped up the list a good bit now.
“She’s improving it seems. Fences have been the making of her and stepping up in trip – the extra distances are helping her a lot. Hopefully she keeps going that way.
“She travelled well at Cheltenham and had to battle at the end. Phillip Enright will ride her, he knows her well and rides plenty of ours.”