Tulsa Jack bids to retain Midlands National

The Midlands National Handicap Chase takes centre stage at Kilbeggan this evening, with last year's winner Tulsa Jack back to defend his crown.

The Noel Meade-trained eight-year-old was an emphatic 16-length winner of this valuable prize 12 months ago, but he has yet to win a race since.

He went down by just a head in the Ulster National at Downpatrick in March, but disappointed on his last two starts at Punchestown and Killarney.

JP McManus, who last won this race in 2013, is represented by Hash Brown Riviera Sun Rock On Fruity and Marchese Marconi

Jody McGarvey will be aboard six-time winner Riviera Sun, who won over the course in May, while Mark Enright takes the ride on Rock On Fruity, who claimed the Galway Plate Trial on his most recent start at Limerick.

Black Zambezi has won his last two over the course and is sure to have plenty of supporters as he steps up in trip to three-mile-one for the first time. Supreme Vinnie is another dual course winner and is making his handicap debut, while Phil's Magic is another to consider with Donagh Meyler in the saddle for Tony Martin.

Rachael Blackmore will be aboard Supreme Vinnie for Denise O'Shea, and they also team up with Tizme in the opening Tom McCormack Memorial Cup Mares Maiden Hurdle.

The daughter of Stowaway appears unlikely to trouble the principals, with the Willie Mullins-trained dual bumper winner Mystic Theatre the one they all have to beat.

Mullins again looks to have solid claims with Herminio in the Like Us On Facebook Maiden Hurdle, with the Joseph O'Brien-trained Monarch and course winner Golden Poet his main rivals. Screaming Rose who is also under the care of Mullins, is sure to prove popular with punters in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase, while his Court Artist is another with strong claims in the concluding Book Online For Discounts Flat Race. Cairnshill was an easy winner over the course and distance on his last start and can be expected to go close in the Michael Moore Car Sales Mercedes-Benz Handicap Hurdle.

Nine have been declared for the Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey Handicap Hurdle, with Zanjabeel looking the pick with Davy Russell in the saddle for Gordon Elliott.