3m4f120y | €30,000 | 5yo+ | Good to Yielding | Very Weak Pace Forecast

This year’s Ulster National presents a classic test of stamina, but with a very weak pace forecast, it’s unlikely to be the thorough attritional slog it can be. That throws an interesting tactical layer into a wide-open renewal featuring past winners, revivals, and a few class-droppers.

⭐ Strongest Contender: IRIS EMERY (W.P. Mullins / P. Townend)

🟩 ProHandicap Max Rating: 152 (Top-Rated)
🟩 Timeform Comment: “Quickly left behind a below-par effort when third in the Dublin National at Leopardstown last time, and with more still to offer at long distances, she could be ready to open her chase account.”

She’s still a maiden over fences but has quietly built a strong portfolio of staying form, including a close third behind Brandt last time in a valuable 28f Leopardstown handicap. A return to a longer trip looks ideal. Paul Townend is an eye-catching booking, and Mullins has a 21% strike rate in the spring. Slight concern over the pace setup, but she stays well and has class.

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⚠️ Main Dangers

🟨 JUMPING JET (Gordon Elliott / Danny Gilligan)

• 🟩 ProHandicap Max Rating: 149 (Joint 2nd Top)
• 🟨 Timeform Note: Course and distance winner in this race last year off just 3lb lower. Solid reappearance last time (2nd to Favori de Champdou).

She’s proven in these conditions, and Elliott has won this race three times in the last decade. If she’s fitter for her recent run, she rates a huge danger from a perfect mid-draw, staying profile, and with the bonus of Danny Gilligan’s claim.

🟨 FINAL ORDERS (Gavin Cromwell / Keith Donoghue)

• 🟨 ProHandicap Max Rating: 146
• 🟨 Timeform Note: Rallied well into third behind Monbeg Park in a Listed chase last time. Drop in class helps.

He’s got back on track after a few sketchy runs, and Cromwell has a strong recent record in this race (2 wins since 2022). Stamina isn’t proven beyond 3m, but he shapes like he’ll stay and is classy on his day.

🟨 DUNBOYNE (Ian Donoghue / J. Smith)

• 🟨 ProHandicap Max Rating: 149
• 🟥 Timeform Comment: “Best treated with caution” due to past refusals and pull-ups, though he bolted up over hurdles at 66/1 last time on stable debut.

He’s the wildcard — if the new yard has truly sparked a revival, he’s thrown in on old chasing form. But with a history of refusals and moodiness, he’s high risk, especially if the race gets tactical early.

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🧠 Other Notes & Angles

• Ask Anything ran 2nd in this race last year and is 4lb lower now. Not in great form, but the Cromwell factor keeps him on radar.
• Bodhisattva was third here last year too and has recent marathon form from Musselburgh (2nd in the Edinburgh National).
• Pace is key – most of the field are hold-up or midfield types, which might suit Final Orders and Jumping Jet best if they’re allowed to cruise into it.

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💡 Verdict

• Top Pick: Iris Emery – strong profile, improving, and just looks primed for this with a touch of class.
• Main Dangers: Jumping Jet (course specialist), Final Orders (class dropper), Dunboyne (high risk/reward).
• Lively longshot: Bodhisattva – same weight as last year’s 3rd, solid marathon form recently.