Navan 12.35 Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles 4 furlongs - 16 run - Yielding to Soft

 

I have to say in this competitive market which is around 6/1 the field that BOSTON MARKET looks cracking each way value and is an each way banker in the race for me.

 

Roxhill Rosie arrives here in form but may be best at Tramore, a number of these look to be good medium term prospects so I will TRACK Glen Kiln, Theflyingbee and Well Dressed in the expectation that they can be winning fairly soon and the hope that it's not today. Kinbara Firstdraft is another who has shown some promise and Ballykeel who has yet to really fulfil expectations lurks at a big price for Elliott back over hurdles.

 

With enhanced places my second rated here is AWAY TO MILAN, a very promising return off an 18 month break which was preceded by some very promising form , provided this one doesn't bounce it can go very close here, it not is another to keep onside.

 

At bigger odds I make ROUTINE EXCELLENCE my third best rated and will be disappointed if this one doesn't run in to the first 5 home, Pulled Up the last twice but with credible explanations, this one has won and placed at the trip, runs off a nice mark and ideal Going and will hopefully return to form soon. My 4th rated in case of a non runner is INFLUENTIAL LADY at a big price who has been in some tough races of late but who could take a hand here at best.

 

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Navan 1.10 Handicap Hurdle - 3 miles 1 furlong - 18 run - Yielding to Soft

 

Billy Lee Swagger is the one the market thinks most likely and he could be the one to beat but he's upped in trip and may be vulnerable up this long straight on the climb all the way. Crossing The Bar is noted by ROBIN (UK Tipster) who thinks he is "thrown in" here on some UK form. Take his sage advice if you wish a side bet!

 

Boston Beach for Elliott makes handicap debut after 3 runs at 2 miles and i guess if stablemate Boston Rover hosed up in the first and Boston Beach is a decent price you might fancy a late shrapnel bet (not a serious punt though for me on the form so far). Plain Or Battered is in the Tracker but very likely to need the run and his time will come. I'm adding Where's Frankie to the TRACKER though, a very progressive Hurdler and very progressive over fences , may just need this one back over Hurdles but a big run would not surprise.

 

My top 4 here with 18 runners and enhanced places to 5th are; ROYAL CAVE who fell at the last when leading at Fairyhouse last time and as long as not mentally impacted should really be a strong contender here too. The same applies to ROBYNDEGLORY at a bigger price, a great servant for us over the past few years, looks to be just running in to full form and fitness now off a very appealing handicap mark and WESTERN ZARA who on the flip side of the coin seems best when running off a break and fresh and one who could also run very well here. Finally at an overpriced 28-33/1 is TULLYHOGUE FORT, an out and out stayer who could well plod on up the straight here past tired horses for a 4th or 5th placed finish at rewarding Odds

 

(Michael)

 

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Navan 2.20 Handicap Chase - 2 miles 4 and 1/2 furlongs - 12 run - Yielding to Soft

 

I could make claims and counterclaims for almost all of these.

 

Andy's Flame might come on for a recent return, Solomon Lane on the other hand is likely to need this seasonal debut, Individualiste could be anything but there is no value in my opinion in the price. I'm going to TRACK both Handsworth who won this race in 2021 and won subsequently at Naas and was progressing nicely before a near 2 year break. It had one run back and may need a few more but worth tracking for sure. A WAVE OF THE SEA looks to have become very regressive, back though in Ireland and running off a mark of 115 you have to consider this horse was 4th in the Galway Plate in 2023 off a mark of 143. If new connections can just find the key...we'll be waiting.

 

I am most drawn to the Thornton pair, Mighty Oak Lad popped up last season at Fairyhouse in what looked at the time like a significant "plot job" IF he's backed again take note, if he's not and disappoint again double take note and we'll watch for next Entry. Stablemate DON'T TALK has had a run and looks a far more consistent type and I think he can take a hand here at a nice e/w price

 

Navan 2.55 - 3 miles - 14 run - Yielding to Soft.

 

POTTERS PARTY looks ready to win for Henry De Bromhead in a race where the top 5 are pretty closely priced up. Pipers Boreen may need more mud, Invictus machin may need this run, Verdant Place may just be a better hurdler and this trip may stretch it and Tyre Kicker, who is the biggest danger of the 4 may just need a confidence boost after the hurly burly of the Troytown.

 

SHAJACK for Gordon Elliott clearly has an engine but is something of a hairy jumper, he's worth a risk though at the price as the ability is definitely there. I am going to TRACK forwards Danny The Fence an impressive Hurdling background and this one may make up in to a nice Chaser and I'll also keep WEST IS AWAKE on the right side too iffy jumping on first three Chase starts but will surely click but I'll be more interested as and when the switch back to Hurdles if and when they do!.

 

TEMPTATION IN MILAN a Course and Distance winner off a mark of 112 is slowly coming down to a competitive mark and if any of the less exposed types fail to fire here would be a nice side bet fully race fit with proven stamina at anything around 20-25/1 to enhanced 4th place

 

(Sean)

 

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