Navan 09 December 2006
All Racecards within one PDF
Instructions
Please click on the “View Full Racecard & Odds” button to get the full racecard information.
Noel Meade's hurdling debutant Union Gap is worthy of the utmost respect on the back of a solid bumper success at Down Royal last month, but slight preference is for GRIPIT N TIPIT. He was useful on the NH Flat scene earlier in the year and has shown enough over timber to suggest he will be winning sooner rather than later. Fair Comment could reward each-way support if taking to hurdles after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
AITMATOV sets the standard on his recent second behind Clopf in a Grade 3 event over 2m here last month and it's hard to see anything denying him if in a similar mood this afternoon. He does have winning form in the mud, but if today's step up in trip catches him out, Eternal Lady looks likeliest to take full advantage. Johnnie Dillinger is progressive and could have his say, but the likes of Earth Magic and Working Class appear to have a bit to find.
Good Control and Oola Lad would be interesting if attracting market support on their first outings for respected yards, but it's hard to look beyond RICCARDO in a race that probably won't take much winning. He made a winning start to his career in a bumper here in January and was far from disgraced in a C&D maiden hurdle last month. Tex Morgan may prove to be next best.
The Long Haul may have crept into the handicapper's grip with another 4lb rise for his latest narrow defeat, and that could be enough to keep him at bay again. It could be worth siding with BAKER'S BRIDGE who enjoys a true test of stamina and looks to have been crying out for a crack at today's distance. Odarshaan could push the selection hardest if coping with a hike up the weights for his last month's C&D success.
Question marks hanging over most of these with hurdling experience, so a chance is taken on Noel Meade's newcomer ROCK HOUSE. He showed plenty of potential in bumpers late last year, enjoying himself most in testing conditions, and he'll no doubt be spot-on for his first attempt over timber this afternoon. Mickataine may be coming into some form and has to enter the equation following his latest display, while Druids Castle has a bit to find but may run into the money.
Noel Meade boasts an excellent record in this sphere so far this term, so Dattledonuggy and Pompeius Magnus should be watched closely in the betting. The vote, however, goes to Joseph Crowley's charge THE BLACK LION who produced a decent performance when third over C&D in yielding conditions last month. The Journal might also have more to offer.
