Navan 19 February 2012

Going: Yielding to Soft (Soft in places)
 
 

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Instructions

1

13:50 Navan (IRE) (5YO plus)

Follow Navan On Facebook Maiden Hurdle

2m

Winner €6,900 - 20 ran

No.
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

With an official rating of 114, HAWK FLIGHT sets the form standard for the rest to aim at. Maura McGuinness' representative confirmed his suitability to this track when third over C&D last-month and built upon that effort with a creditable second at Leopardstown latest. Tennis Cap finished a nose behind the selection when last sighted and looks the main danger, while a chance is also given to The Amarillo Kid, who took a forward step over hurdles when fourth at Fairyhouse latest.

2

14:20 Navan (IRE) (Class 1) (5YO plus)

Ladbrokes Boyne Hurdle (grade 2)

2m 5f

Winner €26,000 - 8 ran

No.
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

MIKAEL D'HAGUENET's chase career never panned out as expected but he is a top-class hurdler on his day and has been running riot over timber this term, following up a pair of minor victories in December when landing a Grade 3 event at Naas latest (the reopposing Rick back in second). There is nothing to separate him from stablemate Mourad at the weights, based on official figures, but the latter is considered at his best over 3m and may have to settle for minor money behind the selection, the pick of Ruby Walsh.

3

14:50 Navan (IRE) (5YO plus)

Irish Stallion Owners E.B.F. Maiden Hurdle

2m 4f

Winner €9,314 - 10 ran

No.
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

BEEF TO THE HEELS was touched off at Down Royal earlier in the month, agonisingly headed on the line, but wouldn't need to improve much upon that effort to gain compensation this afternoon. Griesenau was a faller in the same race but has claims if staying on his feet, while the consistent Maller Tree shaped with promise on his first hurdles outing at Leopardstown last month and is also capable of finishing in the shake-up. Tusa Eire, who kept good company in bumpers last term, warrants a market check on his seasonal/hurdles bow and first run for Dessie Hughes.

4

15:25 Navan (IRE) (4YO plus)

Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle (80-116)

2m

Winner €8,626 - 12 ran

No.
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

A few of these come into this out of form but SEAN AIRGEAD takes the eye on his return to action having been last seen finishing a highly credible third at Listowel back in September. He enjoyed a good summer campaign last year and remains capable of better still. Jack The Pirate was far from disgraced when fifth in a Thurles maiden hurdle latest and he is of interest on his handicap debut, while Storm Breaker makes up the shortlist having understandably found things tough in a hot race at Fairyhouse last month.

5

16:00 Navan (IRE) (Class 1) (5YO plus)

Flyingbolt Novice Chase (grade 2)

2m 1f

Winner €24,374 - 6 ran

No.
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

CARLOSWAYBACK lost his way somewhat over hurdles but looks to have gone the other way since being sent over the larger obstacles, improving with every start so far and an impressive winner at Punchestown last month. This is markedly tougher but trainer Paul Nolan holds the seven-year-old in some regard and he looks to have the required pace to cope with this drop back in trip. Delphi Mountain has been well-held in a couple of Grade 2 events recently and needs to improve more than Far Away So Close, second the last twice but evidently useful judged on some smart form over hurdles. The talented Donnas Palm is another who could figure if putting his best foot forward.

6

16:30 Navan (IRE) (Class 1) (5YO plus)

Irish Form Book Ten Up Novice Chase (Grade 2)

3m

Winner €24,374 - 7 ran

No.
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

Gigginstown House Stud are unsurprisingly well represented in this renewal of the valuable Grade 2 novices' chase and CRASH looks the one to be on for Michael Hourigan. The son of Milan went down by just a neck to Medical Card in similar company at Naas last time but is clearly talented and should go one better on a repeat. Noel Meade's gelding must give him 5lb for that success and it would be no surprise to see the distance winner reverse the form. Berties Dream rates the pick of the remainder.

7

17:00 Navan (IRE) (4YO to 7YO)

Dunsany (pro/am) Flat Race

2m

Winner €5,520 - 11 ran

No.
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

The form of SIZING GOLD's debut at Punchestown, when he wasn't disgraced behind one of the leading novice hurdlers Make Your Mark, is working out nicely. The gelded son of Flemensfirth should have the beating of these on a repeat of that effort and underfoot conditions are expected to suit. Admiral Barton must give weight away but looks a big price at the forecast odds under Nina Carberry, while Vincent Row also warrants respect.

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