Jump racing is back at Navan Racecourse this Saturday with a seven-race meeting, featuring two Graded races; the Flyingbolt Novice Chase and the Webster Cup Chase. Read on for a preview of the Navan card, brought to you by BOYLE Sports, who provide all the latest horse racing betting.
Our first race is a two-mile maiden hurdle (1.18). With the ground officially heavy, this is going to be hard work for unraced horses and it might be best to side with a runner who has race fitness already. Gordon Elliott’s Hygge could be a good option having run a good race at Fairyhouse on similar ground and could continue the trainer’s good form.
Next is a two-mile mares maiden hurdle (1.50). Royal Hillsborough has very good bumper form on heavy ground and runs for a yard whose horses are holding their form very well. She could make a splash on her maiden hurdle debut. Hunting Gold looks positive too, and The Dotski could have an each-way chance also.
Race three is a two and a half mile handicap hurdle (2.25). Showurappreciation won his latest start, while Chosen Diamond makes some appeal too from lower down the handicap. St Denis’s Well might be the one to side with, though, down to a better trip on a possibly workable mark. He has very good winning course form and is given five pounds by his rider to boot.
The fourth race is a maiden hurdle run over two miles and six furlongs (3.00). Blue Du Neuf should get on with the ground and could go well stepping up in trip, while Hens Tooth also looks very tempting. He is trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, who are both a very safe pair of hands when it comes to bringing in winners.
Next is the first of the Graded races; the Grade Three Flyingbolt Novice Chase (3.35). Jacob’s Ladder tops the ratings, having proven very consistent and capable on soft ground too. He has won at Listed level and can progress further. He looks marginally more promising than Port Joulain, who possesses a similar level of ability.
Race six is the Grade Two Webster Cup Chase, run over two and a half miles (4.08). Better Days Ahead looks overpriced here after a good performance at this track last time on similar ground. James Du Berlais carries the least weight, but is far from a certainty on ground like this. Found A Fifty must recapture the better form from earlier this season but plays a huge part here.
Finally, we wrap up with a two and a half mile mares handicap chase (4.43). Savante could be the one to beat after a career best on heavy ground last time at Leopardstown, but this trip might be too sharp for her. Gavin Cromwell’s Sophia Rose is very interesting in first-time cheekpieces having shown lots of ability on testing ground.
Navan selections – Saturday:
1.18 – Hygge
1.50 – Royal Hillsborough
2.25 – St Denis’s Well
3.00 – Hens Tooth
3.35 – Jacob’s Ladder
4.08 – Better Days Ahead e/w
4.43 – Sophia Rose
