11.30 Mervyn Gray Construction Maiden Hurdle (Div I) 2m
Kaid d’Authie was a shorter price than Majborough when he finished fifth to the subsequent Grade 1 winner on debut. Stablemates then with Daniela Mele, and again in Closutton, he is reportedly held in high regard by Mullins.
Magic Boum’s promise is more defined, having sold for £110,000 after her debut win at Kildorrery, the form having worked out quite well since.
Eastern Legend shaped like a smart prospect last season but raced too keenly in what looked a hot contest on his seasonal return.
Arch Hall’s debut third was promising, despite his novicey jumping, but it was disappointing that he didn’t build on that next time.
Both those runs came on heavy last season, so perhaps this flat-bred needs drier conditions, or maybe a summer break will have done the trick.
SELECTION: KAID D’AUTHIE
Next best: Eastern Legend
12.00 Mervyn Gray Construction Maiden Hurdle (Div 2) 2m
A host of exciting recruits feature- Henry de Bromhead unleashes £400,000 point winner Echoing Silence, Willie Mullins debuts €200,000 French winner Kirsca De Thaix after 12 months, and Mouse Morris unveils €230,000 buy Autoportrait.
Morris is enjoying a terrific run and his charge has benefitted from plenty of form boosts since his sale- he finished a head behind a subsequent listed winner on debut, and finished in front of subsequent Grade 2 winner Kentucky Wood next time out.
The J.P. McManus-owned pair of Don’t Tell Jack and Goraibhmaithagat both made promising debuts between the flags, but there have been no form boosts on which to judge them further yet.
Fellow point graduate Kir was the even-money favourite on debut, but fell at the last when having every chance.
Putapoundinthejar appears flattered by his blacktype, beaten over seven lengths into second that day, and well beaten next time out, but should be better suited to hurdling.
SELECTION: AUTOPORTRAIT
Next best: Echoing Silence
12.32 Headfort Arms Hotel Maiden Hurdle 2m
All eyes will be on Cheltenham Bumper winner Jasmin De Vaux, his point-to-point win boosting confidence in his jumping abilities.
The Enabler was also a classy bumper horse and Navan should play to his strengths, having jumped left on his hurdle bow at Galway. He was found to be lame after disappointing next time out.
Meetmeinstlouis, an own-sister to Ballyburn, is a notable entry for her in-form trainer, while first reserve Bective Thunder is a half-sister to Grangeclare West
Workahead, an impressive winner of a point on debut, faces a considerable absence to overcome, as do the promising Timmy Tuesday and Joeur Masque.
SELECTION: JASMIN DE VAUX
Next best: Meetmeinstlouis
1.07 Grade 2 Tote Navan Novice Hurdle 2m4f
The Yellow Clay is a leading contender following his impressive Grade 3 win over course and distance last month.
Fleur In The Park was 12 and half lengths behind him that day and there’s nothing to suggest today will be any different, though he remains an each way chance.
My Great Mate shares form from that day, having beat the fourth horse in workmanlike fashion last time out. Smart point and bumper winner Will The Wise made a promising hurdle debut last month, but this looks a big ask at this stage.
This trip should suit Gordon Elliott’s second-string Patter Merchant, for whom two miles looked too sharp last time, when beaten nine lengths in a Grade 3.
Stamina may also play to the strengths of blacktype mare Mozzies Sister. Her hurdle bow wasn’t perfect, but she had another smart mare in second, the field strung out behind them.
The other mare in the field, Rockstown Girl, also warrants respect.
SELECTION: THE YELLOW CLAY
Next best: Patter Merchant
1.42 Listed Bective Stud, Tea Rooms & Apartments Handicap Hurdle 3m 1f 50y
Difficult to know whether a progressive or proven type will come out on top. Irish Grand National victor Intense Raffles won his first two starts over hurdles in his native France as a three-year-old, the likes of Iroko behind him back then.
Blacktype mare Gaoth Chuil has race fitness and a five-pound claimer on her side, while last month’s listed winner Oscars Brother ticks both the fitness and progression boxes.
He has form on softer ground last season, whereas the bad forecast suggests Paggane’s stamina might not last today.
The trip should play to the strengths of Gordon Elliott’s progressive pair of Lucky Lyreen and Prends Garde A Toi.
Stablemate My Trump Card was profitable last season, but the form hasn’t developed brilliantly, in contrast to Minella Sixo, whose Cheltenham second has enjoyed a smart boost.However, he is untried on softer than good-to-yielding.
SELECTION: GAOTH CHUIL
Next best: Intense Raffles
>2.17 Listed Timeless Sash Windows Foxrock Handicap Chase 2m 4f 150y
The inconsistent Adamantly Chose appears Closutton’s best hope on jockey bookings, but it may have been a close call.
A 5lb claimer may have been a tactical choice for Hercule Du Seuil, who should come on from his seasonal return, while Scottish National winner Macdermott and Topham fifth Aime Desjy can’t be ignored either.
Sa Fureur, a useful chaser with a Grade 3 hurdle win over this trip, is another with strong claims, while Espanito Belle’s form includes performances that put him in the picture.
Lucid Dreams deserves a return to winning ways, and his Grade 2 second over course and distance last season gives him a decent chance.
Softer ground will make Miss Tempo’s attempt to justify a 10-pound rise even more difficult.
SELECTION: SA FUREUR
Next best: Hercule Du Seuil
2.52 QuinnBet Beginners Chase 2m 4f 150y
If rating chances by their class, Grade 1-winning hurdler Good Land leads the way, but faces a long absence to overcome.
Ile Atlantique, narrowly denied in a Grade 1 over this trip last season, follows him and has less of a break to bounce back from.
Mahon’s Way was useful over timber, and the £360,000 paid after his debut win between the flags suggests that he’ll be seen to even better effect over fences.
Now Is The Hour is another pointer who proved a smart hurdler, as is What’s Up Darling, who has had a month to improve from his disappointing seasonal return.
SELECTION: ILE ATLANTIQUE
Next best: Mahon’s Way
3.27 Skryne GAA Day Out At Navan Racecourse INH Flat Race 2m
He Can’t Dance topped the Goffs Aintree Sale at £300,000 and has since been described favourably by Gordon Elliott. A non-runner twice, most recently due to the going (yielding), he should appreciate the rain that has fallen.
Coyote Spirit made a promising debut in a Punchestown bumper last season and the form has worked out quite well, but he faces another fitness test on his first start in seven months.
Four-year-old filly Kaleo Ametsa, who is partnered by Josh Williamson, should come on fitness-wise at least from his debut two weeks ago.
There is little in way of pedigree or sales prices to separate the remainder, so the market will prove particularly informative.
SELECTION: HE CAN’T DANCE
Next best: Coyote Spirit
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