Racing at Navan commences today at 2:00 with the N.I. Childrens Hospice Maiden Hurdle. The most interesting race of the seven race card is perhaps the Nobber Maiden hurdle where Willie Mullins’ Champagne Agent bids to make it 11th time lucky over obstacles.
Click here to view the full list of prices for Navan with Boylesports.com
The opening N.I. Childrens Hospice Maiden Hurdle at 2:00 is sure to attract some attention with Willie Mullins’ Call Me Bubbles heading the field. He was disappointing at Leopardstown over Christmas but may do better on a sounder surface here. He was useful on the Flat and is sure to be well primed for this. The one to note though could be Boss’s Star who has solid claims on the form of his hurdles debut second and he should go well, providing race fitness is not an issue after his layoff.
Champagne Agent has obvious claims on form in the Nobber Maiden Hurdle at 2:30, but he has proved expensive to follow and it might be worth taking him on with the useful Mad Brian here. He would have finished runner-up to Defy Logic at Fairyhouse last time, had he not unseated after the last, and he should also go well today on that and on his previous form.
Rockyaboya hailing from the Mullins’ yard was raised just 4lbs for his win in January which gives him every chance of a big showing here in the Garlow Cross Handicap Hurdle at 3:00. He still enjoys a lower mark over hurdles than over fences and could have enough to take this from Followmeuptocarlow and El Fontan.
Toostrong perhaps looks one of the best value bets of the afternoon in the Punchestown Follow Navan On Facebook Beginners Chase at 3:35 . He is very unexposed and could very come on from his debut over fence at Punchestown. It is a strong Beginners Chase with Forty Foot Tom and Grade One winning hurdler Shinrock Paddy being the main opposition.
Gordon Elliots’ much improved Barneys Honour take his chances in the Dunsany Handicap Steeplechase at 4:10. He could still be a well handicapped runner. He has already won a chase from a mark of 100 and has done well in three hurdle starts since joining Gordon Elliott this season. He has impressed in all his runs and is the one to beat. Luke’s Benefit is himself in fine form since his recent win over hurdles and could pose the major threat.
