Give the philanthropic bookies the 'bird' at Navan !
Published On December 17, 2011 |
Uncategorized
Only a few shopping days left until Christmas and opportunities to get the holiday ex’s are getting pretty scarce. Navan stage a fascinating looking seven race card this Sunday and with small fields the order of the day ,this could be our big chance to put a big fat goose on the table,courtesy of those philanthropic bookies !
The Grade Two Tara Hurdle gets the show on the road at 12.35 and this looks a nice opportunity for the Mullin’s trained Zaidpour to follow up on a recent Thurles win. He was a really decent novice last term and you guess Willie has an eye on some bigger pots for him later in the season. Prima Vista looks the danger, although he is trying two and a half miles for the first time in this event.
Mount Benbulben was an impressive course and distance winner when last we saw him and will be many punter’s choice in the Grade One Novice’s Hurdle at 1.05. Rule out Boston Bob at your peril here. He won a race for Howard Johnston over at Hexham earlier in the year and is now in the care of champion trainer Willie Mullins. This Graham Wylie owned six year old landed his maiden here at Navan with consummate ease a few weeks back and despite being up in class here,he is a raw talent who could be absolutely anything. Definitely one for forecast consideration in this race.
Two easy races over and now time for the first of our handicaps at 1.35. Toner D’Oudaires is the undoubted class act in the race ,which probably explains why he has to shoulder top weight of 11stone 12lbs. Further down the handicap the recent course and distance winner Down Under carries the JP colours and bookies will need no reminding of the size of the gamble he landed here a few weeks back. Ruby is an interesting booking aboard the Karl Wyse trained Wise Oscar ,while Paco Jack is nicely treated over hurdles, comparative to his chase mark.
With an inclement weather forecast causing some concern regarding the state of the ground, the bumper has been promoted to the fourth race on the card (2.05) . You can be sure that whatever wins this race will be getting some interesting quotes for the Cheltenham bumper after racing. Gordon Elliot has made no secret of his admiration for Don Cossack, a horse who absolutely hacked up at Naas on his latest start. Bridget’s Pet has his first run for Tony Mullins this afternoon while anyone that saw Blue Bicycle win on his latest start will tell you they never saw an easier winner all season. No prizes for guessing what the busiest race in the ring is going to be today !
The beginner’s chase at 2.35 is another fascinating contest where Perfect Smile and the former Coral Hurdle winner Ninetieth Minute look the two to concentrate on. Gordon Elliot’s Grey Soldier was a useful novice last season too and if taking to the larger obstacles might give the big two something to think about.
The two mile four handicap chase is next up and with fourteen due to face the starter this is not going to be easy. If you’re behind on the day going into this race you are probably big odds against landing the crimbo money here. Baily View has his chance,as has Last Time D’Albainn, who gave the subsequent winner Cloughmile plenty to think about on his latest outing at Gowran. Watch also for two horses running in their first handicaps,Jim Bowie and Dun Masc. Both hail from leading stables and both are capable of running well in their first foray into handicap company today.
Final race of the day at Navan is the beginner’s chase at 3.35. A small field where you imagine bookmakers will be quite happy to see the back of Cadogan. This grey ran into the useful Raptor on his latest start and if attempting similar front running tactics here will be hard to peg back. The locally trained Medical Card looks the danger,although this is a horse that proved a little disappointing and expensive to follow over hurdles. Perhaps the sight of the intimidating Navan birch is just what he needs to fulfill the promise he showed a few years back. Talab,trained by Dessie Hughes,looks the only other realistic player in the contest.
Enjoy your racing and remember to call Star Spreads for all the latest market positions on Sunday’s racing.You won’t be disappointed!
