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13:10 Navan
A grade two novice staying hurdle to start the day as we preview the big three races on Sunday. Corgyhill is a short price to back up his bumper and maiden hurdle form. He won a low enough qualify maiden hurdle very easily and is held in high regard so should be respected. Elliot also saddles Dallas Cowboy, who is fairly exposed but may run into some prize money.
Falcon Crest is next in the market for Barry Geraghty and Christy Roche. Lightly raced and won on reappearance this time. With some natural improvement from that run could see him involved. However i a taking a fairly speculative view on this race. I won’t take much for there to be an upset here and Last Encouter looks slightly ignored by the market.
He finished second behind Modem in a course maiden 12 months ago. That looks fairly strong form now. He also ran well in a couple of bumpers behind some nice types. While only a winner of a Wexford maiden this step up in trip will suit and in Danny Mullins you have one of the most in form jockey. With nine runners we are getting good value and Last Encounter can run well at a big price.
Last Encounter (E/W)
14:40 Navan
The feature on Sunday is the Troytown Chase and this was won in superb fashion last year by the ill fated Ballbriggan. Connections are back to have another crack with Azorian. However he is one of four for the yard and does not look potentially well treated. Of Gordon Elliots four Georges Conn may be suited by how this race is run. A dour stayer who will love this trip. He still needs to prove he is as effective over fences.
Knockanarrigan for Sandra Hughes won last time out and has returned in the same form from a couple of years ago after needing his seasonal reappearance. He must be short-listed.
Ballychorus and Mullaghanoe River are two also to be shortlisted. The former has had a seasonal reappearance and makes his handicap début over fences but has to prove he is as effective in this type of race. I have my concerns. Mullaghanoe should need this run. Most of Noel Meades benefit from a run however should he be fit enough he could be involved. I would want a bigger price.
The selection is Dromnea, an eight year old presenting gelding should enjoy conditions. Only running last week he is clearly in good health and Mouse Morris yard are back in good form. Some of his chase form last season is highly encouraging. Dromnea is taken to finish in the money.
Dromnea (E/W)
15:10 Navan
A wide open handicap hurdle to finish today selections. Roll It Out has been crying out for this step up in trip. He finished second last time out when running on from a mile back. He was given far much to do that day but is potentially well treated if staying this trip.
Foxrock is thrown on chase rating with a difference of 128 versus his 158 chase rating. However he ran in this race last year and finished fifth. He is just not that good a hurdler and this is a prep.
Prince of Scars, Children List and Russian Bill need a second look in the market but the one for me who appears to be well handicapped and unexposed is Fine Theatre. He has only had two runs over hurdles and won a competitive maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse last January and if ready could prove to have any amount in hand.
Fine Theatre (E/W)