Navan – Tuesday 22nd February

Sunday’s loss is Tuesday’s gain. Rarely would you hear those words coming out of many people’s mouths but it is certainly the case in regards to this Navan card which is now taking place tomorrow afternoon after being shelved on Sunday due to terrible conditions. I had plenty of selections ready to go at the click of a button for that day, and I will be repaying the faith by putting them up this time around instead. 

Starting off with the 1.10 at Navan, which is a 2m maiden hurdle on this heavy ground. I quite like the look of the Thomas Gibney trained, Hemlock in this race – who brings likable credentials to this race having been second over 2m4f at this track last time out. The step down in trip should suit, especially on this ground. His bumper form was decent and although he has slightly toured round the yards in his time to date, his form has rarely dropped off too much. He was well beaten by American Mike two starts back, but there was no disgrace in that and this looks a lot more winnable. At a price of 7/2 with William Hill, I think he has an excellent chance. 

The 2.20 race is the Boyne Hurdle over 2m5f and this is the feature hurdle event on the card and has attracted a good field. Darver Star has been in good recent form, but can be taken on at the prices. I quite like taking him on with Ronald Pump, who although frustrating at the top table, has a chance on this step back down in class. He has run well on occasions before at Grade 1 level and despite not getting his head in front in recent seasons, it’s hard to say he is not genuine. Sam Ewing takes the ride, which is a massive vote of confidence for this young rider, and he should be well up to giving this horse a big ride. At a price of 5/1 with Sky Bet, who offer 5 places, I simply can’t see him out of the first 5, and in fact I think he has a proper winning chance.  

The 3.30 race is the second division of a very difficult looking handicap hurdle for horses rated between 80-102. I have two darts to throw at this race and the first is Westy Fox, who represents shrewd connections of Jim Dreaper and Keith Donoghue. These two always have to be afforded a second look when teaming together on a lowly rated handicapper and this horse was a very close second in this race last year in almost identical conditions. He has not shown much this season, but this could have been the plan all along and with everything in his favor, he is likely to run well. At a price of 11/2 with Paddy Power, who are offering 5 places, he is an each way bet.

The other horse to not discount in this line-up is the Denis Hogan trained, Pale Blue Dot. This gelding has not always been the most reliable and although some of his form leaves a fair bit to be desired, some of his form would make him look very well handicapped off an opening mark of 100. His best form also seems to have all come on heavy ground, so there are grounds for optimism that these conditions will favor him best. He is stepping up in trip on handicap bow here, which also should suit having looked outpaced over the minimum trip in his last two starts. At a price of 8/1 with Sky Bet, who are offering 6 places in this race, he is also an each way bet. 

The 4.40 race is another handicap and this chase is over 3m and looks like another very tricky race. I am going to throw two darts at the board for this race as well. I am hoping that Barry Connell is singing from the right hymn sheet, and that should lead to a big run from the exciting Call The Tune, who tackles 3m for the first time over fences having stayed very well in handicap hurdles last season. His chase run last time out at Naas was highly promising also, when going down very closely in third – and that form has been well advertised since by the runner-up. This trip is likely to suit that bit better and Sean O’Keeffe is an eye-catching booking. At a price of 5/1 with Paddy Power, who are offering 4 places, he is an each way bet. 

However, it would be remiss of me to not mention a horse that I have a love-hate relationship with. In truth, when it comes to Ragnar Lodbrok, I love him and he doesn’t like me too much in return. He is a very talented horse and it would be no surprise to see this horse be well handicapped off his current mark, but it is the small matter of jumping that has so often been his Achilles heel. His jumping fell to pieces last time out at Down Royal when sent off fav, but his jumping had been okay the time before when putting in a big effort in second at Punchestown on this type of ground. Jack Foley has his work cut out to get this top weight jumping anyway okay, but if he can do so – this horse has a major chance. At a price of 14/1 with Paddy Power, it is worth the risk each way.