Navan
12:50
Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle 2m 4f
GRANGECLARE WEST (6) has been off the track since winning a jumpers flat race in 2021. Makes hurdling debut and could still be a smart prospect. FIRM FOOTINGS (12) won a jumpers flat race by 1.25L last month. Looks interesting as a hurdling contender. KUDASHEVA (24) is an amateur winner who has joined a leading yard to make his hurdle debut. One to consider. Newcomer MY TRUMP CARD (16) warrants a check in the betting.
13:20
John Lynch Carpets & Flooring Monksfield Novice Hurdle (Grade 3) 4YO plus, 5 Runners, Class 1, 2m 4f
AMERICAN MIKE (1) made a winning hurdle debut scoring by 6.5L. Up in grade but holds strong claims. DAWN RISING (2) built on his first jumps effort when successful at the second attempt. Can continue to progress. AFFORDALE FURY (4) is unbeaten in two starts under rules so far and may still have more to offer. THREE CARD BRAG (3) was beaten 1.25L third in a G3 last time. Might prove competitive.
13:50
Bar One Racing Price Boosts Everyday Handicap Hurdle 2m 4f
JUNGLE PROSE (2) has won three out of four since joining this yard including a 9L success last weekend. Hard to rule out in its current form. BAY AMBITION (8) returned from a break beaten 4L third. Can build on that effort. REBELLIOUS GALE (19) finished second behind the main selection recently. Will need improvement to reverse those placings. POLITICISE (18) ran second on his previous two outings and could be thereabouts.
14:20
Bar One Racing Troytown Handicap Chase Grade B 3m 0f
FRONTAL ASSAULT (9) gained a first fences win with a 4.5L success last month. Likely a contender representing a leading trainer, in this wide open feature race. EGALITY MANS (13) won once when tackling fences last season and there could be more to offer now back in a handicap, he has to be considered. LIFETIME AMBITION (2) went well for a long way managing fourth last month, with a run under his belt this step up in class isn’t out of reach for this talented performer, he won’t be far away on current form. THE BIG DOG (3) was a winner by a head recently and has proven stamina for this distance, can he string solid back-to-back performances together is a big question mark. A super race in prospect.
14:50
Boardsmill stud Irish EBF beginners chase 2m 1f
SAINT ROI (8) is a former G3 hurdle winner who warrants respect now switching to fences for the first time. FIL DOR (13) finished second when hurdling beaten by 3.5L. Makes chase debut. GALLANT JOHN JOE (3) might be a seven-race maiden with fences however is placed on three occasions. May put his experience to good use. SLIP OF THE TONGUE (10) won a Listed Novice hurdle in February and could improve in this sphere.
Newcastle
13:35
THE NOVICES’ LIMITED HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 3) (GBB RACE) (CL 3) (2m 7 1/2 f))
SHANTOU LUCKY (2) came home 17L fourth in a handicap chase at Fairyhouse. Selected to register a fourth career victory. SON OF THE SOMME (4) returned this campaign with a 10.5L third in a 2m 4f handicap chase at Ayr. Shortlist. MALINELLO (1) placed second beaten 8.5L tackling a novice hurdle at Wincanton in January last year. Dangerous on handicap and chase debut. LORD ROCO (3) performed well when 1.5L second in a novices handicap chase at Ayr and is the most likely for the win.
14:10
THE FIGHTING FIFTH HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) (GBB RACE) (CL 1) (2m)
CONSTITUTION HILL (1) missed an engagement at Ascot last week but secured victory by 22L attempting the 2m G1 Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. Hard to beat if allowed to take his chances. Stablemate EPATANTE (5) won this race in 2020 and dead-heated twelve months ago. Bold show expected delivering her first start since a 1.75L third in the G1 Mares Champion Hurdle at Punchestown during April. NOT SO SLEEPY (2) dead-heated with Epatante in this contest last year. Returned from a break with a 4.25L third in the Cesarewitch Handicap at Newmarket and makes the shortlist. TOMMY’S OSCAR (3) placed second beaten 6L in the G2 Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices Chase over 2m at Cheltenham. Worth noting revisiting hurdles.
15:25
THE REHEARSAL HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (PREMIER HANDICAP) (GBB RACE) (CL 1) (2m 7 1/2 f)
L’HOMME PRESSE (1) ended last season finishing 18L third attempting the G1 Mildmay Novices Chase at Aintree in April. Selected to resume with a victory. INTO OVERDRIVE (9) recorded his fourth consecutive victory winning by 3.5L in a handicap chase at Wetherby on his seasonal debut. A bold show is expected. AYE RIGHT (2) returned with a 4.5L second in a 3m 2f handicap chase at Kelso. Warrants close consideration. HAPPYGOLUCKY (3) won by 2.75L the G3 Betway Handicap Chase at Aintree in April 2021. Shortlisted resuming from a lengthy absence.
