MICHAEL - Navan 1.45 Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles 4 furlongs - 16 run - Soft > Heavy

 

The one to best here is READ TO RETURN, it's a decent if limited price and a win saver at your discretion.

 

 I do think that both BLOSSOM DE MAI from an in form yard with a 5lbs penalty that may be lenient is a nice each way price and worth a punt as is UPFORTHETHINKING who has run with promise over shorter, crying out for 2 and a half miles. Gavin Cromwell will know this is one of the toughest Tracks in Ireland stamina wise and could have gone for an easier track, so must have confidence the horse will get the trip.

 

Of the remainder, I'd have stamina concerns about Western model, if the disappointing Golden Nugget wasn't an Elliot inmate he'd be 3 x the quoted price, Ivan The Boneless may have a squeak if headgear improves him a little bit, Lets Do This may find the ground a bit too deep. I am keen to TRACK Native Gold, who had a tough time last season but was impressive prior to that, I think the mark needs to drop about 8-10 lbs but we'll TRACK and watch out for that happening. Not May is frankly poor but did win a 3 mile P2P race so not completely without hope.

 

If you want a small shrapnel side bet with the main pair then in preference order both BUTTY O'BRIEN who likes Navan and who drops in trip and is race fit and FERRUM who also drops in trip and handles the Going too, should both be running on possibly in to enhanced places at odds above 20/1 in the closing stages.

 

Tips (1) Blossom Du Mai /  (2) Upforthinking / (3s) Butty O'Brien / (4s) Ferrum