Navan 12.30 Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles and 4 furlongs (16 run)

 

A tough race to call in the conditions as some might struggle off a strong pace in the Going.

 

The likes of Awayinthewest, Menghli Khan and Sayo have bits of form that make them very interesting but would be surprise winners here.

 

Cracking Smart @ 20/1 - reverts to Hurdles after a stuttering Chasing career and once looked a gilt edged Hurdles prospect and if finding any degree of confidence could be a huge price. I'd like to see the horse get in to a rhythm though before punting on it, may be one to back "in running" with a few quid if off the bridle and going OK at half way. It has run as if something a bit more than inability to jump Chase fences is the issue but one for the Tracker with the slightest glimmer of a return to form.

 

For the tip though I will seek some value, proven ability over Course and Distance and in the mud and last years runner up GOLDEN JEWEL returns after a decent warm up run. A niggle that it may still need this but has run well fresh in the past so the one run should have blown away the cobwebs and one I can see running a place at least if the early pace is decent and not tactical.

 

TIP - Golden Jewel (small bet possibly "in running" on Cracking Smart)