Navan Handicap Hurdle

Winner of a Limerick Listed handicap hurdle in December 2024 (2m, yielding to soft); added a second win over timber over 2m here in November off 123 (2m, soft to heavy); posted another positive effort at Leopardstown last time when a 5.5l third of 17, (hampered by a faller at the second hurdle); should be thereabouts again but yet to be seen if he wants this increase in trip.

One of four for trainer; 151-rated chaser has been trying to exploit his lower mark over hurdles in recent times; took a 9.75l fourth of 19 over 2m5f here in November (behind stablemate Grimaud that day); seventh of 16 in a Leopardstown Listed contest latest (2m4f, good to yielding); more needed.

One of four for trainer; point winner; took the runner-up spot at Punchestown on his fifth maiden hurdle start at Punchestown in June; had plenty to spare when scoring on his handicap debut over an extended 2m3f at Punchestown (soft to heavy); raised 10lb but looks a player with further progress likely.

Bumper winner is 2-8 over timber following his comfortable rated hurdle success at Fairyhouse in November (2m4f soft to heavy) when receiving a stone from Air Of Entitlement; tailed off in a Listed handicap at Leopardstown last time (2m4f, good to yielding); he's better than he showed that day all the same and cheekpieces are added to the tongue-tie now.

One of four for trainer and the choice of Jack Kennedy; back-to-back winner of a maiden and a novice hurdle last summer; looked ready for a step up in trip after keeping on eyecatchingly in a Fairyhouse handicap in November when 9-2 favourite (2m4f, yielding to soft); however, weakened into eighth at Leopardstown last time (2m7f, yielding); his rider hasn't given up on him which must be respected.