Navan preview
Saturday, 8 November 2008 21:51The Grade Two ladbrokes.com Fortria Chase is one of the highlights on Navan's seven-race card and Mansony renews his old rivalry with Schindlers Hunt.
The former emerged on top three of the four times they met last term, including when scoring at Leopardstown last December and although pulled up when last seen at Auteuil in May, he always seems to go well when fresh and will be fancied to make a winning return.
It is by no means a two-horse race, however, with Mister Top Notch officially rated only 1lb below the principal duo and the relatively unexposed Scotsirish also impossible to ignore for the Willie Mullins team.
The Grade Two Philips Electronics Lismullen Hurdle is another intriguing event involving several proven performers and a couple of exciting prospects.
Dual Champion Hurdle winner Hardy Eustace should never be underestimated, despite his advancing years, while Catch Me and Aitmatov have both won in Graded company and merit plenty of respect.
Catch Me has the advantage of a recent spin on the level and could put his race-fitness to good use.
The one they all have to beat, however, may be Eoin Griffin's Kazal.
He finished third in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham in March and is just as effective over this shorter distance, especially when testing ground puts the emphasis on stamina.
Action kicks off at 12.55 with the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle, in which Noel Meade's dual bumper winner Pandorama is sure to prove a warm order.
The Grade Three For Auction Novice Hurdle looks a smart contest and it would be no surprise to see the Dessie Hughes-trained mare Shirley Casper give forecast favourite Fisher Bridge plenty to worry about.
