Navan Preview

Willie Mullins sends a very strong squad to Navan, where a seven-race card gets under way at 1.40.

First up for the champion trainer in the opening Irish Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle is Kerb Appeal, who comes into this race on the back of an effortless 17-length victory in a bumper last time.

His lack of experience over obstacles may find him out, however, which could allow Monastrell to get off the mark over timber, having found only Grey Soldier too good last time.

Mullins sends Mourad to contest the ladbrokes.com Boyne Hurdle, and though he is a strong contender he will have plenty to fear from War Of Attrition and Ninetieth Minute.

War Of Attrition may be best known for his Cheltenham Gold Cup success, but he ran a cracker to win the Galmoy Hurdle last time, though this shorter trip may suit Ninetieth Minute better.

The Grade Two contest is ably supported by two novice chases of the same class, and Uimhiraceathair looks the likeliest winner of the Ten Up Novice Chase.

Mullins' charge made mincemeat of his rivals on his chasing debut and with stamina for this trip assured, he looks to have the measure of decent chase performers Sigma Lifestyle and Inistioge.

Edward O'Grady looks the likeliest trainer to land the concluding Flyingbolt Novice Chase as Osana looks very favourably treated at the weights.

The eight-year-old ran well enough for second in Grade One company last time and though possibly not a match for the likes of Captain Cee Bee and Sizing Europe, he looks too hot to handle for rivals such as Tally Em Up and Shakervilz.

Mullins' two strongest chances for victory could come in the Ladbrokes Cheltenham Bumper Series Flat Race with Pickapocketortwo and in the Trim Maiden Hurdle with Cadspeed, though Champus should give him plenty to think about.