BLOOD SWEAT GEARS &

DROPPING in trip and 3lb better off, Blood Destiny will be expected to reverse Punchestown form with Spillane’s Tower in today’s Flyingbolt Novice Chase in Navan – where there is a 7.30am inspection.

The Grade 3 contest commemorates the remarkable Flyingbolt who, in 1966, landed the two-mile Champion Chase at

Cheltenham before finishing third to Salmon Spray in the Champion Hurdle the following day.

Today’s renewal should be a cracker as the Willie Mullins (inset) trained Blood Destiny, a dual-winner over hurdles before disappointing last spring, bids to return to winning ways following his odds-on reverse, at the hands of Spillane’s Tower in a Grade 3 at Punchestown in January.

The Closutton gelding, who had impressed on his fencing bow at Naas, making all for a smooth nine lengths win over subsequent Leopardstown Chase winner Heart Wood, was sent off at

2/5 for the two-anda-half mile Punchestown

Grade 3 but, having dictated the pace, was collared on the run-in and beaten two lengths by Spillane’s Tower, already a Punchestown winner over two miles.

Blood Destiny was receiving 4lb from Jimmy Mangan’s charge that day and meets his rival on 3lb better terms today.

Even more significantly, they’re dropping back to two miles, a factor which, I think, will suit Blood Destiny more – even on this demanding track.

On that basis, and assuming he jumps with his customary enthusiasm, Blood Destiny might make all and keep Spillane’s Tower at bay.

The Charles Byrnes-trained Aodhan May bids for a hat-trick in the Boylesports Extra Places Handicap Hurdle but, up 9lb for his recent course win, might not cope with Eddie Cawley’s Chosen Diamond, a last flight casualty when upsides Butty O’brien here last time.