ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET

Double Aintree winner the star attraction but don’t expect heroics

ALL eyes will be on the great Tiger Roll as the dual Grand National hero returns to action in the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Ireland Boyne Hurdle at Navan this afternoon.

Twelve months ago Gordon Elliott’s star inmate bolted up in this race en route to Cheltenham and Aintree glory.

However, the trainer has warned the 10-year-old will need this comeback run after suffering a setback earlier in the season.

And so a strong vote of confidence is given to the Eddie Harty-trained Kilfenora who has impressed in a brief campaign to date.

This gelding won a decent handicap at Naas in November and he returned from two months off to bag another valuable prize at this track last month.

He looks more than good enough to hold his own at graded level and this seems a very suitable opportunity for him to bring up a third victory in succession.

In a fascinating edition of the Boyne

Kilfenora might have most to fear from last year’s Grand National second Magic Of Light (below).

She won a decent mares hurdle at Ascot last time having previously won over fences at Newbury and comes here at the peak of her powers.

On a very interesting card, the Grade 2 Ten Up Novice Chase is also down for decision and Noel Meade’s Minella Fair makes plenty of appeal.

He is a decent stayer on testing ground and comes here off a cracking run in the Thyestes Chase where he was third to Total

Recall.

This doesn’t appear to be as competitive a race and with conditions looking sure to suit Minella Fair can carry the day.

He will have most to fear from Captain CJ who ran a fine race at this track last month when chasing home Minella Indo.

Meade could also land the opening contest on the card with his Joshua

Webb appealing in the first division of the maiden hurdle.

This gelding will need to improve on his last run but his previous second to Run Wild Fred in a maiden hurdle at this track was a good effort.

Joshua Webb did win a bumper at Navan earlier in the season and he can confirm that form with Jungle Junction who once again looks his chief threat.

In the second division of the maiden hurdle Francin appears as though he will be hard to beat.

His third to Cobbler’s Way at Christmas looked a good run at the time and the second, fourth and sixth from that race have all won since.

The mares handicap hurdle seems tricky but Blanketontheground’s second to Our Roxane at Gowran last time is a strong piece of form and earns her the vote.

Elsewhere, the hat-trick seeking Difficult Decision makes most appeal in the near three mile handicap hurdle.