DESTINY’S CALLING
MULLINS’ CHARGE SHOULD HOLD OFF THREE RIVALS IN BIG CHASE
BLOOD DESTINY (3.48) can get back to winning ways for Willie mullins in this afternoon’s big Grade Three Flyingbolt Chase at Navan.
The five-year-old was a surprise beaten-favourite last time out at Punchestown, but he should have the measure of these, particularly with only four going to post.
Barry Connell saddles Farmers Lodge and he will be hoping the weather comes right for his big Cheltenham hope Marine Nationale when the Festival starts in a fortnight.
Barry has always said the horse is ground dependent and he will need it to dry out considerably. But there’s still a bit to go.
There’s not a lot to go on in the opener, but WELCOME BACK (1.35) is very well bred and he might be the one to side with.
This afternoon’s Mares’ Maiden Hurdle looks to be a nice opportunity for INSTANT TENDANCE (2.10) to score for Gordon Elliott.
Ebasari loves soft ground and will have a good chance in the handicap hurdle over 2m4f, but I can’t look beyond Charles Byrnes’ AODHAN MAY (2.40).
Impressed
The eight-year-old is a course winner and I was very impressed with her win last time out.
She went up 8lbs for her win here at the start of February and she went up another 9lbs after her win at (left)
Punchestown 10 days later.
That’s 17lbs in a short space of time, but she looks to be still improving and she handles testing ground.
It’s not the most competitive race in the world and Aodhan May looks to have the answer.
Welcome Back’s full brother Last Round runs in the Maiden Hurdle over two miles and looks a nice horse, but I think the more experienced BORN BRAVER (3.15) is the one to beat for Gavin Cromwell.
Born Braver won a couple of pointto-points and was second in a Bumper. The six-year-old has all the jumping experience and looks to be going the right way.
Journey With Me will have plenty of support for the Grade Two Webster Cup, but I think LUCID DREAMS (4.23 EW) can cause a bit of an upset.
Testing
Henry de Bromhead’s Journey With Me is a very short price for a horse that’s been off the track for a long time and John Ryan’s Lucid Dreams could capitalise on any rustiness, particularly in very testing ground. (4.58)
JUMPING JET
can take the finale. Meanwhile tomorrow might be the day for Ryan’s THE LITTLE YANK (4.00) in the big handicap at Leopardstown.