Follow that Star
ON-FORM DARVER CAN EDGE DECENT RIVALS
THE talented Darver Star could be the one to side with in an open edition of the Betvictor Boyne Hurdle at Navan this afternoon.
This Grade 2 contest has attracted a decent field and a case could be made for quite a few of the runners.
However, Gavin Cromwell’s charge makes plenty of appeal as he has shown signs of returning to his best lately.
On his most recent start he was just touched off in quite a decent conditions hurdle at Lingfield.
Prior to that the former Champion Hurdle third showed much of his old class when bolting up at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve.
This time Darver Star gets five pounds from the in-form Darasso and that might be enough to tip the scales in his favour but the former Stayers Hurdle second Ronald Pump and the useful Grand Roi warrant consideration.
Today’s card also features the Grade 2 Betvictor Ten Up Novice Chase and this three-mile affair has attracted a quality line up.
Beacon Edge (inset) sets a fair standard having already landed a top level victory this season in the Drinmore Novice Chase.
The Troytown winner Run Wild Fred is another likely contender but they may have to give best to Farouk D’alene.
That one lost nothing in defeat at Naas last month when finishing a good second to Stattler while he was also second in a Christmas Grade 1 at Limerick.
The form of that race looks strong with the winner, Master Mcshee, having run so well to chase home Galopin Des Champs at Leopardstown two weeks ago.
Farouk D’alene also gets seven pounds from Beacon Edge.
In the Betvictor Apple’s Jade Mares Novice Hurdle the teak tough Lunar Display can strike for Joseph O’brien. This mare wasn’t at her best in a handicap at Leopardstown a fortnight ago but her previous third to Allegorie De Vassy is a good piece of form. She also won a Listed hurdle at Thurles in December and posted a good effort at this track in November when chasing home Hollow Games. In the opening maiden hurdle Music Of Tara makes most appeal as he looks to build on a decent festive effort at Leopardstown. In the handicap chase All Class can continue her progress for Ronan Mcnally as she looks to make it three wins on the spin. Madmansgame looked a nice type when winning a point to point earlier in the winter and he could make a winning debut for Willie Mullins in the bumper.