Harty’s rapid improver to Kil off Tiger and Co in Boyne at Navan
Tiger Roll is back and all eyes will be on the history-seeker in today’s Boyne Hurdle.
The Grand National superstar has been confirmed as going for a famous hat- trick at Aintree in April after the O’Learys f inished having their bit of craic with the UK handicapper and the public.
Navan will be jam-packed as the Irish racing public pour out to see if their heroic 10-year-old can repeat his win in this race 12 months ago.
Tiger Roll bolted up on that day, despite trainer Gordon Elliott saying he wasn’t fully wound up.
Elliott is saying the same thing this year. The key difference is he’s had a slight injury this term which held up his training work and that makes him opposable.
Magic Of Light, second to the Tiger in last year’s National, has to be seriously considered after a smooth Grade 2 win at Ascot last month but the pick is KILFENORA (1.50).
Eddie Harty’s yak has won two handicaps in good style this term and the track, trip and ground will suit this young horse who is on the upgrade.
The Ten Up Novices Chase is the feature and that can go to SPEAK EASY (4.00).
Again, having landed his point in truly desperate ground, the bog-like conditions will be fine and there was plenty of promise in his last run when tackling the smart Carefully Selected at Punchestown.
Speak Easy crashed out at the last when booked for second but provided the fall has done any mental damage, Joseph O’Brien’s gelding can win.
FRANCIN ( 2.20) is ready to t r iumph af ter a f ine thi rd at Leopardstown over Christmas.
The first Cobbler’s Way and second Sempo have run really well since and now it’s the turn of the Willie Mullins inmate to build on it.
In the bumper, BALLYADAM (5.05) carries a big reputation into today’s race and this looks a very suitable opportunity to get off the mark in the hands of Jamie Codd for owners Cheveley Park Stud.
There’s jumping at Market Rasen and one horse that looks interesting has to be OUR POWER (3.45).
Nigel Twiston-Davies thought an awful lot of this youngster as he came through the ranks judging by the standard of races he was pitched into throughout last term.
This time last year he was running against Fakir D’Oudairies in the Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham. He was in against Band of Outlaws and co in the Boodles at the Festival.
Our Power had a go against Getaway Trump at Ayr’s Scottish National Festival and it was a Grade 2 at Chepstow to start this term before a 0-140 handicap at Kempton’s King George card on Boxing Day.
Today’s contest looks calmer now he’s turned five years of age and Sam Twiston-Davies can steer him to victory with the step back down to two miles also set to suit.
THE MANUSCRIPT (4.52) is a fascinating contender for Jonjo O’Neill in the novices’ handicap chase. The seven- year- old has won over this course and d i s t a nc e and returns after a good third last time. His conqueror Sign of Wa r has scored again since.
Off the grass at Kempton, leading jumps trainer Alan King can get another win out of RAINBOW DREAMER (3.55).
The smart stayer has really thrived this winter with back-to-back wins at this gaff and he can make a successful return under Oisin Murphy after bolting up at Wolverhampton.