THE BOUNTY HUNTERS
Mullins and Townend can spin Yarn on their rivals
Hunters Yarn (2.10) looks a solid option on a cracking day at Navan.
The six-year-old was an easy winner at short odds when last sighted at Naas and the victory screamed of potential.
Jockey Paul Townend copped some stick from his boss Willie Mullins last weekend but the pilot has been back in the groove since and the pair can get this job done over the two-mile trip.
The Boyne Hurdle is the highlight race and all eyes will be on Blazing Khal for the Charles Byrnes team.
The seven-year- old has been tipped for the top and was all the rage for last year’s Cheltenham Festival before an injury ruled him out of the meeting.
Although potentially the best horse in this race, the 428- day absence is a concern today.
The safer option might be SAINT SAM (2.40). The Mullins charge was unable to make a mark over fences and has been switched back to timber.
The six-year- old recorded a victory at Punchestown on the last day of 2022 and, while not fluent, there were good signs.
AARONS DAY (3.40) is going to be a big price for the novice chase and worth chancing a couple of quid each-way.
There was much to like about the way Oliver McKiernan’s nine-year-old stayed on strongly to win over two and a half miles at Navan last month and this step up in trip looks ideal. The UK jumps action takes place at Exeter with seven races.
Nicky Henderson has some strong claims and WALKING ON AIR (4.00) is interesting in the Pertemps qualifier.
Qualifying for the Final at the Festival next month is the No.1 objective but the six-year- old has strong claims and is worth backing off a mark of 133.
On the level, JUST A SPARK (3.20) looks a nice bet for the Rod Millman team at Southwell.