UK Horse Racing Tips: Navan

Dual bumper winner THECOMPANYSERGEANT can break his maiden status over flights at the second time of asking. The Denis Hogan-trained gelding put in some big performance in the former discipline and only just failed to make a winning start to life over hurdles. Fameaftertheglory has reached the frame in his latest two outings and boasts a rating of 121 after eight runs over hurdles. He has plenty experience at this stage, something that should stand to him in the latter stages. Mollys Glory had been running well in this company prior to disappointing when switched to handicaps last time. In her defence, that was quite a decent race, so she shouldn't be written off on the back of that below-par run.
Prediction : 1st Thecompanysergeant 2nd Fameaftertheglory 3rd Mollys Glory

CARBON KING was raised a whopping 16lb for winning at Limerick in January but such was the authority of that success, he may still be ahead of the handicapper. The fact that the second placed horse subsequently finished a close-up second in a Grade 3 and third at the Cheltenham Festival, goes some way to suggesting that the Declan Queally-trained gelding may be a horse to keep on side. Little Mixup, who has won three of his last four starts, rates a live threat. The Denis Hogan-trained six-year-old easily disposed of some smart sorts at Naas recently and his burden is slightly eased by Mark McDonagh claiming 2lb back. Cafe Con Leche has to be respected on his debut for the Charles Byrnes stable.
Prediction : 1st Carbon King 2nd Little Mixup 3rd Cafe Con Leche

SANTONITO disappointed when last seen at Thurles but that was clearly not his true running. Prior to that setback, the Gordon Elliott-trained six-year-old had been a model of consistency in decent races against some quality opponents. While there has to be a slight concern about his most recent run, on balance, he looks the most likely winner. Stablemate Landrake is also on a recovery mission having blotted his copybook when falling here last time. He had been on a hat-trick on that occasion, having landed the odds on his two previous starts. There is unlikely to be much between the two Elliott runners but Santonito boasts marginally the stronger form. Paul Marvel won on his sole start to date and has to be respected as the Mullins representative in this contest.
Prediction : 1st Santonito 2nd Landrake 3rd Paul Marvel

ANY SECOND NOW can take this Grade 2 contest en route to another crack at the Grand National next month. The Ted Walsh-trained 11-year-old, who won the race when it was run over the minimum distance two year ago, will be even more suited to the extra half mile now. Well clear on ratings and adaptable tripwise, he can sign off with a win before Aintree. Kerry National winner Busselton ran a nice race when fifth in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury subsequently. He could be a danger if allowed dictate matters in this small field. Velvet Elvis reserves his best for races where the numbers are few, so, he too, could be a danger in what has the potential to become a tactical affair.
Prediction : 1st Any Second Now 2nd Busselton 3rd Velvet Elvis

YEAH MAN appears to be on a favourable mark and should relish this stamina test. The point-to-point winner caught the eye when keeping on behind Arctic Ambition on his only previous handicap chase start at Thurles and enjoyed the step up in trip last time when taking a maiden hurdle at the same venue. Temptationinmilan and Galon De Vauzelle fought out a very tight finish over C&D last month, while Shantreusse is weighted to reverse Punchestown places with Must Be Obeyed and is fitted with cheek pieces for the first time. JP McManus has a trio of runners all stepping up in trip and any market support would be interesting especially for the lightly weighted Better Times Ahead.
Prediction : 1st Yeah Man 2nd Shantreusse 3rd Better Times Ahead

THE DASHER CONWAY has kept some good company over fences and any market move now in a handicap would be significant. The selection won twice over hurdles including when well-backed at Clonmel last year and his fourth to Appreciate It at Punchestown last time is a fair effort in the context of this race. Know The Game scored in good style over a similar trip at Naas just before Christmas and can't be discounted on a 9lb higher mark. Marvel Fan won over fences in France and it will be interesting to see how he fares in his first chase start in over three years. Stablemate Gain De Cause is another for the shortlist, while Razzle Dazzle Love appears best going left-handed and hopefully is none the worse of a fall last time.
Prediction : 1st The Dasher Conway 2nd Know The Game 3rd Marvel Fan

MINT BOY won a point-to-point at Corbeagh House in December and the following week was led out unsold at 195,000 pounds at the Cheltenham sale. He probably came up against a smart sort when runner-up to Firefox in a bumper here last month and the form looks solid as the third won a Thurles maiden hurdle in runaway fashion last week. Did I Ask You That is an obvious threat. The Walk In The Park gelding ran a bit green in front when caught close home by Pour Les Filles on debut at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting. Farren Glory also represents a powerful yard, while point-to-point winner Extrapolation is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Mint Boy 2nd Did I Ask You That 3rd Farren Glory