UK Horse Racing Tips: Navan

PEREGRINE FALCON appeals on her first try in handicap company. Successful in a barrier trial at Naas in May, she finished third after attempting to make all on her official debut. Thought good enough to take her chance in the Albany at Royal Ascot, she finished down the field there, before again failing to make a significant impact on her most recent start. Out of a sister to dual-Group 1 winner Fascinating Rock, she is fitted with a tongue-strap for the first time now and it'll be disappointing if she's not involved towards the business end. Easily dismissing her rivals at Sligo earlier this month, Gloriously Glam is given second preference, while her stable companion Wise Men Say also warrants respect. The highest rated runner in the line-up, Last Encore looks to have strong claims, while James The Second and Hugo's Girl (first time tongue-strap) are others for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Peregrine Falcon 2nd Gloriously Glam 3rd Last Encore

Eddie Lynam saddles three of the 15 in this competitive affair. Bidding to complete a four-timer, the progressive KEKE is the standout name of his representatives. Successful when drawn widest of all over the course and distance in June, he is again in the outside stall and upped just 3lb for his latest win at the Curragh, the Dandy Man bay might still be ahead of the assessor. Universally, who has already won twice this season, is likely to enter calculations, while others for the shortlist include Mehman and Moltophino.
Prediction : 1st Keke 2nd Universally 3rd Mehman

With no Treasure Isle to contend with, SARATOGA SPECIAL might be able to take this. Second to the aforementioned Aidan O'Brien-trained colt on her two starts to date, the latest of which was a Listed heat, she looks to have an easier task on her hands now. Jessica Harrington is responsible for the selection and also saddles the 85-rated Passing Phase. Beaten just half-a-length by Sir Yoshi when last seen at Tipperary in May, he had the useful Rudi's Apple a place behind. Snapdragon is the other standout name in the line-up. A £240,000 yearling purchase, the No Nay Never colt was collared close home over 6f at the Curragh recently and should be suited by the drop to 5f. Barrier trial winner Town And Country and Naas fifth Island Girl are others of interest.
Prediction : 1st Saratoga Special 2nd Snapdragon 3rd Passing Phase

The James Barrett-trained MIGHTY DAY has shaped well enough on both starts to date to suggest he can make it third time lucky. Fifth on his racecourse debut at Galway earlier in the month, the U S Navy Flag colt then backed that up with another solid effort at Gowran Park last time. Granted normal improvement from those initial runs, he should be hard to beat in this grade. Baltray Lady, who finished behind the selection at Galway on debut, improved to finish runner-up at Roscommon on her second outing. However, at her claiming price, she is worse off at the weights with the selection. Dr Ali needs to improve on what he has shown to date, but trainer Ger Lyons places his horses extremely well in these races so the gelding has to be respected.
Prediction : 1st Mighty Day 2nd Baltray Lady 3rd Dr Ali

While a wide draw is an obvious cause for concern, SEA CHARIOT still looks one of the stronger contenders. The John Joseph Murphy-trained four-year-old should appreciate stepping back up to a mile here having stayed on strongly when third over 7f at Naas last time. Although both career wins have come on the all-weather at Dundalk, the gelding also has some solid form on turf. Annexation is drawn widest of all the runners, but, as a confirmed hold-up horse, that may not be as much of a negative. Expect to see Billy Lee thread his way through the field on the long uphill climb to the finish. The lightly raced Bucaneer's Spirit is one of the lesser exposed contenders. A winner at Cork earlier this month, the three-year-old could still be ahead of the handicapper.
Prediction : 1st Sea Chariot 2nd Annexation 3rd Bucaneers Spirit

Although unable to complete the hat-trick when only fifth at Galway last month, EMPRESS ALMA can resume winning ways. The Gavin Cromwell-trained filly ran on strongly close home in a manner that suggested she will enjoy this stiffer test. Given that that latter race was in a much higher grade, the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor should find this assignment easier. Highland Bells was no match for Empress Alma at Down Royal on his most recent outing but is considerably better off at these weights. If he has improved in the interim, the Michael Mulvany-trained gelding can get much closer. Recent Hamilton winner Gregorina will find this harder but has to be respected on the back of that success.
Prediction : 1st Empress Alma 2nd Highland Bells 3rd Gregorina

Although successful just once from 31 starts, ENQUIRE WITHIN has been running well enough to suggest that she can make her presence felt. A definite positive is the fact that her sole win came over course and distance. Wesley Joyce, who was in the saddle on that occasion, has also been booked for the ride here. The well-bred Lady Kai landed some tidy bets when making a winning reappearance at Killarney last month. Only 5lb higher now, the Ross O'Sullivan-trained mare might be improving fast enough to overcome that rise. On the evidence of his latest two starts, Tannery Park should really appreciate this stiff test of stamina. His trainer Barry Connell was amongst the winners on the Flat at Roscommon recently.
Prediction : 1st Enquire Within 2nd Lady Kai 3rd Tannery Park