UK Horse Racing Tips: Navan

WACKESTONE failed to win in three Flat starts and was turned over as an odds-on favourite on his hurdling debut, but can benefit from that September experience. Having raced twice as a two-year-old, he finished a useful third on soft ground at Navan in April before finishing fourth over hurdles at Ballinrobe. That form is working out well and it is encouraging that Jack Kennedy rides him over smart Flat performer Barbizon, who wears a first-time tongue-tie. Glen To Glen was useful on the Flat and has form on soft ground, while Ben Hur is noted too.
Prediction : 1st Wackestone 2nd Glen To Glen 3rd Ben Hur

SWITCH FROM DIESEL makes her eagerly-awaited jumps debut, having won on the Flat recently. Almost all of her 12 bumper outings were fine efforts and having taken second in Punchestown's Grade 1 in April, she finished well to score on heavy ground at the Curragh on her reappearance. Riskabahia is a notable recruit for Rich Ricci and while her trainer has an excellent record with her sire's progeny (Allaho and Kopek Des Bordes), it is a small concern that her winning Fontainebleau form from 2023 hasn't as yet worked out. Salsinha completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Switch From Diesel 2nd Riskabahia 3rd Salsinha

It is hoped COWPER HALL can cope with the testing ground conditions, as he should be able to win off his rating. While his initial maiden hurdle performances were poor, he has run well in three handicaps and wasn't beaten far at Fairyhouse last month. St Denis's Well, who won this race in 2023, defeated the selection by 11 lengths when scoring at Down Royal last Christmas. While his recent form is poor, his rating has fallen and he goes well on testing ground. Harley Street can get involved too.
Prediction : 1st Cowper Hall 2nd St Deniss Well 3rd Harley Street

A chance is taken on KALYPSO'CHANCE, who has been frustrating. He looked quite smart when beating Heads Up in a Listed race here last December but subsequently raced keen at Cheltenham, before hanging badly at Punchestown in April. He was turned over at odds of 1/5 on his hurdling debut recently but was reported to be clinically abnormal post race. He might improve for the run. Walks In June is useful and scored nicely at Limerick last month, while Eclipse Chaser and The Big Clubman cannot be overlooked.
Prediction : 1st Kalypsochance 2nd Walks In June 3rd Eclipse Chaser

Second in a similarly big field, and after a comparable lay-off, in last year's renewal, SA FUREUR could go well here with his burden of top-weight being eased by a good 7lb claimer. A course winner off a higher chase rating on his next start, his form tailed off back over hurdles thereafter but he handles testing ground and may be able to stage a revival off a competitive mark. Artic Lane displayed an awkward head carriage when a staying-on fourth at Galway but is of interest under a very capable conditional rider. Kir is next best.
Prediction : 1st Sa Fureur 2nd Artic Lane 3rd Kir

SEARCH FOR GLORY is one of seven runners for Gordon Elliott, who has won this prestigious race three times in the last four years. The selection, who stays well and handles heavy ground, was unable to get competitive in top handicaps in the spring but has won first time out for the last three seasons. Fourth in this two years ago, Dunboyne has been rejuvenated by his current trainer and should come on from his creditable run at Cheltenham last month. Will The Wise and Sportinthepark are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Search For Glory 2nd Dunboyne 3rd Will The Wise

A wide-margin winner of Grade 1 novice hurdles at Leopardstown and Punchestown either side of finishing third to The New Lion at the Cheltenham Festival in March, FINAL DEMAND sets out on his chasing career here and it will be a shock if he doesn't make a successful transition to the larger obstacles. Now Is The Hour is a talented second-season novice but would prefer a longer trip, while Butch Cassidy was a decent hurdler and has the scope to make up into a better chaser.
Prediction : 1st Final Demand 2nd Butch Cassidy 3rd Now Is The Hour

LOUVE D'ARC, whose capable half-brother goes well on heavy ground, may represent a bit of value against opponents from bigger yards. The scopey daughter of Silverwave made a promising debut when fourth at Galway last month and may turn around form with the runner-up Churchfield Annie, who'd had a previous run. Easter Bonnet won well at Punchestown but this diminutive filly is not sure to appreciate testing ground. Oldschool Outlaw has good form, while it's noteworthy that winning pointer Caoimhe goes straight into Listed company for her Rules debut.
Prediction : 1st Louve Darc 2nd Caoimhe 3rd Easter Bonnet