UK Horse Racing Tips: Navan

One of three Gavin Cromwell-trained representatives in the line-up, BEGORRA MAN gets the nod. The choice of Keith Donoghue, his debut effort behind Kopek Des Bordes at Leopardstown in 2024 is a particularly eyecatching piece of form. Second of four on his return from nearly a year off at Punchestown last month, he can be expected to step forward from that effort. Gordon Elliott also saddles three, with Famous Figure appearing the pick of them. Successful in a bumper when in the care of Pat Fahey, he was second of 16 at Naas recently. Elliott's Newbrook Diamond (first-time blinkers) also warrants the utmost respect, with Kilgame, Munsif and hurdling debutant Chopsticks other leading hopes.
Prediction : 1st Begorra Man 2nd Famous Figure 3rd Kilgame

TROPICAL TWIST could be thrown in off an initial mark of 95. Out of a half-sister to plenty of winners, she has shown definite promise in maidens and now starts off in handicap company. Gordon Elliott trains the selection and is also represented by top-weight Disco Dancer. Fourth of 16 in a competitive affair at last year's Dublin Racing Festival, a reproduction of that effort would be good enough to take this. Bidding to quickly follow up her breakthrough success at Wexford on St Patrick's Day, Catchabird is of definite interest, while recent Naas winner Rathbawn Soldier is another leading hope. Winning her last two but not seen since April 2023, Elsannah is now in the care of Paul Gilligan but is probably best watched on her return. Maxios Prime, Sopelana and Somersby Roost are others of interest in this competitive affair.
Prediction : 1st Tropical Twist 2nd Catchabird 3rd Maxios Prime

KALPYSO'CHANCE might be able to get the better of stable companion Santo Sospir. While Jack Kennedy partners the latter, the selection is two from two at Navan and he'll be ably assisted by Josh Williamson, who claims a valuable 5lb. Gordon Elliott trains both and they'll be bidding to bounce back from disappointing efforts at Cork and Leopardstown respectively. Well supported when successful at Punchestown in January, Shabby Hill will appreciate this step up in trip and he warrants the utmost respect, while Timesareachanging is not without his chance and finished third of five in a Grade 3 at Gowran. Astley completes the line-up, but appears out of his depth.
Prediction : 1st Kalypsochance 2nd Santo Sospir 3rd Shabby Hill

FLY AWAY HOME can gain some measure of compensation after a final-flight exit at Leopardstown. Having made stylish ground from the rear to go third at the penultimate hurdle, the Charles Byrnes-trained six-year-old wasn't done with when unseating Philip Byrnes. In what looks quite a tight-knit affair for the grade, she could just have that bit more scope for improvement than the majority of her rivals. Haveanothertry, who has the joint-highest official rating alongside the selection, has to be a serious threat. Runner-up at Leopardstown last time, the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding also shaped with promise when fourth at Thurles on his previous start. Sticktothescript is another with leading claims.
Prediction : 1st Fly Away Home 2nd Haveanothertry 3rd Sticktothescript

SHOWURAPPRECIATION can revert to chasing to take this valuable prize. An impressive scorer on his most recent start over fences at Punchestown in January, the Jonathan Sweeney-trained eight-year-old readily exploited a lower timber mark here subsequently. Almost certainly laid out for this contest, given that his owner usually has a well-fancied runner in it, it is surely significant that connections rely on just the sole contender. Rokathir won't find it easy to concede weight all round, but already looks a much better horse over fences and he is proven around this testing venue. Naas runner-up Magic McColgan has to be respected for Willie Mullins.
Prediction : 1st Showurappreciation 2nd Rokathir 3rd Magic McColgan

PARK THAT shaped well enough when third on his handicap debut to suggest that he can make the breakthrough here. Highly tried on his opening two forays over fences, the Enda Bolger-trained gelding looked much more comfortable at this level when reaching the frame at Naas. With the benefit of that experience to call upon, he can open his account over the larger obstacles. Stuntman Steve will need to improve significantly on what he has achieved over fences to date, but that isn't out of the question now his stable is back in form. Moudan also has his chance with Eoghan Finegan taking a valuable 7lb off his welter burden.
Prediction : 1st Park That 2nd Stuntman Steve 3rd Moudan

A half-sister to two bumper winners, out of a Mares' Hurdle heroine who won all three starts in this discipline, GLENS ANTHEM is certainly bred for the job. Add in the fact that she is trained by Willie Mullins and it is difficult to get away from the daughter of Harzand. Flying Ace, who finished third in a Lingstown point-to-point in November, looks the biggest threat. The Gordon Elliott-trained five-year-old had every chance before weakening close home and should be a stronger horse with another winter under his belt. Super Junior won a point-to-point at Dromahane in December and although that form doesn't look anything special, he was an easy victor on the day.
Prediction : 1st Glens Anthem 2nd Flying Ace 3rd Super Junior