GAVIN CROMWELL: A busy weekend for Gavin and his yard sees ten runners going to post across Naas and Navan, each of which he previews below.
Saturday Naas
Darver Star runs in the Grade 3 chase (1.20pm) over 2m and it’s great to have him back on the track. It’ll be interesting to see how he gets on because he seems to be showing plenty of spark at home. I think 2 miles is possibly too short for him these days but I just want to get him started and whatever happens it’ll be great to see him back.
Peaches And Cream goes in the Grade B hurdle (1.55pm) over 2m4f and is probably not terribly well handicapped, but I’m hoping he can run a solid race. If he does, he could certainly run into the money.
Vintage Prosseco would definitely prefer the ground to be softer than it will be but still he is entitled to take his chance in the maiden hurdle (2.30pm) over 2m3f. He’s certainly at his best on heavier ground but we’re looking forward to getting him started and he can return with a solid race under his belt.
Bentham unseated at the first at Down Royal last week and so comes here for the novice chase (3.05pm) over 2m4f, and the trip shouldn’t be a problem for him. He is struggling a bit to get his head in front these days but hopefully he’ll have a good run.
Jeremys Flame is one of two of my BETDAQ five to follow this season that run this weekend and she goes in the beginners’ chase (3.40pm) over 2m3f which is a bit of a step up in trip for her. She’s coming here in good nick and hopefully will have some improvement from her Fairyhouse run. Everything going well, she’ll have a good chance in this.
Sunday Navan
Midnight It Is comes here for the maiden hurdle (12.10pm) over 2m4f and is struggling to get his head in front at present. He’s now placed five times and probably will be up against it again here but we’re hopeful of a good run and if everything goes right then this could be his day.
My Mate Mozzie is an exciting horse and the second of my five to follow that runs this weekend, this time in the Grade 3 hurdle (12.40pm) over 2m. Obviously, we’re at Graded level for the first time with him but the way he won at Punchestown you couldn’t help but get excited about him. The ground, track and trip should all suit him so hopefully he’ll go close.
Flooring Porter runs in the Grade 2 Lismullen Hurdle (1.10pm) over 2m4f which is obviously short of his optimum trip, but we’re excited to get his campaign underway, and this looks a good opportunity to do that. He will improve for the run there is no doubt, but he is plenty fit enough to get started here.
Brides Hill won well the last day so the handicapper has, rightfully, given her a good hike for this hurdle (1.45pm) over 2m. She is coming here in good nick though so hopefully she can get the job done again despite the rise.
Broken Ice is another that is not terribly well handicapped, but the track and trip should be fine for this handicap hurdle (2.20pm) over 2m6f. He’s got to be an each-way player despite this.
