Navan preview

The rescheduled Johnstown Hurdle is a welcome addition to Navan’s Saturday card, and although Morning Supreme is a notable absentee after initially being declared an interesting contest remains in prospect.

Pittoni is unbeaten in three starts over hurdles since joining Charles Byrnes from John Oxx and in receipt of weight from his five rivals the four year-old is probably the one to beat. Coole River put up a fine performance to defeat the highly-regarded Quel Esprit at Leopardstown but the softer ground, drop in trip and hefty weight concession all round must all be concerns and a greater threat may come from Thegreatjohnbrowne, who is much better than he showed last time.

Cayo Levantado landed a monster gamble at Punchestown ten days ago and plenty of his backers will be happy to support him again off a 10lb higher mark in the 2m4f handicap hurdle. Retrievethelegend, who ran well on his recent return to action at Naas, could go well at a price.

Barneys Honour took advantage of a nice mark when scoring at Fairyhouse on Wednesday and holds obvious claims under a 6lb penalty in the 2m1f handicap chase, where Manhattan Boy is capable of a better effort than his recent form figures might suggest.

Categories: Horse racing