Hi all,
We couldn’t cap a great week with a winner on Saturday although Tile Tapper went very close in the Midlands Grand National.
It’s Taunton and Southwell this afternoon but the meeting of the day is a rescheduled Navan card. The seven race card which had been postponed due to snow includes the Grade 2 Webster Cup Chase (3:25). Last year’s Grand National runner-up Any Second Now continues his preparation for Aintree in the Webster Cup a race he won in 2021.
The most competitive race on the Navan card is the Grade B Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Chase Final (3:55). Twelve have been declared for the latter race. I can make a case for eight and may not even have pinpointed the winner like I did in Saturday’s Midlands Grand National.
I normally swerve the early part of the week, but the Navan card is a Saturday card and it was one I looked at before it was postponed.
Inside today’s main piece I have previewed the big novice handicap chase and have several selections for you
Navan
3:55 – Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Chase Final (Grade B) – 2m 7 ½ f
Thomas Gibney won this last year, and he saddles Must Be Obeyed. The mare won two of her first three starts over fences and wasn’t disgraced when 4th of 9 in a Grade 2 over C&D last time. No easy task under top weight on handicap debut though.
Shantreusse has just had the three starts over fences and got within 1 ½ lengths of Must Be Obeyed in a beginners chase at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve. Not as good over C&D last time. However, the first time cheekpieces have been applied, the yard is in better form now.
Flash De Touzaine was fourth in last year’s race also gets the first time cheekpieces. A good winner at Galway in October. He’s struggled in better company since but not ruled out if the headgear has the desired effect.
Slip Of The Tongue posted a career best on RPR’s when a 6 ¾ length 3rd of 16 at Gowran Park last month. The step up to 2m 4f seemed to suit last time but further in trip with stamina to prove. On the plus side Aidan Kelly takes off a handy 7lb and the 6-year-old could be capable of more progress.
Temptationinmilan, Galon De Vauzelle and Brampton Belle were the 1-2-3 in a C&D handicap chase last month. There shouldn’t much between them at the revised weights. However, if Brampton Belle can jump better, she could finish in front the other two this time.
Jody Ted was pulled up behind Must be Obeyed at Fairyhouse novice chase in January but has done better on his last two starts since switching to handicap company. Stays 2m 4f well but stamina for 3m has to be taken in trust. If he stays, he can go close.
Verdict: The form of the Henry De Bromhead stable means both Shantreusse and Brampton Belle must be high on the shortlist. The former gets the first time cheekpieces which just swings it in his direction. Despite top weight Must Be Obeyed has to be seriously considered. Flash De Touzaine is another to get the first time cheekpieces and is interesting. There are stamina doubts concerning Slip Of The Tongue and Jody Ted but the latter has a decent pot in him of his present mark.
Must Be Obeyed – 1pt win – 10/1 @ Ladbrokes & Paddy Power
Jody Ted – 1pt win – 12/1 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power
4:25 – Know The Game, won a handicap chase at Naas in December and bounced back from a lesser performance at Down Royal (2m 4f) to finish a 12 lengths 4th of 10 at Fairyhouse last time. He’s probably a shade high in the handicap so the booking of 5lb conditional Ben Harvey could make all the difference.
Know The Game – 1pt win – 13/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
A quiet week after last weeks intensity and that’s me done now until Thursday or Friday.
Cheers
John