Saturday saw both my picks win,in the 2.20 Teahupoo was prominent early and made headway to lead from 3 out. The 13/8 favourite went clear from 2 out easily coming home by 11 lengths. In the 3.30 Melon made all the running going clear at the last pulling away to win by 6 lengths.
If it survives an 8am inspection then eight races at Navan round off the weekend with two more standout contests,2.20 sees the first when 14 line-up for the Grade 2 Betvictor Boyne Hurdle. Darver Star is a smart hurdler who was a good second at Lingfield in mid January. He should add to his Punchestown success in December where he came home by 20 lengths and is the pick. Ashdale Bob was 3rd to Royal Kahala in the Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park when last seen 24 days ago. He has been a course winner in his career putting him on the shortlist. Ronald Pump is a good hurdler who was a below form 7th behind Klassical Dream in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown 54 days ago. He returns to wearing blinkers here and should be in the mix if they help him. The other to watch out for is Longhouse Poet who picked up his career best win in a handicap chase at Gowran Park 24 days ago. He found something extra that day and shouldn’t be ruled out on his return to hurdles.
The other big race comes at 4.05 when 6 begin another Grade 2 the Betvictor Ten Up Novice Chase. Farouk D’alene is a course winner who was a good second to Stattler in a Grade 3 chase at Naas 3 weeks ago. He was well clear of the rest that day and should get back to winning ways here. The other two to look at also come from the yard of Gordon Elliott, Run Wild Fred is a very good chaser who was a respectable 2nd in the Neville Hotels Chase at Leopardstown during the Christmas festival. Another performance like that should see him challenge. Braeside completes the shortlist another smart chaser who last won at Cork in October. His saddle slipped when he was pulled up 4 out in the Goffs Thyestes at Gowran Park 24 days ago but that can be forgotten and he is worth another chance here.
Big race predictions: 2.20: 8: Darver Star 4.05: 4: Farouk D’alene.
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