DAVY RUSSELL: Navan Saturday

We’ve had plenty of rain over here over the last few days so the ground will definitely be testing at Navan. In fact, I think it will be testing everywhere and I see that Ascot have had plenty of rain too. That will definitely bring Un De Sceaux closer to Defi Du Seuil in the Clarence House, but more about that later.

I’m riding at Thurles on Sunday and will be back on Saturday evening with my thoughts on three rides there but firstly four nice rides to look forward to at Navan…

SATURDAY

NAVAN

FLOUEUR (12.45pm)

This has always traditionally gone to a good horse – just take a look back at some of the winners of this race in the past, It’s a who’s who of national hunt racing. Floueur began his racing life in Ireland but switched back to France where he won both his races over hurdles on bad ground. The trip and ground should be spot on for him and he looks a really exciting prospect. He does have to carry a big penalty which makes life tougher but there are definite grounds to be more than hopeful.

THE BOSSES OSCAR (1.55pm)

I was delighted with him at Leopardstown the last day where he got the job done nicely. He now starts life in handicaps off a mark of 132 so will definitely have to up his game to be competitive. He meets some smart horses like Kilfenora, Coko Beach and Mind’s Eye to name just a few. However, he has done everything right so far and will be okay in the conditions.

CHERIF DE L’ISLE (2.30pm)

One horse who won’t mind conditions if they get really bad is Cherif De L’isle in the handicap hurdle. He stays further than this and hopefully the first time cheekpieces should sharpen him up. I’m hopeful of a bold showing.

PRINCE OF SCARS (3.05pm)

I thought that Gordon (Elliott) had found the perfect three-mile beginners chase for this fella until I looked at the declared runners and saw the likes of Minella Indo, Captain Cj and First Approach are in against us. Obviously Minella Indo will be incredibly hard to beat as he looks a top-class prospect. As for Prince Of Scars, the more rain the better his chances. He handles it when its virtually un-raceable, so I won’t mind if it carries on raining!

Looking at the action at Ascot…

Clarence House Chase (3.35pm)

This will be some rematch between Defi Du Seuil and Un De Sceaux who served up a thriller at Sandown last time in the Tingle Creek.

It’s amazing to think that Un De Sceaux is still competing at this level at the age of 12 and he will love all this rain. In fact, I think Defi Du Seuil may just have his work cut out stopping the old lad winning the race for a fourth time.

Good Luck
DAVY

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If you have a question for Davy drop us a line at content@starsportsbet.co.uk and we’ll try and include in the next blog…

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