18/12/16 Straight From The Trainers Mouth

Willie Mullins

12.15 Navan Cilaos Emery 5/4

Cilaos Emery (Ruby) makes his hurdling debut in the 2 mile maiden hurdle. He impressed us when winning his bumper at Punchestown and, if he takes to jumping, he has every chance of opening his hurdling account.

★★★★☆

12.30 Thurles Royal Caviar 13/8

Royal Caviar (Paul) makes his chasing debut in the 2m 2f beginners chase. He promised more than he delivered over hurdles but we think that chasing will suit him better. He won a point to point and that experience will be valuable here. If he reproduces his best form he should have an excellent chance.

★★★★★

12.45 Navan Invitation Only 7/4

Invitation Only (Ruby) steps up in class in the novice hurdle over 2m 4f. As a bumper horse we always thought that he was up to this class and he goes here with a good chance.

★★★★☆

1.55 Navan Madurai 6/4

Madurai (Ruby) has his first run over hurdles in the 2m 7f maiden hurdle. He came off the flat in Germany and we are probably expecting a lot of him over this trip on his hurdling debut. We will be happy if he jumps around and finishes in the money.

★★★☆☆

2.10 Thurles Asthuria 4/7

Asthuria (Paul) runs in the 2 mile mares novice hurdle. She won over 2m 4f at Fairyhouse last time but we think that the drop back in trip here won’t inconvenience her. She will handle the ground and has a real good chance.

★★★★★

3.25 Navan Good Thyne Tara 2/1

Good Thyne Tara (Katie Walsh) runs in the listed winners bumper. She has improved nicely since winning a bumper at Cork last month. Samcro could be hard to beat and we will be satisfied if she gains some valuable black type.

★★★★☆

3.40 Thurles Sharps Choice 2/1

Sharps Choice (Patrick) goes for the bumper. He was a good second over the course and distance last time and seems to have improved since. This looks like an opportunity and we are hoping he will get off the mark today.

★★★★☆

Nicky Henderson

12.40 Fakenham Comely 15/8

Is a nice filly who would have a fairly obvious chance and jumps very well. She's had her wind done and is capable of winning.

★★★★★

3.20 Fakenham Argante 11/10

Is in good form and will appreciate the step down in grade. I quite like him and expect him to be in the firing line.

★★★★★