3 graded jumps races in Navan

The Irish N.H. track at Navan stages one of its best cards of the year today, with 3 graded races, all of which could have some bearing on Cheltenham´s N.H. festival, which starts 3 weeks tomorrow. This meeting was originally scheduled for yesterday, but was put back for a day in order to stage the big Leopardstown fixture, abandoned a week ago, on the Sunday. The 2 mile novice chase at 15.10 CET features several Cheltenham entries, including top-weight Northern Alliance (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) and Shazand (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara), both of whom fell last time out, as well as Made in Tapian (Tom Mullins/ Davy Russell) and Majestic Concorde (Dermot Weld/ Barry Geraghty). Any of them could win now, but top flat trainer Weld does very well with his few jumpers and his entry is a narrow choice.

The hurdle race over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 15.45 should see a German-bred winner, as Catch me (O´Grady/ McNamara) and Aitmatov (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry), despite giving weight away, stand out here. In each case, connections are not sure which race to go for at the big meeting, and today´s event, over a middle distance, may provide some clues. The 3 mile novice chase at 16.50 seems to be less informative as far as Cheltenham is concerned; Siegemaster (Dessie Hughes/ Davy Russell), Dashing George (Eric McNamara/ Paddy Flood) and Equus Maximus (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) are all decent performers but will have to show improved form if they are up to playing a major role at the festival. The last-named is the most likely to be able to achieve this, and can continue the excellent run of trainer and jockey.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Fistoulig - Crerum - Mythical Prince
2. Race: Made In Taipan - Majestic Concorde - Northern Alliance
3. Race: Catch Me - Aitmatov - Footy Facts
4. Race: Asigh Pearl - Beckett Rock - Just Friends
5. Race: Siegemaster - Dashing George - Equus Maximus
6. Race: An Innocent Man - Solstice Knight - Scolboa Music Man
7. Race: The Biscuit Club - Last Draw - Blazing Light