graded races in Ireland

once again, Ireland rides to the rescue on a Sunday, as while there is only modest racing at the two U.K.meetings, Navan stages a strong programme with three Grade Two races, all unfortunately with small fields. Willie Mullins usually mops up these events but does not play such a strong hand today. He saddles 3 runners in the Boyne Hurdle at 15.15 CET, but Back in Focus (David Casey) is making a comeback after almost 2 years off, while Briar Hill (Ruby Walsh) and Zaidpour (Paul Townend) both finished well behind Dedigout (Tony Martin/ Bryan Cooper) in a similar race last time at Gowran. Mullins has no runner at all in the Flyingbolt Novice Chase at 16.20, in which Gilgamboa (Enda Bolger/ Mark Walsh) should easily beat his 3 opponents; although a well-beaten last on his latrest outing, that was in fact an excellent effort against two superstars. In the Ten-Up Novice Chase at 16.55, Mullins runs Urano (Walsh), who won easily enough last time but faces much better opposition now. This is quite a tricky race, but Cooper has chosen Noel Meade´s Very Wood of the two Gigginstown runners and we think he has made the right decision. Also of interest at Navan are two German-breds, Elis Gury (Tony and Danny Mullins) at 14.45 and Apisata (M & S Torrens) at 17.25, of whom the former, winner of 3 of his 4 starts in Germany last year, must have a good chance if he can jump hurdles, while the latter has shown very little so far and runs in very modest company.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Mike Mccann - Flaviana - Cisro
2. Race: Zaidpour - Back In Focus - Alderwood
3. Race: Ravished - Railway Tommy - Montana Slim
4. Race: Rawnaq - Dromnea - Real Steel
5. Race: Urano - Very Wood - Thunder And Roses
6. Race: Peoples Park - Bloomsday - Noble Call
7. Race: Cogryhill - Thatshowhedidit - Free Stone Hill