12th November - Navan Review (AW)

12th November – Navan

Going; Yielding to Soft (Times suggest very soft)

Major Stampi, as expected, came on for the run to land the opener and record a nice performance in the process. It was by no means an easy victory as the consistent La Marianne was out battled. There should be a few winners to come out of the race as it seemed a fair time and there were some fair sorts in the race.

Rosaker put in a really good performance to land the grade 2 hurdle. Emotional Article is a fair yardstick in this company and Rosaker dealt with him soundly enough. Off with injury he returned well fresh and should pay his way this campaign, especially if continuing in this vain of form.

Quality novice Clopf continued to encourage with the manner of his victory in a very nicely contested novice hurdle. The Supreme Novice will more than likely be his target for trainer breeder Edward O’Grady. He has impressed me twice now and continues to win with little effort. Although no world-beater, Noel Meade knows that Aitmatov is no mug, and Clopf has comprehensively beaten him twice now, which encourages me to hold Clopf is a fair amount of regard.

The handicap hurdle wasn’t a bad little race on the card. It was good to see the more consistent runners filling the places, and is a useful form tool for other runners such as Clearwaterdreamer who I have highlighted earlier in the campaign. The winner Odarshaan may take in the Pertemps Qualifier at Newbury and will probably improve again from this winning run. How the handicapper reacts may be more crucial to his further chances, whist The Long Haul cannot run any more consistently without winning.

Nickname is better known over slightly more testing trips but to be fair there was an awful lot to like about his win. Central House was denied in the fight but connections have been running him on the flat in recent weeks and although he was be apparently fit he should continue to gain prize money for those involved. The Hilly Way should be his next target and on this evidence he would prove hard to beat. Nickname will step up in trip and the John Durkan is probably next. Again the same comments can be applied to the winner, as he too will be hard to beat if carrying this form forward after such a good display.

The market told its own story in the beginners chase, as favourite King Johns Castle posted a good display to win. This was a walk in the park for the winner and by no means stunning as a time display, there should be more to come on what was a decent enough start for the winner in a fairly contested race.