ENDA BOLGER faces a long drive from his home in Bruree in south Co Limerick to Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath, this evening but he can make it worthwhile with notable double.
The year's leading point-to-point rider has decided not to break up the smooth partnership that Ruby Walsh established with Dixon Varner at Punches town and so will hoist the amateur champion-elect onto the horse he trains in the Mullingar Hunters Chase.
Despite having to carry 12st 2lbs on ground he may find a little on the fast side, Dixon Varner should still be capable of winning if still in the sort of form that saw him outspeed Stay In Touch to the tune of three-and-a-half lengths at the Punchestown festival last month.
Half an hour later, Bolger will don the silks himself to ride One For Navigation for fellow Limerick trainer Michael Hourigan in the Loughnagore Flat Race.
This five year old was noted in the closing stages of a bumper at Killarney 16 days ago and eventually wound up third to Minella Storm. Admittedly he was beaten by over 20 lengths but the horse that was just a length and a half behind in fourth that day, Making The Cut, won at Tipperary on Thursday night last.
Choice Jenny's Navan second to Ragglepuss will make her a danger but with expected progress, One For Navigation can find his way home in front.
