AS most horses ideally need three weeks between races, trainer Tom Foley has decided not, after all, to run his Leopardstown Dennys Gold Medal-bound Danoli in today's Navan Novice Chase. The race will be the poorer without this immensely popular horse who, in the opinion of his handler, is better now than at any other time of the season.
Due to a protest march in Dunshaughlin this morning, patrons travelling to the races may experience delays. It is recommended that racegoers who normally travel via Dunshaughlin should instead journey the Ashbourne-Slane-Navan route. This road may now be accessed from the extended M5O motorway.
Rockfield Native may lack Danoli's experience but, if it is not heresy to suggest it, he might have tested the older horse. Aidan O'Brien's charge was a good staying hurdler and reappeared after an eight-months absence to win first time of asking over fences at Fairyhouse. He stayed on well when challenged by the favourite, Ultra Flutter, to win by two lengths.
Ultra Flutter, who had had the benefit of a previous race, renews rivalry on 4lb better terms, but I expect Rockfield Native to win his third race over this course.
Notcomplainingbut, third behind Urubande and New Co in a blanket finish to a Grade Three conditions hurdle over two and a half miles here almost six weeks ago, will take beating in the Christmas Pudding Handicap Hurdle, even with top weight. Suited to racing left-handed, he has a lot more experience than Ask The Butler, who launched Christy Roche on his training career when winning a maiden hurdle with ease at Fairyhouse.
At a difference of 23lb, Ask The Butler will be backed to beat Paddy Mullin's charge. The Naas winner, Fontaine Lodge, is another to consider, but Notcomplainingbut is taken to give the weight.
New Co, who cut little ice before falling in a Grade One hurdle won by Large Action at Fairyhouse, reverts to fences in the Mince Pie Handicap Chase. The consistent Persian Halo led for much of the journey in the chase won by Opera Hat at Naas, and Hemisphere jumped like a buck when winning at Fairyhouse and Thurles.
Dee Ell, in contention when falling at the last fence in the Heineken Gold Cup at Punchestown in April, was a very decent hurdler. He has not been seen since Punchestown but, if reasonably straight, might well beat Persian Halo at a difference of 15lb.
Glenfields Castle is the hopeful choice in a pedestrian-looking Roast Turkey Handicap Hurdle, and that good bumper horse, Graphic Equaliser, is chosen to win the Carol Maiden Hurdle. He should make his mark over timber.
. One Man, Rough Quest and Addington Boy will be attempting to enhance their position in the Tote Gold Cup betting when they run today. One Man is currently 7 to 1 second favourite with Ladbrokes behind Imperial Call (3 to t) with Rough Quest on 10 to 1 and Addington Boy 25 to 1.
"This weekend's racing will give us some excellent Gold Cup clues and will help crystalise in our minds just how short-priced a favourite One Man should be for the King George," said a Ladbrokes spokesman.
