Navan Preview
By Brian O'Connor
8/1/99: With six past Ladbroke Hurdle victories, the omission of Arthur Moore's name from today's big race field is notable. But the Naas trainer should be on the mark at Navan tomorrow courtesy of Phariwarmer and Zourito.
Phariwarmer was a wellbacked joint favourite with the eventual winner Sausalito Bay on the third day of Leopardstown at Christmas, and, considering the pressure Conor O'Dwyer was exerting from some way out, the horse did well to eventually finish a two-and-a-half-length second.
In behind were useful performers like Lawz, Bob What and Hot Stuff, and while Phariwarmer would probably prefer a longer trip, the combination of soft ground and Navan's testing track in the maiden hurdle should allow him get the better of Hakim de Ferbet, a running-on third to Brigade Charge over the holiday period.
Zourito has ground to make up on the frustrating Valley Erne on their running behind Third Agenda, but the drop back in trip for the EBF Beginners Chase should suit the free-running Moore horse. In addition, Valley Erne's jumping has been known to let him down.
The Proudstown Hurdle has lost some of its gloss with the defection of Limestone Lad due to a skin infection, but the performance of the top chaser, Dorans Pride, will still be of interest.
Michael Hourigan is running his stable star with a view to boosting his confidence. He also has the useful Amberleigh House involved. But either will do well to cope with Gentle Mossy, who ran well to the straight behind Spokesman at Leopardstown and should relish the half mile extra here.
