Pat Smullen© Photo Healy Racing
Pat Smullen could be the man to follow on Navan's seven-race Flat card and he rides two for David Marnane including Markhan in the concluding Follow Navan On Facebook Handicap.
That 'night-cap' is the most valuable event of the session at Proudstown Park. Marnane's Markhan is one of two three-year-olds in a field of nine for the mile heat.
The American-bred colt could hardly come here in better form, having easily taken his maiden over this trip at Listowel in early June.
Then, in the middle of last month, Markhan competed in a rated race at Limerick and just failed to catch the winner, Ishebayorgrey, losing out by a head over an extended six furlongs.
Given the prize-fund on offer it's hardly surprising to see a field where many can be given chances.
Similarly the Emerald Facility Services Event Cleaning Handicap won't be easily won. Marnane and Smullen have Jowana in the mix.
Jowana has an each-way chance as nine face-off for this three-year-old sprint. Gift Wrap Fit For Function Barron's Lad and Intense Stylist are names likely to feature on many a short-list.
In the wake of Kieren Fallon's retirement, Michael O'Callaghan has said that he won't employ a stable jockey but instead use the best available.
True to his word O'Callaghan puts Smullen up on Fairyhouse second placer Giselle's Charm in the auction maiden at 6.40.
Giselle's Charm is owned by Brendan Keogh, so prominent in greyhound racing and coursing circles. He had a big winner with the Robert Tyner-trained Coeur De Lion in the Goffs Land Rover Bumper at the Punchestown festival.
Recently lauded as the 'new iron man of Rhode,' by supporters from his home county of Offaly, following on from the great footballer Paddy McCormack, Smullen is on Tempo Mac for Gordon Elliott at 7.40. He has to be viewed as a big player.
