1.07 2m. 4f. 5 Declared. Tote Navan Novice H'dle (Grade 2) of €36,500.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €21,900.00 2nd - €7,300.00 3rd - €3,650.00 4th - €1,825.00 5th - €1,095.00
FormscanBy Gary Carson - SLADE STEEL was impressive on his hurdling debut at Naas last month and the form has gotten a major boost since. He beat King Of Kingsfield in fine style then and that rival ran a cracker to finish second in the Grade 1 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle last weekend. The Telescope gelding looks like he will appreciate stepping up in trip now and is an exciting prospect. Gordon Elliott runs two in the race and Stellar Story looks his main hope with Jack Kennedy on board. The Shantou gelding won a couple of bumpers last term and got the job done in good style on his hurdling debut over course and distance three weeks ago. Elliott also saddles Better Days Ahead who comes here off a confidence boosting win at Fairyhouse. Smart bumper performer Lecky Watson made heavy weather of winning on his hurdling debut at Thurles and needs to improve on that.
A novice hurdle for four years old and upwardsWeights - 11st 3lbs Mares allowed 7lbsPenalties - Penalties (handicaps excluded) - Winner of three hurdle races or a Grade 3 hurdle race 3lb extra Of two Grade 3 hurdle races or a Grade 2 hurdle race 5lb extra Of a Grade 1 hurdle race 9lb extra