Racecards
14:55 Navan (IRE)
Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle
- 9 Runners
- Distance: 2m
- Going: Soft to Heavy
- Surface: Turf
- €18,500 added
- Winner: €11,396
- 2nd: €3,534
- 3rd: €1,684
- 4th: €758
- Form 8P4303
- Age 10
- Weight 12-4
- Official Rating 131
- Trainer T Mullins
- Jockey Mr L P Gilligan
held up in touch, 5th at 3rd, not fluent 6th, pushed along before straight, no impression from before 2 out, kept on same pace without threatening
- Form P211/P-P
- Age 10
- Weight 12-1
- Official Rating 128
- Trainer J P O'Brien
- Jockey S A Shortall
held up, soon in rear, no extra approaching 2 out
- Form 1011/89
- Age 13
- Weight 11-9
- Official Rating 122
- Trainer O McKiernan
- Jockey B Browne
prominent, 2nd at 3rd, pushed along before straight, soon weakened
- Form 764156
- Age 9
- Weight 11-8
- Official Rating 121
- Trainer E O'Connell
- Jockey E O'Connell
held up, 8th at 3rd, closed up straight, soon prominent, kept on same pace in 3rd from before last
- Form 6-57098
- Age 7
- Weight 11-2
- Official Rating 115
- Trainer D McDonogh
- Jockey D J Hand
prominent, 3rd at 3rd, no extra approaching 2 out
- Form 943740
- Age 12
- Weight 10-13
- Official Rating 112
held up in touch, 6th at 3rd, not fluent 6th, pushed along from 7th, no impression from before 2 out, kept on same pace without threatening
- Form 205611
- Age 6
- Weight 10-11
- Official Rating 110
- Trainer Mrs J Harrington
- Jockey P D Kennedy
chased leaders, 4th at 3rd, effort from before 2 out, no extra approaching last
- Form 70-7F98
- Age 9
- Weight 10-1
- Official Rating 100
- Trainer E Cawley
- Jockey C D Timmons
held up early, 7th at 3rd, closed from next, close up when mistake 3 out, not fluent 2 out, chased winner and no impression when slight mistake last, kept on same pace run-in
- Form 602218
- Age 13
- Weight 9-13
- Official Rating 98
made all, still travelling smoothly from 3 out, ridden clear before last where slight mistake, stayed on well run-in, comfortably
In depth
Verdict
Wings Like Arion was carrying a 6lb penalty for her victory at Gowran when scoring with a bit in hand at Punchestown but another 7lb rise makes this more difficult. Admiral Brian has been outclassed since scoring at Clonmel in December and will be much more at home at this level but GRAND PARTNER ran his best race over hurdles for a long time when a close third in a Grade B handicap at Leopardstown a couple of weeks ago and a similar effort would probably suffice with his rider's claim a plus. Marlbrook was showing promise in novice chases two years ago and, though better for a recent run on this track, should do better over the bigger obstacles.
Formwatch
Grand Partner (IRE) 33-1 (10-2) Mid-division early, ridden and headway straight where not much room, kept on without threatening run-in into 3rd closing stages, 3rd of 28, 3 3/4l behind Off You Go (9-10) at Leopardstown 2m hcp sft in Feb.
Marlbrook (IRE) 14-1 (10-13) Took keen hold and led, joined 7th, led again next, headed and mistake 10th, lost place and quickly pulled up, at Navan 2m 4f hcp sft in Dec.
Whatever Jacksays (IRE) 16-1 (11-10) Led and disputed, led 3rd, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, soon no extra, 9th of 13, 15l behind Mick The Boyo (10-0) at Naas 2m hcp Soft - Heavy in Jan.
Admiral Brian (IRE) 66-1 (11-3) Always rear, no impression after 3 out, no extra in straight, weakened, tailed off, 6th of 7, dist behind Presenting Percy (11-3) at Gowran Park 3m (1) hvy in Jan.
Theophilus (IRE) 25-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway and left 2nd 4 out, ridden after 2 out and no extra before last, 8th of 15, 10l behind Oscars Den (11-1) at Navan 2m hcp Soft - Heavy in Nov.
Man With Van (IRE) 50-1 (11-5) Always towards rear, never a factor, pushed along and no impression after 4 out, no extra, 12th of 14, dist behind Peace N' Milan (10-13) at Gowran Park 2m 4f hcp hvy in Jan.
Wings Like Arion (IRE) 5-4fav (11-9) Raced in 8th early, improved to get on terms 2 out and slight mistake, soon led, joined at last, soon led again and kept on well, won at Punchestown 2m hcp hvy in Jan beating Bee A Beneficiary (11-0) by 3/4l, 13 ran.
Fruits Of Glory (IRE) 20-1 (11-5) Held up, last before 4th where not fluent, slight mistake 5th, kept on without threatening straight, 8th of 17, 28 1/2l behind Wee Small Hours (11-0) at Navan 2m 4f hcp hvy in Jan.
De Benno (IRE) 14-1 (9-13) Soon led and went on, reduced lead and headed from 3 out, no extra and kept on same pace from before last, 8th of 22, 32 1/4l behind Last Goodbye (10-7) at Leopardstown 2m 5f hcp sft in Feb.