Horse racing tips: Navan – Eamonn Hames’ top betting preview for Sunday, February 18
Eamonn Hames guides you through Sunday's racing from Navan with a competitive card
NAVAN
2.20
A shocking and disappointing turnout for the Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle, but it at least gives Gordon Elliott’s DIAMOND CAUCHOIS a great opportunity to pick up a big prize.
The seven-year-old has improved for the switch to Elliott this season and should relish this return to the scene of his impressive handicap win in December.
He romped home by an easy eight lengths that day and looked as if he could’ve went around again.
He stepped up in spades when third in the Galmoy Hurdle and this looks a lot easier than taking on the likes of Presenting Percy, Augusta Kate and Let’s Dance.
Bapaume is unexposed as a stayer, but the juveniles from last season are beginning to look an ordinary bunch and his Grade 1 form may not mean as much here.
He is the one to fear most though as the veteran Maggio and Lieutenant Colonel look to be here to pinch the place prize money.
3.25
ANOTHER small field, but if Mark Walsh kicks DRUMCONNOR LAD on early then he could have this sewn up already.
Adrian Keatley has a fair tool on his hands with this fellow and the possibility of a tactical pace with only three other rivals seems to be the only negative.
He jumps well though and the conditions will have their say, so he should have no problems holding a position.
He has a lot more potential than any of his rivals and the weight he gets from Robin Des Mana should be too much for that one to concede.
Ice Cold Soul does not look a natural chaser, but his hurdles form still makes him a threat, whereas The Irregular is likely to lack toe when push comes to shove.
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4.00
THE Ten Up Novice Chase is the race of the day by far and nailing it down to one is no easy task.
Moulin A Vent looked a dour stayer when beating Jury Duty and he also holds a win over Monbeg Notorious, however, I’ve been taken by Gordon Elliott’s MOSSBACK this season and he can win this in style.
He was a last-fence faller in the Naas Grade 3 that Moulin A Vent won, but he looked to have the race in the bag if getting over the last.
If ridden more patiently he can prove he’s a stayer of some substance.
Jury Duty has been ultra consistent this season but he emptied out badly in the final 100 yards when finishing a tired second – he’s a bit to prove now.
Elliott’s trio is completed by Thyestes hero Monbeg Notorious, who will ensure that there’s a good pace for all.
C’est Jersey is the only one whose form doesn’t tie up with the others and he was a fair hurdler, but this is a tough bunch of stayers and he will find easier assignments down the road.
Eamonn Hames' top tips
NAP 2.20 Navan - Diamond Cauchois
NEXT BEST 3.25 Navan - Drumconnor Lad
NAVAN
1.50 The Holy One
2.20 Diamond Cauchois (nap)
2.55 De Benno
3.25 Drumconnor Lad (nb)
4.00 Mossback
4.30 Lackaneen Leader
5.00 All For Joy