13:45 Sat 13 May 2023

IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF MAIDEN

Distance 5f 164y

Prize €16,000 Age 2yo Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 12

Going Soft

Based on the total ratings, here’s the order of horses for the 1.45 Navan race:

1. Jalaybee (Total: 273.5)
2. Kandoo (Total: 253.4)
3. Excel In Space (Total: 250.3)
4. Prince X J (Total: 219.7)
5. Nika Pika (Total: 200.4)

Now, let’s delve into each of these horses in more detail:

1. Jalaybee: With the highest total rating, Jalaybee appears to be the top contender. Having placed in previous races at the Curragh and Naas, Jalaybee has consistent form that suggests a strong performance in this race. However, the horse might be vulnerable to newcomers showing significant promise.
2. Kandoo: Despite the total rating placing Kandoo second, her performance in past races has been underwhelming, and it would be a surprise if she performs exceptionally in this race.
3. Excel In Space: Excel In Space has been a solid performer, placing third in two AW maidens over 5f. However, the competition here could prove tough.
4. Prince X J: Prince X J has underperformed in previous races, most notably coming ninth at the Curragh in March. He would need to significantly improve to compete with the top contenders.
5. Nika Pika: Nika Pika demonstrated some ability by finishing fifth in a Naas maiden last month. However, the stiff competition in this race could be a challenge.

In addition to the top-rated horses, there are two newcomers, Battle Cry and Battle Fleet, who show promise despite not having a total rating. Battle Cry is a No Nay Never colt from Ballydoyle, with a dam who won between 7f-1m6f, including at a Listed level. Battle Fleet, a Siyouni colt, has a commendable pedigree with a brother who is a Listed-placed French 1m 2yo winner, and a dam who is an unraced half-sister to the French 1m2f 2yo Group 1 winner Paita. Both of these horses could potentially outperform the field, and they are certainly ones to watch.

14:20 Sat 13 May 2023

MONGEY COMMUNICATIONS APPRENTICE HANDICAP

Distance 5f 164y

Prize €10,500 Rated (47-65) Age 3yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 25

Going Soft

Based on the total ratings provided, the top contenders for the 2.20 at Navan appear to be:

1. Conversant (IRE) – Total: 296.7
2. Purring Along (IRE) – Total: 276.0
3. Tic Tac Toe (IRE) – Total: 270.5
4. Pretty Boy Floyd (IRE) – Total: 253.3
5. Inthepoorhouse (IRE) – Total: 246.1

Conversant (IRE) is the clear leader in terms of total ratings, boasting a figure of 296.7. The horse clearly enjoys soft conditions and has a fondness for this course with two wins to its name. Its recent victory at Sligo, despite a 5lb higher rating, suggests that it’s in good form.

Purring Along (IRE) trails Conversant (IRE) but with a decent total rating of 276.0. The horse showed improved form with a visor for the first time at Cork, suggesting this equipment might have unlocked some potential.

Tic Tac Toe (IRE), with a total rating of 270.5, is another horse to consider. Although the horse has been off since October, it previously had some solid performances, including finishing third in nurseries at the Curragh and over this course and distance. This is its second run for a yard known for its winners, which could be an encouraging sign.

Pretty Boy Floyd (IRE), with a total of 253.3, seems to enjoy soft ground and has shown good form recently at the Curragh. Despite the best form at that track, the horse has also gone close a few times here, which could be a positive sign.

Inthepoorhouse (IRE) rounds out the top five with a total of 246.1. Its recent fourth-place finish in a large field at the Curragh, despite an unclear run, was an improvement on previous form. This horse could be a dark horse contender.

Looking outside the top-rated horses, a few others merit consideration based on the positive comments. Catherine Chroi (IRE) is one such horse, finishing strongly to Conversant at Sligo and being strong in the market that day. Sin E Shekells also made a bright start for the current yard last month, finishing third over this course and distance and backing that up with another third to Conversant and Catherine Chroi at Sligo. These horses may well outrun their total ratings.

Please note that while total ratings can provide a helpful overview, actual race outcomes can be influenced by a myriad of other factors including race tactics, fitness, and luck in running.

14:55 Sat 13 May 2023

NAVAN RACECOURSE MAIDEN

Distance 5f

Prize €14,000 Age 3yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 18

Going Soft

Based on the total ratings, the horses are ranked as follows:

1. Parting Glass (IRE) – Total Rating: 347.1
2. Heartrate (IRE) – Total Rating: 291.5
3. Daisy Jones (IRE) – Total Rating: 280.1
4. Yuzu – Total Rating: 236.9
5. So Majestic (IRE) – Total Rating: 219.9

Parting Glass (IRE) leads the pack with a total rating of 347.1. Last term, it came second to a smart type at Curragh. It also had three of these behind when second on return at Tipperary. A tongue-tie has been fitted, which may help enhance its performance.

Following closely is Heartrate (IRE) with a total rating of 291.5. Heartrate placed three times including twice at Dundalk in March. It was tried in blinkers when fourth at Tipperary, where it was only fractions behind the runner-up Parting Glass. This horse has shown consistent performance and should be thereabouts again.

Daisy Jones (IRE) stands third with a total rating of 280.1. Daisy Jones was placed twice last term and was a close third over C&D. She is expected to improve from a comeback fifth at Tipperary and should perform well.

Yuzu is fourth with a total rating of 236.9. Yuzu showed significant improvement when coming second to an 80-rated filly over an extended 5f at Sligo last time. Yuzu has a good chance if it can build on that performance.

Lastly, So Majestic (IRE) has a total rating of 219.9. The horse ran well from 10lb out of the handicap when fourth of 19 over C&D last weekend. So Majestic still has plenty to find off the revised mark but may not be far away if improving again.

Among the horses not in the top total ratings, Ferrari Desert and Zaragoza stand out based on positive comments. Ferrari Desert is an interesting newcomer, with a dam who is a 6f winner and hails from a family of top-class milers. Zaragoza is a Profitable gelding that cost E200,000 as a yearling and has a lineage of winners. Market support could be significant for this newcomer.

In conclusion, while the top contenders are clear based on total ratings, it would be advisable to keep an eye on Ferrari Desert and Zaragoza based on their potential as newcomers.

15:30 Sat 13 May 2023

BELLINTER HANDICAP

Distance 5f

Prize €15,500 Age 3yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 16

Going Soft

Based on the total ratings, the top five horses are as follows:

1. Curraheen Princess (IRE) – 408.4
2. Tawaazon (IRE) – 375.4
3. Mickey The Steel – 319.2
4. Loveday (IRE) – 318.6
5. Jon Riggens (IRE) – 317.9

Curraheen Princess (IRE) is leading with the highest total rating of 408.4. This horse has an excellent strike-rate of 6-19 and has been a dual course and distance (C&D) winner last May. She also scored again in September and finished in front of Jon Riggens (fifth) on her final start of the season. The Princess is ground-versatile and seldom runs a bad race, making her a strong contender.

Tawaazon (IRE) follows with a total rating of 375.4. Tawaazon has won four of his last seven races and has proven reliable, finishing fifth at Naas last Saturday. However, the horse has been raised 12lb for his previous win, suggesting that he might be a fraction too high in the ratings now. Still, his recent form is encouraging.

Mickey The Steel holds the third position with a total rating of 319.2. He managed to beat Jon Riggens over the course and distance last October, reaffirming a Dundalk maiden win on his 25th start after eight seconds. Mickey The Steel has a definite chance based on his Naas second in March, but his tendency to find one too good remains a concern.

Loveday (IRE) is ranked fourth with a total rating of 318.6. She ended her four-race 2022 campaign with a good Naas third. Loveday seems very closely matched with Jon Riggens, who already has two runs this season under his belt. Her consistency and previous experience should play a positive role in the upcoming race.

Jon Riggens (IRE) is fifth with a total rating of 317.9. Despite only having a 2021 Curragh maiden win to his name, Jon Riggens holds a definite chance following a recent Naas third. He has finished second twice near the end of last term and is probably the pick of the stable’s three runners.

Additional considerations:

Only Spoofing was the winner of this race in 2021 and again last year. Despite not being in the top total ratings, the horse has shown consistent form in this specific race, which should not be overlooked.

Heavenly Power (IRE) confirmed her liking for the Curragh when winning a 30-runner 6f contest there last October. Despite her lower total rating, she seems to be a strong contender if she can replicate her previous form.

This analysis is based solely on the total ratings and additional positive comments about each horse’s performance. Race day conditions, jockey skill, and other factors can also significantly impact the outcome of a horse race.

16:05 Sat 13 May 2023

IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF YEATS STAKES (Listed)

Distance 1m 5f

Prize €52,500 Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 6

Going Soft

Based on the provided data, the top four contenders in the 4:05 Navan race are as follows:

1. Etna Rosso (IRE) with a total of 431.7
2. Nurburgring (IRE) with a total of 406.4
3. Peking Opera (IRE) with a total of 381.2
4. Covent Garden (IRE) with a total of 375.6

Etna Rosso (IRE), the highest-ranked horse with a total of 431.7, was victorious in his debut maiden race over 1m3f at Limerick. Despite the weakness of that race, Etna Rosso’s potential to improve and the pedigree to handle this trip is notable.

Following closely, Nurburgring (IRE) has a total of 406.4. The horse’s performance is notable, winning a course and distance maiden just three weeks ago. The pedigree suggests further improvement is a strong possibility, particularly given the dam’s connection to the top-class Shamardal.

Third in the rankings, Peking Opera (IRE) (total 381.2) achieved a maiden victory at Leopardstown over 1m on his second start, building on an introductory second over 7f at Naas. Although the stablemate Covent Garden is argued to have a stronger staying pedigree, Peking Opera’s lineage, particularly the influence of Galileo for stamina, could be advantageous.

Finally, Covent Garden (IRE) with a total of 375.6, despite a disappointing performance in the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud, still carries potential. A Tipperary maiden winner over 1m1f on soft ground, the horse is blinkered for the first time, which could lead to an improvement in performance. Covent Garden’s pedigree, notably being a brother to several smart performers, suggests the horse has fair prospects for this trip.

Looking beyond the total ratings, St Vincents Garden seems like a promising outsider. Despite facing a stiff task against the five winners, including two from his stable, he demonstrated potential when finishing third over 1m4f on debut at Leopardstown. His pedigree, with winners who stayed well, might make him a dark horse in this race.

In conclusion, while Etna Rosso leads the pack according to the ratings, Nurburgring, Peking Opera, and Covent Garden are strong contenders. This should be a competitive race with several potential winners.

16:35 Sat 13 May 2023

TROYTOWN BAR HANDICAP

Distance 1m 5f

Prize €10,000 Rated (47-65) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 23

Going Soft

The 4.35 race at Navan has a broad field of 20 runners, and it’s a Troytown Bar Handicap with an average OR of 54 and a median OR of 51. This handicap event over 1m5f (2860 yards) on soft ground will provide a challenging test for the field, and we can glean valuable insights from the total ratings and comments about the horses.

Based on the total ratings, the top five contenders are:

1. Dollar Value (USA) with a total rating of 356.7
2. Striking (FR) with a total rating of 304.2
3. French Company (IRE) with a total rating of 265.3
4. Lariat with a total rating of 260.0
5. Doyouthinkso with a total rating of 255.2

Dollar Value (USA) leads the field based on total ratings, a versatile horse with 11 previous wins, including on both of his Flat appearances at this venue. However, the comment notes that his best form has been on a sound surface, which could be a concern given the soft ground here.

Striking (FR) is next in the ratings. The horse took a while to find form for Jessica Harrington but has recently shown promise, notably when sent back to the Flat at Gowran. Despite an 11lb rise in the ratings, his recent form makes him a compelling contender.

Third in the ratings, French Company (IRE) has shown satisfactory form at Dundalk, though concerns have been raised about the soft going, which may affect his performance.

Lariat, with the fourth-highest rating, is a potential place chance, evidenced by his recent third place at Sligo. He has a record of 2 wins from 33 starts on the Flat, and while he’s been hard to win with, his latest performance suggests he could be in the mix.

Finally, Doyouthinkso rounds out the top five in terms of total ratings. He’s a winning hurdler but has a modest Flat form. His recent run over hurdles was decent, but other horses may have stronger claims based on Flat form.

From outside the top ratings, there are a few horses with positive comments worth considering. Bolero, despite being an 18-race maiden, has shown consistency, finishing second in recent outings, suggesting he could be in contention if the race doesn’t come too soon after his last run. Contrapposto has only two wins from 48 starts but his sixth place at Gowran last month in front of a few of these rivals suggests he may put up a decent performance.

As always, the race’s outcome will depend on various factors, including how each horse handles the soft ground and how the race unfolds tactically. It promises to be an intriguing contest.

17:10 Sat 13 May 2023

BOOK YOUR SUMMER BBQ ON JUNE 11th MAIDEN

Distance 1m 2f

Prize €13,000 Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 15

Going Soft

Based on the total ratings provided, the top five horses in order are:

1. Cormac T – Total Rating: 329.4
2. Valiant King – Total Rating: 323.9
3. Squire Danagher – Total Rating: 302.5
4. Unification (IRE) – Total Rating: 187.5
5. The Mighty One (IRE) – Total Rating: 178.1

Cormac T is leading the pack with a total rating of 329.4. Cormac T is a half-brother to five winners and made a promising debut in Gowran last month. It is said to have a fair chance of reaching the money again, suggesting that it could perform well in this race.

Valiant King, with a total rating of 323.9, is a close second. This horse had solid performances in previous maidens, confirming its promise in a handicap on heavy ground over this trip on its seasonal debut at Leopardstown. It finished a short head second, 5l clear of the remainder, setting a high standard for the race.

Squire Danagher, having a total rating of 302.5, is the third in line. Its performance was encouraging in a decent 1m maiden at Gowran last year, where the runner-up won subsequently. It ran a bit green but showed promise when it came fourth in a group of 14 on its seasonal debut over this trip at Cork last month.

Unification (IRE), with a total rating of 187.5, is fourth. It was last out of 18 at Leopardstown on its only start at two but has shown improvement with a satisfactory fifth on its seasonal debut at Cork.

The Mighty One (IRE) rounds out the top five with a total rating of 178.1. There was no immediate sign of winning potential when it ran first time out at Dundalk in March.

Taking into account the positive comments of horses not mentioned in the ratings, City Of Chicago (IRE) should be noted. It is closely related to the 2018 Railway Stakes winner, Van Beethoven, who performed well on quick going. It is also a half-brother to a winner in the USA and its dam was a US dirt winner. However, it may not be seen to its best effect on soft ground.

Melrose Duchess is a fourth foal and half-sister to a minor 6f AW winner Forever Dreaming. Her dam was a 1m2f/1m4f winner for Ralph Beckett, sister to 1m2f Listed winner Ceilidh House (dam of Group 1 winner Kinross), suggesting she has a strong pedigree.

Finally, Van Demon is a gelded son of Australia out of a Dansili mare who won first time out in France but failed to add to her tally. Colin Keane, a notable jockey, is aboard this half-brother to Wednesday’s Gowran handicap winner Esculenta.

Overall, Cormac T and Valiant King are the top contenders based on total ratings, with promising performances in their past races. Additional considerations should be given to City Of Chicago (IRE), Melrose Duchess, and Van Demon due to their positive comments, despite not having high total ratings.