TimeWise Chronicles

Navan; The following analysis identifies the Master Top Two rated horses (based on the TIMEWISE MASTER RATING) for each race at Navan, presented in chronological order, complete with summaries of their recent form, supplied comments, the Spotlight Verdict, and an assessment of their chances.

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1.25 Navan: Bet XS Maiden Hurdle (Class 2, 2m)

(Yielding, 16 runners, Win: £6,372)

RankHorseTimeWise Master TotalRecent Form (LR, 2LR, 3LR, 4LR, 5LR)
1Hillhead Runner (IRE) (5yo)26283, 26, 10, 11, 7
2Stepdance (IRE) (5yo)25884, 37, 25, 9, 4

Summary of Recent Form and Supplied Comments:

  • Hillhead Runner (IRE): Has been consistent in his runs.
  • Stepdance (IRE): Is a trio of useful-looking recruits from the Flat joining a top stable. Rated 90 on the Flat.

Spotlight Verdict (1.25 Navan):
The Spotlight advises siding with one of the trio of useful-looking recruits from the Flat, Royal Approval, Stepdance, and Touch The Moon. Others to consider are Powerful, who had a veterinary excuse when beaten at Kilbeggan in April, and the consistent Hillhead Runner.

Assessment of Master Top Two Chances:

  • Hillhead Runner (IRE):
    • Strengths: Highest TimeWise Master rating. Described as consistent.
    • Weaknesses: May lack the potential of unexposed Flat recruits.
    • Suitability: Good. Consistency suggests he should run his race over the 2m distance on Yielding ground.
  • Stepdance (IRE):
    • Strengths: One of three Flat recruits deemed “useful-looking”. Holds a Flat rating of 90, suggesting high latent ability over hurdles.
    • Weaknesses: Unexposed over hurdles, making race fitness and transition performance unknown factors.
    • Suitability: High potential, though performance on debut for the new sphere is unconfirmed.

2.00 Navan: SIS, Supporting Irish Racing Handicap Hurdle (Class 5, 2m)

(Yielding, 16 runners, Win: £7,699)

RankHorseTimeWise Master TotalRecent Form (LR, 2LR, 3LR, 4LR, 5LR)
1Lady Doyanne (IRE) (5yo)29986, 0, 0, 0, 0
2St Faz (FR) (5yo)288 / 28579, 39, 12, 14, 6

Summary of Recent Form and Supplied Comments:

  • Lady Doyanne (IRE): Only showed ordinary form in three maiden hurdle starts. She is listed as the second reserve in the race preview but appears in the TimeWise list for the race.
  • St Faz (FR): Previously showed solid chase form this year, notably winning at Tipperary in May. He is considered interesting off a 7lb lower hurdles mark for his first start for Gordon Elliott.

Spotlight Verdict (2.00 Navan):
A course winner on the Flat and placed in that sphere at Killarney last time, RAGMANS CORNER also has good recent hurdling credentials. Gordon Elliott’s recruit St Faz was a useful sort for the late Edward O’Grady and is not badly treated relative to his chase form. Other possibilities are Avalo and Lady Doyanne.

Assessment of Master Top Two Chances:

  • Lady Doyanne (IRE):
    • Strengths: Highest TimeWise Master rating. Mentioned as a “possibility” in the Spotlight.
    • Weaknesses: Her form in maiden hurdles was ordinary. If she runs, her rating relies heavily on her level factor.
    • Suitability: Questionable, given ordinary previous form.
  • St Faz (FR):
    • Strengths: Solid chase form, running off a 7lb lower mark over hurdles. Represents a top stable (Gordon Elliott) on his first start for them.
    • Weaknesses: Needs to successfully switch discipline and benefit from the lower hurdles mark.
    • Suitability: Good, as he is well-treated if reproducing his chase ability.

2.35 Navan: Bar One Racing Maiden Hurdle (Class 4, 2m3f)

(Yielding, 16 runners, Win: £6,372)

RankHorseTimeWise Master TotalRecent Form (LR, 2LR, 3LR, 4LR, 5LR)
1Welluknow (IRE) (6yo)23678, 26, 0, 0, 0
2County Final (IRE) (5yo)232 / 23167, 21, 0, 0, 0

Summary of Recent Form and Supplied Comments:

  • Welluknow (IRE): Is a well-related gelding. He showed a satisfactory introduction and “still looked raw” when keeping on in a 24-runner maiden. He is worth considering in this grade.
  • County Final (IRE): Was noted staying on well at Punchestown in June. The race he ran in involved runners from three top trainers in the frame.

Spotlight Verdict (2.35 Navan):
This looks like a good opportunity for COUNTY FINAL who was noted staying on well at Punchestown in June, taking fifth in a race in which three of the top trainers had runners in the frame. Welluknow rates a danger on the form of last season’s two runs. Butch Coolidge is noteworthy on pedigree. Shing Shang Lily and No Demand have shown a bit of promise. Garnetot may do better than on his first two Irish starts.

Assessment of Master Top Two Chances:

  • Welluknow (IRE):
    • Strengths: Highest TimeWise rating. Well-bred and deemed a danger based on previous runs.
    • Weaknesses: Still seemed raw in his last run.
    • Suitability: Good. Is highly competitive in this grade of maiden.
  • County Final (IRE):
    • Strengths: Strong recent form demonstrated by noted staying effort in a quality Punchestown race. Selected as the top choice by the Spotlight.
    • Weaknesses: Marginally lower TimeWise rating.
    • Suitability: Highly suitable, with the 2m3f trip likely fitting his staying profile.

3.10 Navan: Balreask Bar, Restaurant & Guest Accommodation Handicap Hurdle (Div 1) (Class 4, 2m3f)

(Yielding, 16 runners, Win: £5,310)

RankHorseTimeWise Master TotalRecent Form (LR, 2LR, 3LR, 4LR, 5LR)
1Vroomvroomboo (IRE) (7yo)22962, 34, 13, 6, 7
2Brandt (IRE) (7yo)224 / 22252, 26, 26, 12, 8

Summary of Recent Form and Supplied Comments:

  • Vroomvroomboo (IRE): No specific comments are supplied in the sources.
  • Brandt (IRE): Is rated 26lb higher over fences but has been pulled up last two starts in that sphere. His last win came over a further distance. He lacks a run and is best over further.

Spotlight Verdict (3.10 Navan):
A modest affair. Brandt is rated much higher over fences but lacks a run and is best over further. Truckers Cruising could be the answer here, having shown a few glimmers of ability in maiden hurdles and now applying a tongue tie and tackling handicaps for a new stable. Hidalgo Des Mottes and Rebellious Gale can also feature.

Assessment of Master Top Two Chances:

  • Vroomvroomboo (IRE):
    • Strengths: Highest TimeWise Master rating.
    • Weaknesses: Lack of explicit form comments makes assessing current condition difficult.
    • Suitability: Unknown, relying purely on rating superiority.
  • Brandt (IRE):
    • Strengths: High rating (26lb higher) over fences.
    • Weaknesses: Poor recent form (pulled up twice). Considered best over a longer trip and lacks a recent run.
    • Suitability: Questionable due to distance and recent history.

3.45 Navan: Balreask Bar, Restaurant & Guest Accommodation Handicap Hurdle (Div 2) (Class 4, 2m3f)

(Yielding, 16 runners, Win: £5,310)

RankHorseTimeWise Master TotalRecent Form (LR, 2LR, 3LR, 4LR, 5LR)
1Gerrys Wish (IRE) (4yo)251 / 24974, 26, 14, 6, 4
2Juke Box Rock (IRE) (6yo)232 / 23175, 31, 10, 6, 3

Summary of Recent Form and Supplied Comments:

  • Gerrys Wish (IRE): Put in a solid effort on handicap debut at Wexford and is preferred by Jack Kennedy. Her pedigree suggests she’ll handle softer ground.
  • Juke Box Rock (IRE): No specific comments are supplied in the sources. He is mentioned as being worth considering.

Spotlight Verdict (3.45 Navan):
Navy Waves, Damoso and Fremantle Doctor all ran well on their latest starts but rain softened ground would be a worry for that trio. Gordon Elliott runs two and his filly GERRYS WISH, who is preferred by Jack Kennedy, also shaped with promise on good ground last time but her pedigree suggests she’ll handle soft so she is narrowly preferred. Juke Box Rock is also worth considering.

Assessment of Master Top Two Chances:

  • Gerrys Wish (IRE):
    • Strengths: Highest TimeWise rating. Favoured by the stable’s jockey and highly recommended by the Spotlight as the narrow preference. Versatility regarding ground is implied by pedigree.
    • Weaknesses: None stated; appears highly suitable.
    • Suitability: Excellent. Looks the strongest contender based on form and suitability for conditions.
  • Juke Box Rock (IRE):
    • Strengths: Second highest TimeWise rating and mentioned as worth considering.
    • Weaknesses: None explicitly detailed in form summary, suggesting a reliable profile for this class.
    • Suitability: Good, as he is competitive enough to be shortlisted by the Spotlight.

4.20 Navan: Meath Farm Machinery Maiden Hurdle (Class 6, 2m5f)

(Yielding, 15 runners, Win: £6,372)

RankHorseTimeWise Master TotalRecent Form (LR, 2LR, 3LR, 4LR, 5LR)
1Eclipse Chaser (IRE) (5yo)26674, 20, 11, 0, 0
2Jacovec Cavern (6yo)250 / 24995, 40, 26, 17, 10

Summary of Recent Form and Supplied Comments:

  • Eclipse Chaser (IRE): Showed a much-improved effort on hurdles debut following two modest bumper runs. He fell when in front on his sole start on testing ground in a point-to-point. He is a leading chance for a top yard.
  • Jacovec Cavern: Is a Flat winner who is 0-14 over hurdles. He ran off his current rating (114) in a recent handicap (good ground). A new headgear combination needs to eke out a bit more.

Spotlight Verdict (4.20 Navan):
ECLIPSE CHASER showed a much improved effort on hurdles debut and is the leading chance for a top yard. Cut The Rope is rated 113 and handles soft ground so is not out of this. Jacovec Cavern is rated 114 but a new headgear combination needs to eke out more. Front Door Famous has hit the frame three times in maiden hurdles.

Assessment of Master Top Two Chances:

  • Eclipse Chaser (IRE):
    • Strengths: Highest TimeWise rating. Showed significant improvement on hurdling debut and comes from a top stable.
    • Weaknesses: Previously fell when encountering testing ground.
    • Suitability: High. Considered the leading chance, provided the Yielding ground is not too testing.
  • Jacovec Cavern:
    • Strengths: High recent LR score (95) and Class 6 rating (114).
    • Weaknesses: Long-standing maiden over hurdles (0-14). Needs improvement from new headgear.
    • Suitability: Moderate, as he needs a significant uplift to break his maiden status against the favourite.

4.55 Navan: Start Your Racing TV Free Trial Now Ladies Handicap Hurdle (Class 6, 2m5f)

(Yielding, 16 runners, Win: £6,105)

RankHorseTimeWise Master TotalRecent Form (LR, 2LR, 3LR, 4LR, 5LR)
1Aurea Fortuna (IRE) (6yo)25899, 26, 13, 12, 7
2Clonbury Bridge (IRE) (9yo)23574, 19, 13, 9, 5

Summary of Recent Form and Supplied Comments:

  • Aurea Fortuna (IRE): Gained first win over timber at the Galway festival and is ground versatile. This longer trip should be fine. Preferred over a rival due to being proven on testing ground.
  • Clonbury Bridge (IRE): The Spotlight believes it might pay to side with CLONBURY BRIDGE because he shaped as though he was coming back to form.

Spotlight Verdict (4.55 Navan):
Of the last time out winners, Aurea Fortuna is preferred over Sprinkles as the former is proven on testing ground. However, it might pay to side with CLONBURY BRIDGE. He shaped as though he was coming back to form.

Assessment of Master Top Two Chances:

  • Aurea Fortuna (IRE):
    • Strengths: Highest TimeWise Master rating. Proven ground versatility and recent winning form at Galway. The distance is favourable.
    • Weaknesses: Has recently been successful off a 9lb lower mark.
    • Suitability: Highly suitable, demonstrating current form and ability to handle the conditions.
  • Clonbury Bridge (IRE):
    • Strengths: Selected as the top choice by the Spotlight due to shaping as though he is returning to form.
    • Weaknesses: Rated 23 points lower than Aurea Fortuna.
    • Suitability: Strong chance due to market expectation and form regeneration.

5.30 Navan: Bar One Racing Flat Race (Class 5, 2m)

(Yielding, 16 runners, Win: £5,310)

RankHorseTimeWise Master TotalRecent Form (LR, 2LR, 3LR, 4LR, 5LR)
1Sonoran (IRE) (3yo)256 / 25351, 31, 23, 0, 0
2Apples Jane (4yo)N/ALR 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

Summary of Recent Form and Supplied Comments:

  • Sonoran (IRE): No specific comments provided in the sources.
  • Apples Jane: Comes out of the brilliant Apple’s Jade. She went close on debut, was well held in fourth, and later had a tame effort in third before finishing second to a Willie Mullins-trained favourite. She is highly related and has been placed several times.

Spotlight Verdict (5.30 Navan):
The vote goes to the well-bred newcomer LAURA’S LEGACY from the powerful Willie Mullins stable. Apples Jane, who has gone close on debut at Naas, is the second selection. Highlander Addict is noted for potential improvement. Yard of Barnavara has a good team of bumper horses.

Assessment of Master Top Two Chances (Inferred for Apples Jane):

  • Sonoran (IRE):
    • Strengths: Highest TimeWise Master rating. Recent form figures indicate consistency (LR 51).
    • Weaknesses: Lack of specific commentary makes detailed assessment difficult.
    • Suitability: Likely competitive based on rating, but inexperienced in this specific sphere.
  • Apples Jane:
    • Strengths: Excellent pedigree (out of Apple’s Jade). Has achieved numerous placed finishes in previous bumper runs, suggesting a strong level of ability. She is the second selection in the Spotlight.
    • Weaknesses: Needs to break her maiden status and has previously put in a tame effort.
    • Suitability: Highly suitable, given her strong form ties in bumper races.

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