Racecards
12:05 Navan (IRE)
Christmas Novice Hurdle
- 6 Runners
- Distance: 2m
- Going: Soft to Heavy, Heavy in places
- Surface: Turf
- €13,000 added
- Winner: €8,970
- 2nd: €2,080
- 3rd: €910
- 4th: €520
- Form 4821U8
- Age 5
- Weight 11-10
- Official Rating 119
tracked leaders in 4th early, 3rd halfway, ridden in 3rd after 3 out, went 2nd after next, kept on without threatening winner run-in
Age Of Glory
28- Form 2-1P5
- Age 4
- Weight 11-7
- Official Rating 114
- Trainer D Bunyan & G O'Leary
- Jockey A E Lynch
led, joined 3rd, headed after next, ridden in 2nd 3 out, dropped to 3rd after next, no impression on leaders run-in
- Form 61-1
- Age 4
- Weight 11-7
- Trainer W P Mullins
- Jockey D N Russell
always prominent, jumped slightly right, disputed from 3rd, led after next, stayed on strongly from last, not extended
- Age 5
- Weight 11-3
- Trainer P Mooney
- Jockey M F Mooney
always behind, trailing in last from 3rd, no impression from halfway, tailed off
- Form 8
- Age 6
- Weight 11-3
- Trainer R Donohoe
- Jockey S G McDermott
in rear, pushed along from 1st and soon trailing in 5th, no impression from halfway, tailed off
- Form U
- Age 4
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer H Rogers
- Jockey D E Splaine
tracked leaders in 3rd, 4th halfway, ridden before 3 out, soon no impression
Verdict
VALSEUR LIDO, a winning bumper in France, was mightily impressive on his debut for Willie Mullins at Cork and a Grade 3 entry at Limerick next week suggests he's held in high regard. He should have little more than an exercise canter if he's to fufil his engagement. King William has to concede him 3lb for his victory at Ballinrobe in July and that looks beyond him though he didn't run badly in a tough handicap last time. Age Of Glory had been running well before scoring at Killarney in May and reappeared with a decent effort behind Ange Balafre in what looked a strong novice event at Gowran. The remaining trio have shown nothing so far.
Formwatch
King William (IRE) 16-1 (9-10) In rear, 11th 4 out, no impression from next, 8th of 13, 28l behind Pink Coat (9-10) at Fairyhouse 2m hcp hdl in Nov.
Age Of Glory 28-1 (11-9) Prominent, on terms 3 out, headed and kept on same pace from before last, 5th of 10, 7l behind Ange Balafre (11-9) at Gowran Park 2m 4yo nov hdl in Nov.
Valseur Lido (FR) 5-2 (11-7) Prominent, on terms 3rd, led next, asserted after 3 out, well clear from before last, stayed on well, easily, won at Cork 2m 4yo mdn hdl in Nov beating Voluptueux (11-7) by 13l, 14 ran.
Augher Castle (IRE) 100-1 (11-12) Always towards rear, no impression from 4 out, never a factor, 17th of 25, 33l behind Upazo (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m 2f mdn hdl in Nov.
Moonunderwater (IRE) 50-1 (11-7) Rear of mid-division, no impression from 4f out, kept on one paced, never a factor, 8th of 14, 34l behind Chancol (11-11) at Navan 2m N H flat.
Buachaill Tapa (IRE) 50-1 (11-8) Led, veered left and attempted to run out 1st, unseated rider, in a race won by Empire Of Dirt (11-12) at Punchestown 2m mdn hdl in Oct, 15 ran.