Navan Ford & Opel Maiden Hurdle

Lightly-raced gelding failed to build on bumper debut fifth, went with no promise when last of 7 in conditions bumper at Ayr (16/1) 10 days ago. Pedigree offers some hope now hurdling but may prove one for the longer-term.

€6,000 yearling. Shirocco gelding. Unplaced both starts in points (latest Jan 24). Newcomer under Rules and could be one for the down the line.

Fairly useful stayer on the Flat, made his hurdles debut when eighth of 20 in maiden at Down Royal (20/1) 19 days ago following a 4-month break. Looks one for handicaps in this sphere.

Fairly useful bumper winner who was third in a usually informative handicap hurdle at Leopardstown in December. Fourth of 5 in 2½m novice hurdle at Fairyhouse (11/4) 24 days ago, loomed up entering straight but again found less than looked likely. This looks a good opportunity back down in trip.

Won Fairyhouse bumper in January 2025 but jumping concerns first 3 starts over hurdles. Small step in right direction when fifth of 8 in novice hurdle at this C&D (66/1) 22 days ago jumping straighter than previous outing but outpaced early in the straight. Place claims if he can build on that.

Made little impression on sole start when twelfth of 15 in bumper maiden at Down Royal 44 days ago, tailed off. Top yard have stronger chances elsewhere.

€5,000 3-y-o. Nirvana Du Berlais gelding. Dam, French/hurdler chaser (17f-21f winner), half-sister to smart hurdler (stayed 2½m) Stormy Ireland. Newcomer makes some appeal on paper but unlikely to be the yard's main hope.

Won a bumper in November 2024 but hasn't built on strong debut third in maiden hurdle, pulled up at Down Royal (9/4 fav) 19 days ago, jumped left and dropped away quickly before 3 out, said to be coughing post-race. Contender on his best form, if back on song with first-time blinkers applied.

Lightly raced mare from a family that stays well who has struggled in two starts, pulled up in bumper at Fairyhouse (66/1) 57 days ago when raced off the pace and was first beaten. Has plenty to prove back over hurdles.

€3,500 foal, €28,000 3-y-o. Sumbal gelding. Dam unraced half-sister to useful hurdle winner/very smart chaser (stays 3¼m) Chianti Classico. Likely one for the future.

Fairly useful on Flat up to 11f for William Haggas but was well-beaten on hurdling debut when eighth of 12 in maiden hurdle at Naas (50/1) 14 days ago, raced off the pace and never landed a blow. Ought to do better somewhere down the line and market can guide here.