Racing news:Just three weeks after being pulled up in the AIG at Leopardstown, Aitmatov gets the chance to re-establish his Cheltenham credentials when he lines up at Navan tomorrow.

Noel Meade's star has to concede weight all round in the Grade Two Ladbrokes Boyne Hurdle, but that penalty isn't likely to concern Aitmatov's fans so much as the slight uncertainty still surrounding the Meade team in general.

A well-publicised break from action due to a poor run of form ended last week with some encouraging performances at Down Royal. However, the champion trainer has yet to have a winner since New Year's Day, and more encouragement from Jazz Messenger and his two other declarations at Gowran today would be a big boost for Aitmatov.

There are still some who believe the thrilling winner of that memorable Hatton's Grace Hurdle last December represents very good each way value for either the Champion Hurdle or the World Hurdle, and a defeat of Earth Magic & Co tomorrow would only encourage them.

In contrast, the Willie Mullins-Ruby Walsh team have been on a hot-streak, and that should continue in both Grade Two novice chases tomorrow. Scotsirish has long been thought of as being up to Arkle Trophy standard by Mullins but lost his chance to prove it in the Irish version when he fell behind Thyne Again.

The Flyingbolt Novice Chase also contains Clopf, who is as low as 14 to 1 for Cheltenham but concedes significantly to Scotsirish in terms of experience.

Pomme Tiepy remains as low as 10 to 1 for the SunAlliance, so nothing else but a win in the Ten Up will allow such ambitions to remain alive. The ex-French mare faces 10 decent opponents, but none of them look to have the top-flight potential that she does.

Limestone Cowboy disappointed badly in the Leopardstown bumper won by Endless Intrigue on AIG day but looks worth another chance in the bumper.