It usually pays dividends to keep on the right side of local trainer Noel Meade at Navan, perhaps especially so in today's first division of the maiden hurdle where he introduces the promising Kilcalm King to jumping.
The five-year-old hasn't run for over a month, but that last effort suggested that if Kilcalm King takes to hurdles, and being by Kings Ride he is certainly bred to, he should have little problem picking up a race such as today's.
That was at Gowran, when he got up under a strong ride from Greg Harford to head Liscahill Hill close home in a bumper. Liscahill Hill has subsequently won his own bumper, again at Gowran, and the third that day, Lanmire, also subsequently won, at Cork.
The form looks more than solid and this doesn't look a particularly strong contest. The best of the opposition could be Lunar Lady, but she has disappointed at Thurles and Listowel on her last two runs and her jumping has looked suspect.
Kilcalm King's jumping ability has to be taken on trust at this stage, but even if it's only adequate, Paul Carberry should be able to guide him home in front for another Meade-trained winner at Navan.
In contrast, Prince Dante has picked up adequate hurdling experience already, but showed he is better than ever with a fine winning effort in a bumper at Listowel last month. Padraig English put him into the lead before the straight that day and it was all over as a contest long before the line. A similarly in-form Prince Dante should be up to winning the second division of the maiden.
The most valuable event of the afternoon is the first, the Bohermeen Nursery, but it is hardly the easiest race to figure out. Aidan O'Brien runs three, and Boat Strand could be the best of them and the possible solution to it all.
Just touched off by another stablemate, Flame Violet, in the Birdcatcher, Boat Strand has sometimes not lived up on the racecourse to the promise she shows at home. But she is clearly on good terms with herself at the moment and is marginally preferred.
Jack Yeats really impressed with his jumping when winning a handicap at Fairyhouse two weeks ago, eventually running out an eight-length winner over Random Prince. If he puts in a similar round today, he should have a good chance in the Wilkinstown Handicap Chase.
Jack Yeats could bring up a double for Paul Carberry, and Aidan O'Brien could also double up courtesy of Ministerial Model, an easy winner at Cork, in the Juvenile Hurdle. Tina Gee is marginally preferred to win for Philip Fenton in the bumper.
Jim McDonnell's Tinker Amelia has had a great season, winning three times and also finishing a close fourth to Burden Of Proof in a Listed race at the Curragh last Saturday. She is difficult to oppose in her attempt to make it four for the year in the Virginia Handicap.
