A race normally run in testing conditions, the face of tomorrow’s €100,000 Ladbrokes Troytown Chase at Navan looks like being altered by unseasonably quick ground which could provide Muirhead with an opportunity to secure another big handicap pot.
The veteran 10-year-old is one of four Noel Meade-trained runners in the Navan highlight and Barry Geraghty takes the mount in what will be Muirhead's first ever run at the Co Meath track.
That is a surprise in itself as Muirhead has been a stalwart of the scene for over six years now since landing the Grade One Royal Bond as a hugely exciting novice hurdler. Although not building on that sort of potential, and not winning very often, he is still a hugely consistent sort with a CV that includes a Munster National win in 2011.
He looked to hold realistic claims in both the Galway Plate (fourth) and the Kerry National (third) this season only for soft ground to intervene and it's unusual that he now looks like getting his preferred ground in late November.
Value option
Ranged against him in the 20-strong field are any number of chances but plenty of them would like the going a lot softer, and at big odds Muirhead looks a value option.
The combination of Aidan O’Brien, Tony McCoy and JP McManus will be irresistible to many in the Grade Two Monksfield Novice Hurdle, especially since they combine for the unbeaten-over-hurdles Carriganog. This is a big step up from Clonmel and Wexford though and even allowing for Azorian facing the quickest ground he’s run on to date, the Gigginstown Stud number one should still be a tough opponent.
There was loads to like about his Cork debut when a wide-margin winner and Azorian can successfully concede weight to the O'Brien runner.
Likely to focus
The champion flat trainer also has Shield in the opening maiden hurdle but attention here is likely to focus on Moyle Park and Wrath Of Titans, first and second in last season's Land Rover Bumper, in a race that could prove hugely informative for the future.
Wrath Of Titans has had a run this term but Moyle Park ran very free in that big bumper on his first run for Willie Mullins and in the circumstances did very well to win.
Ballycasey's future has always looked to be over fences and he starts tomorrow in a Beginners Chase that sees Tony McCoy team up with Ned Buntline. The latter has a big reputation and has reportedly schooled very well. At a longer trip, Ballycasey could be a better option but at this two-mile trip, Ned Buntline looks best.
