Oscar set to take star role for Bryan Cooper

BRYAN COOPER, the rising star of the weighing room after riding three winners at last week's Cheltenham Festival, gets the opportunity to advertise his talents again in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Chase Final (4.15), the feature race at Navan today.

The jockey, booked to ride 4-1 favourite Wise Oscar for Dessie Hughes, renews rivalry with the likes of Ruby Walsh, Barry Geraghty and Davy Condon, who were all among the winners at the festival.

Wise Oscar has been raised 12lb for his success over course and distance 16 days ago, while Panther Claw, the mount of Geraghty, reverts to novice company after finishing placed in the Goffs Thyestes Chase at Gowran.

Panther Claw's trainer Paul Nolan said: "He was well beaten when third in the Thyestes Chase last time but he plenty of experience and is back in novice company. He stays and jumps well and has been quite consistent, so we're hoping he will be competitive."

The going has been changed to heavy on both courses (was heavy, soft in places on the hurdles course) following 6mm of rain.

Going report
Southwell: Soft, heavy in places
Kempton: Standard
Wolverhampton: Standard
Navan: Heavy