Can Longhouse Poet follow Tiger Roll path to Aintree with Boyne Hurdle victory?

Sunday: 2.20 Navan
BetVictor Boyne Hurdle (Grade 2) | 2m5f, 5yo+ | RTV

Considering we've had an average of six runners contest this Grade 2 across the past nine runnings, it's a positive starting point that we have a field of 14 declared this time, featuring plenty of recognisable names.

We could be down to 13 if Darasso, who finished second in Saturday's Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran, fails to make a quick reappearance, but quality is still assured through talented operators Ronald Pump and Darver Star.

Having failed to fire when turning out at Leopardstown's Christmas festival just ten days on from finishing fifth in the Long Walk Hurdle, Ronald Pump has been freshened up and holds the highest published mark of these, rated 156.

Darver Star, who roared back to form when bolting up at Punchestown on New Year's Eve, emerged with credit from his latest effort at Lingfield four weeks ago when splitting Brewin'upastorm and Goshen.

Ronald Pump: bids to bounce back from disappointing result in the Christmas Hurdle at LeopardstownCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

This race was the launchpad for Tiger Roll's second Grand National triumph in 2019, and last month's Thyestes Chase hero Longhouse Poet could bid to do the same here.

Martin Brassil's eight-year-old has some smart novice hurdle form, but a rating of 144 in this sphere means he must improve.

It is difficult to know what to expect from Dreal Deal, who failed to catch fire on his only start over fences this season and now reverts to hurdles after an 11-week break. He's probably best watched for now.

Grand Roi and Thedevilscoachman may be interesting candidates for Cheltenham Festival handicaps, but Ashdale Bob looks the value pick. Proven at this track and versatile in terms of ground, he should relish coming back in trip after his latest third to Royal Kahala in the Galmoy Hurdle.

What they say

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Ashdale Bob
Chasing didn't quite go right for him earlier in the season so he came back over hurdles at Gowran and I thought it was a nice run. Maybe he didn't quite see out the three miles so hopefully this trip should suit him down to the ground. He's won around Navan twice before.

Paul Townend, rider of Dreal Deal
He climbed up the ranks last season in no uncertain terms. This looks like a big ask for him as there is a better level of competition. He has only run once this season and that was in a novice chase so we will see how he fits after this race against some of these proven hurdlers. He is still an exciting horse and who knows if he has finished improving yet.

Darver Star: bolted up at Punchestown two starts backCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Darver Star
This looks like a decent race for him. We'll have our fingers crossed that all of the rain doesn't come as he wouldn't like it too heavy.

Martin Brassil, trainer of Longhouse Poet
It looks a suitable race for him in terms of fitting in with his training programme for whichever National we end up running in. We're keeping an open mind as to where he could go. He's got 10st 12lb for Aintree as it stands, but it seems that the top two in the handicap aren't certain to run so he'd be looking like having more weight. It's very early for making plans at this stage so we'll see how it all works out.

Matthew Smith, trainer of Ronald Pump
We've freshened him up since his last start at Christmas and gave him a couple of weeks off, so he seems to be going there in good form. He was turning out quickly enough last time after travelling to Ascot so maybe that might just have caught up with him a bit. He's won on lots of different types of ground.

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