'He's a lot quicker' - can HMS Seahorse capture valuable handicap at Navan?

Navan Handicap Hurdle | 2m4f | 4yo+ | RTV

This looks a really competitive running of the Navan Handicap Hurdle, with plenty you could make a case for in the 15-strong field.

One particularly intriguing contender is the Paul Nolan-trained HMS Seahorse, who has not been seen since the Irish Cesarewitch back in September. The five-year-old has had six runs over hurdles and has come home in the first three five times.

That one occasion he didn't was when he was fourth in last year's Fred Winter at Cheltenham, but he was still within three and a half lengths of the winner Brazil.

HMS Seahorse has been gelded since his last outing, and Nolan reports he has improved significantly since. His form was eyecatching last season, and even though he may need the run, he does look to have a live chance. Connections are tempted by another tilt at Cheltenham and this could breathe new life into that bid.

Gordon Elliott is in with three chances, Felix Desjy, Au Fleuron and Grand Roi. All three will likely be prominent in the market, with Grand Roi holding the strongest claims. He has handled testing ground before and goes back over hurdles for the first time since April. His chasing career started well at Listowel but his jumping seems to have let him down over the larger obstacles. Michael O’Sullivan is on board, and you wouldn't rule out a revival.

Felix Desjy, a former Grade 1 winner at Aintree for Gigginstown, is a ten-year-old now. He has been off for four months and has not shown much form in his most recent outings, but he is only 2lb above his last winning mark and Corey McGivern knocks off a further seven.

Rebel Ivy was impressive when winning a mares' Listed event at Limerick but she is up 12lb for that and has since had a setback. Trainer James Motherway had planned to run her at Christmas but that idea had to be shelved. This is a stiff two and a half miles on heavy ground and that win at Limerick came over two miles and six furlongs, so she could well have the necessary stamina reserves.

The Sean Doyle-trained Lucky Max justified favouritism with a victory over this trip in a Cork handicap, and won his only previous outing on soft to heavy ground. Champion trainer Willie Mullins has one runner in Belle Metal, pulled up on her seasonal reappearance at Limerick in December following a 211-day break.

What they say

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Grand Roi, Au Fleuron and Felix Desjy
Grand Roi is at the top of the weights but Mikey O'Sullivan takes off a valuable 5lb. Felix Desjy will also be getting a claimer in the shape of Corey McGivern who has a very useful 7lb. Au Fleuron will also get 5lb off with Kieren Buckley. He ran well the last day and could have a bit more improvement left in him.

Sean Doyle, trainer of Lucky Max
He's in great form. He's gone up 8lb for the win at Cork but the ground should suit and he goes there with a live each-way chance.

Paul Nolan, trainer of HMS Seahorse
He's in good nick. We gave him a break after the Irish Cesarewitch and he's been gelded since then. He's schooling nicely and we're delighted with his fitness. We think he's got a lot quicker and slicker over his hurdles since we gelded him. He's not as careful as he was.

James Motherway, trainer of Rebel Ivy
She likes the soft ground. She won impressively last time out at Limerick, but we had a bit of a setback in mid-November. She picked up a muscle injury that kept her out for about three weeks so I've just been trying to find a race for her. We're happy with her fitness-wise, but she got a hike in the weights for the win at Limerick.

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