'He's flying at home and I think he'll win it' - which trainer is so bullish?

Saturday: 3.58 Navan
Flyingbolt Novice Chase (Grade 3) | 2m | 5yo+ | RTV

Gentleman De Mee, who went off 4-1 favourite for last year's Martin Pipe won by Galopin Des Champs, has no entries at Cheltenham as connections have decided to swerve the festival for the shallower waters of this Grade 3. It looks a shrewd move.

The freegoing son of Saint Des Saints already looks a much better chaser than hurdler. He ended last season with a mark of 135 over hurdles but was handed an RPR of 152 for his recent beginners' chase win at Thurles.

He might not have beaten much there, but it was still quite an explosive performance from the front and he managed to put 34 lengths between himself and Embrun Mitja at the line without Mark Walsh having to get too serious at all.

Speaking of Walsh, he had ten winners from just 32 rides in February. JP McManus's number one in Ireland is riding at the peak of his powers at present and this ought to be another victory to add to the list.

It is hard to envisage any of his five rivals being within touching distance turning for home provided he puts in a clean round of jumping.

It would come as little surprise to see him contest the 2m Grade 1 novice chase at the Punchestown festival next month. He reminds me a bit of the 2017 winner of that, Great Field.

Grange Walk has already had a cracking campaign. He won a valuable handicap chase at Leopardstown's Christmas festival and only found A Wave Of The Sea too good at the Dublin Racing Festival.

He is now up to a mark of 140 and has experience on his side. This was be his 12th outing over fences, compared to the three Gentleman De Mee has had. Trainer John Ryan is his usual bullish self and believes win number five is on the cards. He will need a career best for that to happen, though.

The trip is surely a massive problem for Streets Of Doyen. Last year's Albert Bartlett third seems stamina-laden so could be tapped for toe here.

It is worth remembering he beat Stayers' Hurdle winner Flooring Porter over the smaller obstacles in 2020, and he is entered in the National Hunt Chase and the Brown Advisory at the festival, but perhaps the Midlands National is where you will see him after this.

What they say

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Fancy Foundations
He's a decent horse on his day but didn't jump as well as he can on his last visit to Navan. We gave him a break after that and he seems to be in good form at home now. I would say Gentleman De Mee will be hard to beat by the looks of things.

Frank Berry, racing manger of JP McManus, owner of Gentleman De Mee
He seems to be going the right way and put up a nice performance at Thurles last time. Hopefully this looks like a lovely race for him. Willie [Mullins] is very happy with him.

John Ryan, trainer of Grange Walk
I think he'll beat Willie's horse [Gentleman De Mee]. He's absolutely flying at home and, once the ground is not too soft, I think he'll win it.

John McConnell, trainer of Streets Of Doyen
He's had an operation on his back since you saw him last, he had kissing spines. He's schooled well at home, but obviously a race at the track will tell us a lot more. We will make a plan after we see how he gets on here; he's still in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham and we've entered him in the Midlands National too. The Scottish National later on in the season could be on his agenda as well.

Read a selection of Saturday previews . . .

1.50 Newbury: does Paul Nicholls have another likely type in bid for tenth Greatwood Gold Cup?

2.40 Kelso: can exciting Espoir De Romay continue the trend of Premier performances?

3.15 Kelso: Nicky Henderson warns 'Buveur D'Air will come on an awful lot for the run'

Big-race analysis: can Buveur D'Air defy top weight and raise the roof at Kelso? (Members' Club)

3.30 Meydan: 'I think he's a big player' – Godolphin trio take on Lord Glitters in Jebel Hatta

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