Make A Challenge's unbeaten record in Listed class on line in Abergwaun Stakes

2.50 Navan
Abergwaun Stakes (Listed) | 5f | 3yo+ | RTV

A five-furlong Listed assignment where the mud will be flying looks the ideal circumstances for Make A Challenge to bring out his best, and this should set him up nicely for a top-level autumn campaign.

The Denis Hogan-trained five-year-old's mark of 112 means he's Ireland's highest-rated older sprinter and his form figures in Listed company read 1111.

There is no doubt he is a Group-class operator, but up in grade he has a lesser record with figures of 5662.

Make A Challenge: has won all four starts in Listed companyCredit: Patrick McCann

The Curragh has been an extremely happy hunting ground for the £6,500 bargain buy, winning five of his eight runs at Irish Flat racing's HQ, but this will be his first official start at Navan, having been withdrawn after unseating his rider and running loose before the start of his intended handicap debut at the track in March 2019.

With just two of his rivals advertising a three-figure rating, this looks an excellent opportunity for the talented speedster to back up last week's four-length romp in the Listed Curragh Sprint Stakes under regular partner Joe Doyle.

However, it remains a minor possibility that we may not see a peak Make A Challenge line up, with the Flying Five Stakes and Prix de l'Abbaye on his agenda over the next two months, surely of greater priority than this €37,500 event.

If there are any chinks in his armour they could be exposed by the Johnny Murtagh-trained Urban Beat, who won his maiden on heavy ground at this venue and got within a neck of the favourite on the same weight terms in the Listed Midsummer Sprint Stakes at the Curragh last month.

Make A Challenge (near side) edged out Urban Beat (navy and light brown) to land the Listed Sky Bet Midsummer Sprint Stakes at the Curragh last monthCredit: Caroline Norris

Third in this race last year when it was held at Tipperary, he has run well fresh in the past and comes here on the back of a six-week break.

What they say

Denis Hogan, trainer of Make A Challenge
The soft ground will be ideal for him; we wouldn't really be running him if the ground wasn't as it is. He's building up to running in the Flying Five Stakes and we hope he can get the job done. Urban Beat has been bang there with him before and should give him something to think about, getting 3lb from us. It's a change for us running away from the Curragh but hopefully he'll be fine. The Prix de l'Abbaye will be on the cards for him later in the autumn as long as he stays healthy and well over the next while, the ground there is generally as he'd like it.

Willie McCreery, trainer of Jungle Jane and Call Of The Jungle
Jungle Jane is a nice filly but the ground has probably gone a bit for her and the track won't suit her as well as somewhere like Tipperary. We'd love to pick up some black type for her and Call Of The Jungle, who will handle the ground, track and trip.

Johnny Levins, trainer of Nordic Passage
He's an improving sprinter and we're looking forward to seeing how he gets on in Listed company, but the ground is a bit of a worry.

Johnny Murtagh, trainer of Urban Beat
Make A Challenge sets the standard but we've given our horse a little break since his last run at the Curragh and he goes there fresh and well.

John Grogan, trainer of Rapid Reaction
We were delighted with her run in the Sapphire Stakes last time, she's settling much better this year than previously. It's her first run in six weeks and we'd like to get a run into her before possibly running in the Flying Five on Irish Champions Weekend. She'd prefer better ground but hopefully she will run well.

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