Mullins and Elliott clash in race they have dominated in recent years

12.50 Navan
Navan Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) | 4yo+ | 2m4f | ATR

Wlllie Mullins and Gordon Elliott, the big two trainers in Irish jumps racing, have dominated recent runnings of this event and they provide four of the six runners this time around.

Next Destination, winner of a 2m3f maiden on his hurdling debut at Naas last month and the mount of David Mullins, represents Mullins – Ireland's champion trainer – who has sent four winners of the event since 2011. He won it most recently in 2014 with Bellshill.

Elliott, successful with No More Heroes in 2014 and Death Duty a year ago, has three representatives – all owned by Gigginstown House Stud – dual hurdles winner Cracking Smart, Poli Roi and Delta Work. Star novice Samcro bypasses the race and will instead run in a Grade 1 at Naas next month.

A dual bumper winner last season, Next Destination ran away from his rivals for a 13 length win at Naas, and Mullins said: "He did very well at Naas where the ground was very testing. We weren't sure whether he'd handle it but he coped well with the conditions.

"He's in good form and while this will be a tougher assignment he looks to have plenty going for him."

Cracking Smart, a decisive winner over three miles at Cork on his most recent start and the mount of Jack Kennedy, appears to have the best credentials of the Elliott team.

Elliott said: "He was good at Cork and is in good order. We know he stays further but two and a half miles on testing ground at Navan will suit.

"Although Poli Roi won his maiden at Down Royal last month, he is a horse who works better than he's run so far. Delta Work won his maiden by 20 lengths and has since been placed a couple of times behind good horses. He stays and seems in good form."

Galway maiden winner Half The Odds, who finished fourth behind Samcro in the Monksfield Hurdle over this course and distance last month, represents Noel Meade, who said: "Although she was up against a very good horse in Samcro, we were a bit disappointed with Half The Odds last time.

"Whether she'll be good enough is questionable but she's in good shape and will be getting the 7lb mares allowance."

The Jessica Harrington-trained Jetz, beaten 12 lengths when runner-up to Samcro in the Monksfield Hurdle, makes up the field.

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