Rossvoss 16lb higher as he goes for repeat success

1.20 Navan
Tara Handicap Hurdle | 2m4f | 4yo+ | ATR

Rossvoss made a mockery of his rivals in this race last year, scooting effortlessly clear up the home straight to finish 18 lengths ahead of nearest pursuer Bentelimar.

That wide-margin victory was achieved off a mark of only 112 and clearly a repeat success will be more difficult off a 16lb higher mark.

The eight-year-old arrives on the back of finishing second in a point-to-point at Loughrea in October and before that he was running on the Flat at Bellewstown and the Curragh. Prior to those Flat spins he ran in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He is back over hurdles today. Now that is what you call versatility.

Gordon Elliott: expects a bold showing from the in-form Presenting JulioCredit: Patrick McCann

If Rossvoss is going to follow up last year's win he will need to fight off a four-pronged attack from the Gordon Elliott stable. Automated appears to be the pick of that quartet under Bryan Cooper, although Clarcam is a Grade 1 chase winner and should not be underestimated.

What they say

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Clarcam, Kings Bandit, Automated and High Expectations
Clarcam is very high in the weights and faces a tough task but he seems in good order. Automated will love the trip and the ground and I've been very happy with him of late. Kings Bandit seems in good form, while High Expectations has a nice low weight and I expect him to run well. Hopefully they'll all show what they're capable of.

James Nash, trainer of Massini's Trap
His last two runs were in England, where he won at Aintree and ran second at Haydock. Ground conditions won't be ideal but it's a valuable race and we're letting him take his chance.

Eddie Harty, trainer of Copy That
He disappointed last time for whatever reason. He should be suited by the trip, although there's a slight concern about what is sure to be very testing ground.