Run Wild Fred to clash with Farouk D'Alene in classy Grade 2 at Navan on Sunday

Leading National Hunt Chase contender Run Wild Fred is set to clash with high-class stablemate Farouk D'Alene at Navan this Sunday after featuring among declarations for the Grade 2 BetVictor Ten Up Novice Chase (4.05).

Trainer Gordon Elliott had indicated earlier this month that Run Wild Fred would probably go straight to the National Hunt Chase, but a return to the scene of his runaway Troytown Chase success this weekend is now his target.

Bet365 cannot split Run Wild Fred and Stattler as 3-1 joint-favourites for the National Hunt Chase.

Farouk D'Alene, who was narrowly denied in the Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick in December before running Stattler close at Naas three weeks ago, could be targeted at the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase.

This race has gone the way of Elliott in two of the last four years, and the leading trainer is responsible for half of the six runners this time around, also represented by Cork Grand National Handicap Chase winner Braeside.

Farouk D'Alene: narrowly denied by Master McShee in the Grade 1 BoyleSports Faugheen Novice ChaseCredit: David Keane (racingpost.com/photos)

Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase winner Beacon Edge, who fell at the sixth when taking on Galopin Des Champs at the Dublin Racing Festival earlier this month, and the 140-rated Lieutenant Command ensure a strong hand for trainer Noel Meade.

The field is completed by Antey, making his second start for the Patrick Griffin team.

Speaking earlier this week after Run Wild Fred was allocated a mark of 158 for the Randox Grand National, Elliott said: "He could go for something like the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham but I think he could be a National horse after that.

"He was second in last year's Irish Grand National and ticks a lot of boxes. He is a very consistent character and has that touch of class about him as well."

Earlier on the same card at Navan, Tiger Roll has not been declared for the Grade 2 BetVictor Boyne Hurdle (2.20), but plenty of other recognisable names feature in the final field of 14.

Well-backed Thyestes Chase hero Longhouse Poet is set to warm up for a tilt at the Randox Grand National in the 2m5f hurdle event, while Ronald Pump brings a decent standard to the table.

Longhouse Poet: came home strongly to land last month's Goffs Thyestes ChaseCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

JP McManus is triply-represented with Early Doors, Thedevilscoachman and Darasso, although the latter is also declared for the Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran on Saturday.

Gavin Cromwell sends out the talented Darver Star, while Gentlemansgame, trained by Mouse Morris, will bid to bounce back from a disappointing Galmoy Hurdle effort.

In Tiger Roll's absence, Gordon Elliott saddles Commander Of Fleet and Grand Roi, with Dreal Deal and Ashdale Bob adding further intrigue to Sunday's classy contest.

Navan Sunday: all declarations and full racecards

As Ireland braced for the impact of Storm Eunice on Thursday evening, a total of 9mm of rain fell at Navan overnight.

The going is described as soft, soft to heavy in places, with the potential for a further 10-15mm of rain prior to Sunday's opener at 1.10pm.

Gowran Park was hit with 8mm of rain on Thursday night ahead of the Kilkenny track's major Red Mills Day on Saturday, leaving conditions described as soft to heavy.

The forecast is for an unsettled spell with approximately 5mm of rain ahead of the first race at 1.45pm on Saturday.

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