Key pointers and trainer views for an enthralling contest with a rich history

Navan Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) | 2m4f | ATR

There are few more exciting places to be than Navan during the winter when potential top-notchers clash away from the razzmatazz of a big festival and this race has produced its fair share of future stars.

Recent history will tell you that Willie Mullins has had his rivals on the canvas in all bar two of the past seven runnings with Gordon Elliott the only other trainer to deliver the knockout blow, but Joseph O’Brien will be hoping to eclipse both, with Rhinestone and Choungaya representing the trainer.

“The step up in trip should suit Rhinestone, as should the track, and obviously this will be his biggest test over hurdles so far but we’re hoping he can run well,” O’Brien said.

“You’d have liked another run somewhere before stepping into Graded company but we didn’t have much choice really.

“Choungaya seems to be improving and I’d say his last run was probably his best. He’s been in very good form at home since and we’re hoping he can run well too,” he added.

Horses like Death Duty and the ill-fated No More Heroes are among the stellar roll of honour for Elliott, while Mullins has been successful with Grade 1 performers like Boston Bob, Bellshill and most recently Next Destination.

Elliott runs Defi Bleu and Monbeg Worldwide, both winners last time out, plus Satoshi, while Mullins is represented by Grade 3 winner Easy Game and Getareason.

Jessica Harrington, the last trainer outside Mullins and Elliott to win this Grade 2 back in 2010 with Oscars Well, will be represented by Magnium, while the field is completed by Colin Bowe's Western Victory.

Next Destination: won this race 12 months ago for Willie MullinsCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

What they say

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Defi Bleu, Monbeg Worldwide and Satoshi
Defi Bleu won his maiden hurdle over the course and distance last time but this is a big step up and he’ll have to improve to win this. Monbeg Worldwide and Satoshi also have a similar chance.

Willie Mullins, trainer of Getareason and Easy Game
Easy Game is a course and distance winner who jumps well and gives his all, so if the ground doesn't soften too much you'd like to think he has a huge chance. Getareason was very disappointing over three miles at Cork so we’re dropping him down in trip in the hope he will jump better and show us what he is really made of. He has some useful form from earlier in the season and I'd like to see him recapture that sparkle.

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Magnium
It’s more or less the same thing all over again with him as he’s meeting a few of the same rivals he’s been running against recently. He’s been in good form lately and the little bit of rain won’t hurt his chances either.

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