Horse Racing Tips Today

13:00 Navan – Inthepocket
14:14 Thurles – The Model Kingdom
14:30 Navan – Dunboyne (EW)
15:30 Navan – Caldwell Potter (NAP)
15:44 Thurles – One Cool Lady (EW)

• NAVAN INSPECTION: SUNDAY, DEC 18: 8AM
• THURLES INSPECTION: SUNDAY, DEC 18: 7.30AM

The feature Grade 2 Navan Novice Hurdle looks a cracking contest with Gordon Elliott declaring three of the seven-runners over the 2-mile 4-furlong trip. Deeply Superficial is rerouted here following Punchestown’s cancellation last weekend and should appreciate the step-up in trip following her maiden hurdle success at Galway. Absolute Notions is hoping to give the Robcour team another big weekend winner and was impressive when scoring at Punchestown last month.

However, INTHEPOCKET should represent some value and gets the verdict for Henry De Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore who secured a fine novice success with Hiddenvalley Lake last weekend at Cork. The son of Blue Bresil can use his stamina to good advantage now stepping up in trip following his easy maiden hurdle win at Wexford. Joyeux Machin has subsequently enhanced the form with victory at Fairyhouse and this former Moig South point-to-point winner can remain unbeaten.

THE MODEL KINGDOM can make it three from four over hurdles by claiming the feature Listed Mares Novice Hurdle at Thurles on Sunday afternoon. The Noel Meade trained five-year-old has been a model of consistency with five-career wins from seven-career starts. The daughter of Aizavoski was unbeaten in bumpers with her only defeat over hurdles coming in graded company at Down Royal at the start of the season.

Liberty Dance finished sixth in that contest before following up and claiming her maiden hurdle in comfortable fashion at this venue earlier this month. A Law Of Her Own needs to reverse the form with Gordon Elliott’s runner with Belle The Lioness another leading contender. However, The Model Kingdom has the best form on offer and Bryan Cooper can produced another hold-up ride to score late and secure back-to-back wins on the racetrack.

Ha D’or makes his chasing debut for Willie Mullins, Susannah Richi and Paul Townend in this 2-mile 4-furlong Rated Novice Chase at Navan. The son of Nidor was a fine novice hurdler for connections in recent seasons and is sure to pay his way over fences in the coming years. However, he’s never raced beyond 2-miles and might be best watched over this trip on his seasonal return with DUNBOYNE worth another punt for Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy.

The money was down when this horse returned to winning ways at Gowran Park last month and that victory will have sparked a much-needed boost in confidence. He failed to shine in the Pertemps at Cheltenham back in March and has required a few runs over fences to final score over the bigger obstacles. Jack Kennedy can put him asleep and challenge at the business to defy a 10Ib rise in the ratings in what looks a competitive renewal.

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Gordon Elliott has dominated this closing bumper with six of the previous seven winners, including American Mike last year coming from his powerful Cullentra House stables. CALDWELL POTTER was impressive at Punchestown last month and can follow-up in this finale with Jamie Codd deciding to remain faithful over stable-mate Cato Capone. The son of Martaline went away from his rivals in fine fashion and can improve further to send punters home happy in the closing race at Navan.

Barry O’Neill takes over on Cato Capone who was awarded a Punchestown bumper in the stewards room last month following late interference by Lecky Watson. Elsewhere, Special Cadeau returns on a first start for Willie Mullins following a junior bumper success for Pam Sly at Huntingdon last year. He’s beautifully bred and now runs in the colours of Steve Parkin’s Clipper Logistics team, but the form has failed to set the world alight.

Willie Mullins and Jody Townend took this closing bumper with Eabha Grace last year and combine on this occasion with Katou. The daughter of Shantou is related to several winners, including Jimmil and might be best watched against several rivals who have the benefit of previous experience. ONE COOL LADY catches the eye on her third career start following a fourth-placed finish on debut at Ayr before finishing a good second to Law Ella at Down Royal in March.

Law Ella has subsequently finished second in a graded bumper at Aintree before finishing second twice over hurdles this season. The fourth horse home at Down Royal, Henning has also won a maiden hurdle at Clonmel and this daughter of Flenmensfirth can represent some each-way value on debut for Gavin Cromwell. Elsewhere, Miss Agusta is the one to beat following her staying on fourth to Jetara at Navan with her second at Punchestown in April also enhanced this season.

Sunday Irish Horse Racing Tips

13:00 Navan – Inthepocket
14:14 Thurles – The Model Kingdom
14:30 Navan – Dunboyne (EW)
15:30 Navan – Caldwell Potter (NAP)
15:44 Thurles – One Cool Lady (EW)

• NAVAN INSPECTION: SUNDAY, DEC 18: 8AM
• THURLES INSPECTION: SUNDAY, DEC 18: 7.30AM

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