It's very much a Christmas theme at Navan today, and, in the Christmas Pudding Handicap Hurdle, Sawa-Id is selected to give punters some much needed festive cheer.
The Michael O'Brien-trained five-year-old once raced in Dubai during his flat days but didn't take to it out there. With the wintery conditions likely today, most would relish an eastern alternative, but soft ground and a test of stamina seem to suit Sawa-Id well and he looks set to prove it.
A winner of a flat race at Gowran in October, Sawa-Id proved his well-being when beaten only by the minimum margin at Fairyhouse last month by Lisa's Storm. He was gaining on the winner all the way up the run in and Navan's stiff track should be ideal.
On a line through Lisa's Storm, Sawa-Id appears to have something in hand of one of his principal rivals, Limstone Lad, and with Archive Footage staying in the race at the top of weights, Sawa-Id is taken to win for O'Brien and stable jockey Tom Rudd.
The most valuable contest on the card is the £20,000 Kevin McManus Novice Chase where Micko's Dream should be able to follow up his easy success at Thurles last month. David Casey, who has been in sparkling form lately, had an armchair ride at Thurles, and, while the presence of Walt and Mr Jeeves indicates that this won't be as easy, Casey will be looking forward to his 26th winner of the season.
Leading the jockeys pack on 51, however, is Ruby Walsh, and in the youngster's present form even the frustrating It's Time For A Win may be able to pick up the opener.
Rarely has a horse been as appropriately named. It's Time For A Win clearly has more than his fair share of ability but is clearly far from an easy ride. This left-handed course should help Walsh steer him, however, and the horse will rarely have a better chance to break his hurdling duck than against this opposition. Willie Mullins may indeed be fancying his chances of a treble with Three Rivers in the Roast Turkey Handicap Hurdle, but although this one ran on honestly to be placed behind Marchaway at Punchestown last weekend, preference is for Pat Hughes' Savu Sea, a winner at Thurles last time and who should be coming into his own up the final hill.
Hollybank Buck returns to Navan where he finished third to Ryhane in the Troytown last time. Tony Martin's horse was a wellbacked favourite that day and no doubt there will be those who try to recoup their losses in the Mince Pie Handicap Chase. Hollybank Buck won four in a row last spring and that run started off over this course and distance in March.
The Wexford winner Gill's Honey is worth examining in the bumper despite 12.4, while Prince de Loir is marginally preferred in the maiden hurdle.
