PUNTERS will be anxious to make some of the Christmas expenses at Navan this afternoon. Featured is the Navan Hurdle with Minella Man, last year's winner Persian Halo and Yukon Gold emerging best on official ratings and the former is clear by 11lb.
Minella Man reappeared at Naas last month to beat Blaze Of Honour by three and a half lengths over this distance.
The latter would appear to have no chance of turning the tables under these terms. Minella Man was subsequently fourth behind compatriots What A Question and Antapoura in a three mile hurdle having made the running to the third last flight.
Persian Halo has been chasing and has not run over timber since being comprehensively beaten by Cockney Lad at Down Royal while Yukon Gold may need this race. Minella Man will be hard to beat.
Alasad and Rosin The Bow, separated by two lengths in a three mile hurdle here last month, renew rivalry in the Christmas Presents Handicap Hurdle with the latter now 3lb better off.
Rathgibbon ran Antapoura to a length in two and a half mile handicap hurdle at Punchestown and since stayed on well when winning over the distance at Tipperary. Annadot had Rathgibbon a long way behind when winning at Galway. That was a good performance but she cut little ice behind Alasad over this course.
Rosin The Bow can win off this mark.
Dramatic Venture, runner up to Denny Gold Medal Chase bound The Carrig Rua over this course, is napped to win the Santa Claus Handicap Chase and Gladiatorial, who ran a respectable race behind The Latvian Lark at Punchestown, is chosen for the Irish NH Novice Hurdle.
The long absent Double Colour is the first runner for Con Collins' daughter Sheena since she took out her licence to train. She is also represented with Miss Hot Tamalli in the bumper and has been assistant trainer to her father for some years.
. It is predicted that there will be an all time record attendance of over 50,000 racegoers at Leopardstown's four day Christmas fixture. As always, St Stephen's Day will attract the greater number and the presence of the country's favourite racehorse Danoli in the featured Denny Gold Medal Chase will ensure a record crowd on that day weather permitting.
Danoli's great rival, Dorans Pride, has the William Neville Chase as his objective on Saturday next and Gold Cup hero Imperial Call is due to contest the prestigious Ericsson Chase on the same day. Danoli is likely to be opposed by the Paul Webber trained Land Afar.
The Jackpot is guaranteed for £25,000 on Thursday and Friday and for £20,000 on the remaining two days. Inter track betting facilities will be available at Limerick enabling Tote customers to bet on all Leopardstown races.
There are various attractions and draws for the Leopardstown patrons and Frank Clarke, vice chairman of the Leopardstown Club is to make a special award to the leading trainer and jockey over the next seven race meetings at the course, beginning with the St Stephen's Day Feature on the 26th and ending Sunday, February 2nd with the Hennessy Gold Cup.
Admission to the Leopardstown races each day is £10 for Grandstand and £13 for Reserved Enclosure tickets. Family tickets on Saturday and Sunday are £15 for the grandstand enclosure which includes parents and all children under 14.
. Good Friday fell on St Stephen's Day in 1899. A horse of that name came to grief in a festive steeplechase at Wolverhampton.
