Paul Townend previews his Sunday Navan rides

We have had a lot of rain in Ireland so have no racing on Saturday but hopefully Sunday’s fixture at Navan will go ahead, although the ground will be testing.

Forza Milan (13.05) is my first ride on the card. I haven’t won on him but rode him a few times at the start of the season.

He has plenty to find on ratings with Coco Beach and Espanito Bello, but he is a good solid performer and will handle the ground and the trip. He would have to run a career best but is not without a shout.

Darrens Hope (14.15) runs in the Mares’ Novice Hurdle. I won on her in Cork and this is a hot little race with plenty of winners in it. She is probably up against it but she is a consistent performer.

She ran well over Christmas in Limerick and I don’t think the drop back in trip will inconvenience her too much. The ground will be testing and that will bring her stamina into play.

The Boyne Hurdle has attracted a high-class field with the likes of Tiger Roll, Fury Road and Beacon Edge in there. I ride Scarpeta (14.47) who is going to have to show his best form, which he hasn’t been showing of late, to take a hand.

Brazos (15.25) loves the course in Navan. He won his maiden hurdle there and he was a decent Flat horse. This is a big step up from a maiden hurdle but we are hoping he might make up into a nice staying novice hurdler.

The form of Ragin Cajun (16.35) has been very consistent. He drops back in trip which shouldn’t be a worry. Although he was beaten in his last two runs the form has worked out quite well.

In a compact handicap I think he runs off a good mark and I am hoping he will put up a nice performance.

Paul