In the 4.40 at Wetherby on Friday, the step up to 2 miles 5 furlongs and beyond appears to have been the making of Navanman and David Pipe’s 7-year-old can complete a quick-fire hat-trick. A maiden after six starts, the Well Chosen gelding was a ready winner over 2 miles 5 furlongs at Towcester eight days ago and once again won very easily under a 7lb penalty over 2 miles 7½ furlongs at Fakenham four days later. A further 7lb penalty is offset by Michael Heard’s 7lb claim and, despite 12st 7lb, Navanman is clearly improving at a rate of knots and hard to oppose.
In the 3.35, bumper winner Lake View Lad parted company with jockey Stephen Mulqueen on his first two starts over hurdles, but made amends at Ayr last month, when quickening clear on the run-in to win by 5 lengths. The son of high-class jumps sire Oscar carries a 7lb penalty for that victory, but is due to go up 9lb in the ratings, so looks one to follow in novice hurdles.
Selections: Wetherby 4.40 Navanman, Wetherby 3.35 Lake View Lad, 1-point Win Double
