Hurdle Switch May Pay Dividends For Clarcam

High-class chaser Clarcam bids to make the most of his significantly lower mark over the smaller obstacles in the Tara Handicap Hurdle at Navan on Sunday.

The Gigginstown House Stud-owned six-year-old has four chase wins to his name, two of which have been at Grade One level, but he has found life difficult this season.

Gordon Elliott's charge was well-beaten in the Kerry National at Listowel and the Irish Daily Star Chase at Punchestown and while he fared better when a fortunate runner-up in last month's Clonmel Oil Chase, he is 16lb lower in the ratings over hurdles and that has attracted connections to this €50,000 prize.

Conditional jockey Katie O'Farrell takes a further 7lb off his back and he must have every chance of gaining his first victory since June.

Elliott also saddles Kings Bandit, who may benefit from the application of a tongue-tie.

Ted and Ruby Walsh team up with Rossvoss, while Massini's Trap, Gurteen and Scoir Mear are others to consider in a competitive event.

Proceedings get under way with the 24-runner Irish Stallion Owners European Breeders Fund Maiden Hurdle.

Willie Mullins-trained Punchestown bumper winner Cilaos Emery is bound to be popular on his jumping bow, while Noel Meade's dual bumper winner Joey Sasa will not need to improve much on his close second to Brelade here three weeks ago to play a part in the finish.

Point-to-point recruit Arvico Bleu is an interesting contender for Gigginstown and trainer Henry de Bromhead.

The two-mile-seven-furlong John Lynch Carpets Maiden Hurdle is likely to be a war of attrition in the testing ground, which should suit Meade's Fairyhouse bumper winner Stoneford.

Mullins relies on German Flat recruit Madurai, who carries the colours of the Supreme Horse Racing Club.

The club's racing manager, Steve Massey, said: "Madurai is a nice sort who was seventh in the German Derby a couple of years ago, finishing in front of some useful horses including Geoffrey Chaucer of Aidan O'Brien's.

"He's also won a couple of times on the Flat and we can't wait to get him started over hurdles."

The Prancer and Dancer Rated Novice Chase looks an open contest, with Grange Hall, Not For Burning and Crest all worth considering.

The Round O Pub & Restaurant Handicap Chase is similarly competitive and any money for Kick On Boss on his return from a lengthy absence would be noteworthy.

Dunguib, Don Cossack, Fine Rightly and Death Duty are all previous winners of the "Future Champions" INH Flat Race.

Elliott's point-to-point winner Samcro was hugely impressive on his Rules debut at Punchestown and sets the standard over the Mullins-trained mare Good Thyne Tara, who claimed her second win from four starts in good style at Cork last month.