Martin cautious over Pin gamble Hold The Pin has been well-supported with sponsors William Hill this week to give Tony Martin back-to-back victories in the Troytown Handicap Chase but the trainer is not so confident his gelding can land the feature at Navan on Sunday. Martin won the race last year with Royal County Star and Hold The Pin, twice a winner at Navan, has been backed from 10/1 down to 11/2 with Hills. 'He's had two runs this season and I was happy enough with his first one as he obviously needed the run. But I was disappointed with his last run at Naas and that's the concern I have for Sunday,' said the Co Meath handler. 'We got him back home and found nothing wrong with him. It might just have been he needed it to blow away the cobwebs over fences and he's in really good form now - as good as he was last year.' 'Royal County Star would probably have more pace than Hold The Pin but they have very similar profiles, especially over hurdles. Hopefully it'll be a similar outcome as last year.' Martin's charge is one of 15 declared runners for the three miles event, and other notables include the Paul Nicholls-trained Officier De Reserve, disqualified Cork National winner Operation Houdini and recent impressive Clonmel hurdle scorer Chelsea Harbour. Ballistraw heads the weights. Williamhill.ie Troytown Chase, sponsors bet: 7-2 Officier De Reserve, 11-2 Hold The Pin, 6-1 Chelsea Harbour, Operation Houdini, 10-1 Vic Venturi, 11-1 Notre Pere, 14-1 Badgerlaw, Cool Running, 18-1 Beautiful Vision, Offaly, 20-1 bar.
