Stiff Test For Kazal

Eoin Griffin is hoping Kazal can be the surprise packet in the Barry And Sandra Kelly Memorial Novice Hurdle at Navan tomorrow.

The five-year-old made a promising start to his hurdling career with victory over three miles on heavy going at Wexford in October, but now he is thrust into Grade One company.

However, conditions seem certain to be severe as the meeting only got the go-ahead following an inspection yesterday and that could suit, according to the County Kildare trainer.

'It's a big step up in class, but the conditions over here are very testing and we think maybe that might suit him,' he said.

'He won his maiden hurdle at three miles and he's coming back to two and a half, but with the prevailing conditions it might suit him.

'We're under no illusions that he's really up against it, but at the same time he hurdles and jumps very well and he'll gallop all day.

'It's a stiff track, but we think it's worth a shot at it. He's a horse we believe has a nice future ahead of him.

'I know we're throwing him in at the deep end, but we're going to give it a go.'

A small but select field of six goes to post for this contest worth #44,521 and one of the more fancied runners is Footy Facts.

Robert Tyner's six-year-old looked a smart prospect when landing a Group Three over course and distance by nine lengths from Casey Jones three weeks ago.

'He's in good form and he came out of his last race very well and everything's on target,' said Tyner.

'We won't mind the rain and we're hopeful of a good run.'

Jessica Harrington is not certain her Badgerlaw quite has the ability for this class but said: 'He's been unlucky not to win so far, and I think I just ran him a bit quick when he was fourth last time.

'But he's only been heads and necks behind some good horses and although I'm not sure he's quite up to a Grade One, if you don't run, you can't win.'

Hot favourite is likely to be the Noel Meade-trained Aran Concerto, who has made a big impression in winning two of his three starts and was unlucky in the other.

Michael O'Brien's Le Toscan is on a hat-trick after wins at Nas and Clonmel while Hollywood Law, trained by Willie Mullins, completes the line-up.

(C) PA Sport