Navajo gets nod

THE progressive Droopys Navajo can underline his claims in the TD Cronin A2 Stake at Curraheen Park by taking the third of tonight’s semi-finals.

Trained by the irrepressible John Linehan, the selection made it five wins from 12 starts when carding a career best 28.67 last week.

Droopys Navajo has a three draw with which to contend but if starting in the same slick manner can prove equal to the task.

Paul Hennessy’s Spruce Express, a 28.75 heat winner and well drawn on the outside, reads the main danger.

Belindas Agent can also cheat the draw in the second semi-final. Denis Fitzgerald’s six-times winner impressed when carding 28.53 last week and a three draw is unlikely to halt his progress. Capetown Breeze, a wide-margin 28.59 heat winner, rates the likely alternative.

The opening semi-final can go to Lively Pirate.

Ann Wade’s runner has struck form in recent week, recording back-to-back 31.55 (575) and 28.98 wins.

Well drawn in trap six, Lively Pirate can complete a hat-trick at the main expense of John Duggan’s Waycross Bluejay, likely to benefit from a switch to a rails berth after finishing an unlucky third behind Capetown Breeze in the opening round.

Move Over Father, who mjade it five wins from eight starts when making all in 29.02 last week, can continue on the upgrade in the Valley View Motors A3 Stakes final.

Carbon Zola impressed when getting off the mark in 28.82 but could find life tougher from an outside draw.