Hold The Pin’s Naas flop tempers Martin’s confidence

TONY Martin’s confidence in landing consecutive renewals of the williamhill.ie Troytown Handicap at Navan tomorrow has been eroded by Hold The Pin’s recent Naas flop.

The Co. Meath handler claimed the valuable Navan prize with Royal County Star 12 months ago and will be represented by Hold The Pin tomorrow.

Martin’s nine-year-old is twice a winner at the track but his trainer cannot forget his recent outing over two miles and three furlongs at Naas, where he finished a tailed-off ninth.

“He’s had two runs this season and I was happy enough with his first one – he obviously needed the run,” reflected the County Meath handler.

“But I was disappointed with his last run and that’s the concern I have for Sunday.

“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.

“He’s in really good form now – as good as he was last year – but I would be very concerned over his last run.”

Despite Martin’s fears, Hold The Pin has this week been the subject of heavy market support.

Sponsors William Hill installed him as a 10-1 chance on Wednesday but now offer odds of just 11-2 about Martin doing the double.

“Royal County Star would probably have more pace than Hold The Pin, but they have very similar profiles – especially over hurdles,” added the trainer.

“Hopefully it’ll be a similar outcome as last year.”

Martin’s charge is one of 15 declared runners for the three-mile heat.

The Paul Nicholls-trained Officier De Reserve, the mount of Davy Russell, heads Hills’ market at odds of 7-2.

Other interesting contenders include disqualified Cork National winner Operation Houdini, recent Clonmel scorer Chelsea Harbour and the Dessie Hughes-trained Vic Venturi.

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.