Fully Funded looks the part
Noel Meade’s gelding has taken time to hit top gear, but looked a horse of some potential when taking a Grade 2 on this track last month. He made most of the running, battling on powerfully up the straight to beat Gift Of Dgab by four and a half lengths, showing a good attitude.
Oscars Well and Sweet Shock shouldn’t be underestimated, but the main danger is almost certainly the unbeaten and progressive Hidden Cyclone. He has won both his hurdle races to date with any amount in hand and could be anything. He has, however, beaten nothing and Fully Funded’s form has a more solid appearance.
Meade could also supply the answer to the Grade 2 Philips Electronics Tara Hurdle with the enigmatic Aitmatov, making a quick reappearance after being in action in the Hatton’s Grace at at Fairyhouse on Wednesday.
He tried to make all then, but was ultimately outclassed and beaten a long way. This, however, is a huge drop in class.
At Thurles tomorrow Willie Mullins’ Secant Star gets the vote in the Listed Horse And Jockey Hotel Hurdle. The ex-French horse was set to record a clear-cut success on his Irish debut last Christmas, but for falling at the final flight at Leopardstown.
He then made no mistake at Gowran Park in January, beating subsequent winner, Capellanus, by seven lengths.
A safe wager at Navan tomorrow is Noel Meade’s Dylan Ross in the second division of the Irish Form Book Maiden Hurdle. He has won bumpers at Galway and Down Royal and the four-year-old is particularly promising.
