Concerto handed Navan aim

Aran Concerto is to be upped in class this weekend as he contests the Grade One Barry & Sandra Kelly Memorial Novice Hurdle at Navan on Sunday.

Noel Meade's Zaffaran gelding has created a huge impression in his three racecourse appearances to date and the County Meath handler has high hopes for the future.

After winning a bumper by nine lengths on the bridle in October, he was travelling like the winner on his debut over timber before getting badly hampered at the penultimate flight.

He made no mistake last time though, winning a maiden hurdle by 14 lengths and earning some fulsome praise from his handler in the process.

"He runs on Sunday in the Barry and Sandra Kelly Memorial race," confirmed Meade.

"He's a nice horse. He's going to make an even better chaser in time but he seems to do everything fairly well at the moment.

"Fingers crossed he keeps progressing and going the right way."

Among the possible opposition to Aran Concerto this weekend is the Robert Tyner-trained Footy Facts and Michael O'Brien's Le Toscan.

Both are also highly regarded, having gained impressive victories on their most recent starts.

Badgerlaw, Hollywood Law, Kazai, Virginia Preuil and Grapevine Sally complete the potential line-up.