Annie Batt can bounce back in Navan maiden

Annie Batt failed to build on her encouraging debut when disappointing at Navan in July but a drop in trip should suit the Equiano filly

Annie Batt is trained by the in-form Andy Slattery. Pic: Healy Racing

Wednesday’s eight-race Navan card looks especially tricky but Annie Batt can ensure punters start off on the right foot by winning the opening race, the five-furlong Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden.

Trained by the in-form Andy Slattery, the Equiano filly made a promising debut when beating all bar Grayrobin over this trip at Bellewstown in July, form boosted by Grayrobin following up at Cork next time out before finishing second at the Curragh last month.

In contrast, Annie Batt failed to build on her encouraging debut when disappointing at Navan in July. That, however, was over six furlongs and given she still ran well for a long way, she ought to be more comfortable back over five furlongs.

On that basis, she deserves another chance and she is fancied to get the job done, chiefly at the expense of the more exposed Bit Of A Buzz.

The second race on the card, the Navan Racecourse Handicap, is another five-furlong contest and looks a decent opportunity for Harry's Hill to back up last month’s Curragh success.

The Martin Hassett-trained eight-year-old was entered in a handicap at Bellewstown last week but that meeting was abandoned after just two races due to safety concerns after incidents where horses had slipped.

A week on, Harry's Hill, who won over course and distance as far back in 2020, will get the chance to maintain his recent upsurge in form and he ought to go close.

Fairylike, the sole Ballydoyle runner on the card, gets the vote in the finale, the Racing Again This Saturday Fillies Maiden.

The Lord Kanaloa filly shaped well when fourth on debut at Cork last month and, sure to be more streetwise for that experience, should go close in the hands of Wayne Lordan.

The Dermot Weld-trained Sunatia, who outran odds of 50-1 to finish second at the Curragh last month, will be a considerably shorter price this time but the Night Of Thunder filly may have to settle for minor honours again.

Navan selections

4.07 Annie Batt (Nap) 

4.38 Harry's Hill (NB) 

5.08 Friary Road 

5.40 Chapel Lane 

6.10 Chou Chou

6.40 Thompson Gunner 

7.10 No More Porter 

7.40 Fairylike 

Next best 

4.07 Bit Of A Buzz 

4.38 Gotta Catch'em All 

5.08 Timurshah 

5.40 Let's Smash It 

6.10 Perfect Judgement 

6.40 Micasso 

7.10 Zaraahmando 

7.40 Sunatia