Navan Sunday: Mary Tudor Can Be Crowned Queen in Salsabil Stakes

14:40 Committed Stakes

I must admit that I have backed Different League for the 1000 Guineas, although Aidan O’Brien is of the opinion that the 2017 Albany Stakes heroine is a sprinter. She has her first run for O’Brien having been bought by Coolmore from Con Marnane, and I think she looks a shrewd purchase, not just on what she achieved for Matthieu Palussiere last season, but because she is a big, robust filly, who ought to do even better this season. She is entitled to need the run with bigger targets ahead, but sets a very solid standard.

Bet: Back Different League @  (NAP)

15:45 Navan Welcomes Owners Today Apprentice Handicap

Doonard Prince was no match for Oneoveryou at Dundalk last time, but beat the others well enough, and the return to this track gives him every chance of getting abck to winning ways. Twice a winner at Navan last season, most recently when winning by nose from Nora Batt in October, he is favoured by a wide draw in this big field, and with a recent run to blow away the cobwebs. he is expected to go close.

Bet: Back Doonard Prince EW @ 

16:15 Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Salsabil Stakes

Mary Tudor remains a maiden, but showed form bordering on smart last season, and is bred to improve with the step up to ten furlongs this season, so may prove the answer to a tricky contest. Willie McCreery’s filly was placed in the Debutante Stakes, and travelled best in the CL Weld Park Stakes on her final start. She looks a match for her main rivals on paper, but could be sent off at bigger odds than she deserves.

Bet: Back Mary Tudor @