Even by Irish standards, just four runners in tomorrow’s €70,000 Navan Novice Hurdle is a below average Grade One turnout in terms of quantity, but Briar Hill can again prove himself anything but below average in the weekend feature.
This is the seventh top-flight race of the season with an average runner field up to now of less than six. Only the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle a fortnight ago reached double-figures while last weekend's John Durkan was the lowest with just three lining up.
The concentration of potential top-class talent in comparatively few hands has paid off for Irish racing as a whole at Cheltenham in recent years but the consequent impact on domestic fare on the run-up to the all-import festival continues to provoke debate.
Low turnout
Gigginstown Stud have both Azorian and Very Wood in tomorrow's two-and-a-half-mile highlight but despite the low turnout, this is a potentially hugely-significant contest with some of the best Irish novice form being represented.
Apache Stronghold is undoubtedly the most accomplished of this quartet to date over hurdles having landed the Grade Two Monksfield over the course and distance last month.
Azorian was three lengths behind Apache Stronghold that day and looked a far from straight-forward ride on ground that was quicker than ideal.
Similar conditions are likely now yet Davy Russell sticks with Azorian over Very Wood who didn't look straight-forward himself when beaten here in the For Auction.
Briar Hill's sole start over hurdles was at Wexford and he did nothing he wasn't expected to when winning easily.
New career
The shock 25/1 Cheltenham Bumper winner has always reserved his best for the track and the promise he holds in his new career is reflected in ante-post betting for both the Neptune and the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham in which he shares top-billing with his stable companion Faugheen. Briar Hill isn't as flash as Faugheen but he can again successfully step up to Grade One class.
Tony McCoy isn't in Grade One action tomorrow but in terms of quantity, the British champion jockey could make a big impact, particularly with Colbert Station in the €50,000 handicap hurdle.
