The abandonment of Gowran Park means punters can concentrate solely on Navan, where the mighty Yeats returns for yet another campaign.

Connections are gearing his season around Royal Ascot again and in the hope he can make history by winning his fourth Gold Cup, they are treading a familiar path.

The classy stayer has started his year by winning the Listed Vintage Crop Stakes for the past two seasons and connections fully expect him to do so again.

He should have no problem in justifying their faith, but the testing ground will suit UK raider The Betchworth Kid while Baron De'L has race-fitness on his side. They can fight it out for minor honours.

The Vintage Crop Stakes is ably supported by the Navan Sprint Stakes, in which Le Cadre Noir makes a quick return following his third to Inxile in the Woodlands Stakes.

The extra distance will suit, but he faces a stern test from Inxile's stable companion Masta Plasta who warmed up with a second at Lingfield last week, while compatriot Wi Dud is another set to play a major role.

The action starts with the Navan Chairman Supporting Special Olympics Ireland Handicap at 2.15 and Dermot Weld has an interesting contender in Tabaahi who has shown little but has now had the obligatory three runs.

Weld saddles leading contender Cihangir in the Carnaross Mart Handicap, and he has the David Wachman pair of Andrea Palladio and Astonish to beat. Dedo cannot be ruled out either.< Wealdmore Wave brings the best form into the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race, but it is nothing special and it would be no surprise if this went to a newcomer. Kevin Prendergast's Gypsy Rose appeals on paper.

Call Me Alice was runner-up in Listed company last season so should find the Rotary Club Of Navan Maiden well within her compass, while the Drumbarragh Stud Maiden can go the way of Ballydoyle colt Crowfoot

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