Review NAVAN 28TH JAN

Jazz Messenger and Snow Tern added to Noel Meade's strong novice hurdle hand when the pair recorded an impressive double for the local trainer.

No Where To Hyde, runner-up in the Pierse Hurdle a fortnight ago, was sent off an uneasy 11/10 favourite for the 2m winners hurdle but was no match for Jazz Messenger from two out.

Niall Madden's mount quickened smartly between the final two flights and, despite a slight mistake at the last, drew clear to score by a convincing six lengths.

'Slippers said he just took off like an aeroplane and he's entered for the Supreme Novices Hurdle. I run Iktitaf in a Grade 2 at Punchestown next Sunday and we'll see what happens,' said Meade.

Cashmans quote him at 20/1 for the Festival opener but Meade warned, 'He could be more of a Liverpool horse as he's very quick'.

Snow Tern completed the stable double half-an-hour later, this time under Denis O'Regan in the 2m7f maiden hurdle.

'I have big plans for him but their all next year as I'm thinking of him as a future chaser,' said Meade after the six-year-old gelding asserted before the last to beat Imperial Sun by 5L.

'He's entered in the SunAlliance Hurdle and the three miles Brit Insurance at Cheltenham but I don't know whether we'll bring him over,' commented Meade.

Qudraat, a 7,000 guineas purchase at the Newmarket Sales last autumn, showed the benefit of a couple of jumping starts when taking the opening maiden hurdle in fine style.

Robert Power's mount was left with a clear advantage after All Diamonds fell at the penultimate flight, and stayed on strongly to beat Cuan Na Grai by 3 1/2L.

Chetwind Music proved a fortunate winner of the 2m1f beginners chase with odds-on favourite Lissbonney Project exiting when holding a narrow lead at the last.

The 4/5 market leader twisted in the air and lost his footing on landing after the last, ironically leaving the mistake-prone Chetwind Music to come home 9L clear under John Cullen.

Back In Business was eased right down by Michael Darcy in the closing stages to record a three lengths winning verdict in the opportunity handicap hurdle.

The Penitent Man (Kevin Coleman) overcame a ten months lay-off to get the better of a protracted battle with Captain Gucci in the 2m1f handicap chase.

The three miles beginners chase was a real test of stamina on the sticky ground, and Mr Babbage stayed on best on the run-in to beat Theatre Lane by 8L.

Alan Magee