Review NAVAN 18TH NOV

Lyreen Wonder and Barry Cash landed the Pierse Contracting Troytown Handicap Chase for the second successive year in front of a large crowd.

The Arthur Moore-trained gelding was sent clear after four out, and had enough in reserve to hold on by 3 1/2L from fav Over The Furze.

Commanche Court kept on well under topweight just a head further back in third, while Arctic Copper was fighting it out for the minor placings when a faller at the last.

'He runs well fresh, and Barry gave him a lovely ride. He seems to be getting his jumping together, and may go next for the Tripleprint Gold Cup at Cheltenham,' said Moore.

The remainder of the card provided a number of important clues for the future, with impressive displays among the novice brigade.

Over The Bar made a winning start over hurdles, leading two out and drawing clear under Charlie Swan to beat Spirit Leader by 6L in the Monksfield Novice Hurdle.

'He has been working nicely with Ned Kelly, and I was delighted with the way he jumped,' said trainer Edward O'Grady.

He added: 'He may go next for the two miles Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse in a fortnight, although I think he wants a longer trip.'

O'Grady also reflected on the defeat of Ned Kelly in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown saying, 'He's as fresh as paint this morning. He had an easy race at Down Royal, and I feel he blew up yesterday.'

Swan was also aboard another exciting novice when Like-A-Butterfly justified odds-on support in the maiden hurdle.

The 7yo mare is 8/1 fav for the Supreme Novices Hurdle with Cashmans after leading before the straight for a very easy 8L victory over Rule Supreme.

'At the moment I'm guessing,' said trainer Christy Roche in relation to a recent bug affecting his Curragh yard.

He added: 'Le Coudray was taken out of the novice chase as he didn't eat up this morning, and that is very out of character for him. I didn't think this mare was ready for a hard race, and luckily she didn't have one.'

Macs Gildoran (Ruby Walsh) could head next for the Drinmore Chase at Fairyhouse after also landing the odds in fine style in the beginners chase.

'He's entered in the Drinmore, although I may go next for a winners race to give him more experience', said trainer Willie Mullins.

Well Fella (12/1-10/1) was quietly supported in the 3yo maiden hurdle, and travelled strongly throughout under Stephen Curtis before drawing clear on the run-in to beat Zamnah by 7L.

'He's tough, stays well and is a fine jumper,' said Cathal McCarthy of the first juvenile hurdler he has trained.

Heroic and John O'Meara came out on top after a thrilling finish to the bumper.