Southern France takes centre stage at Navan Southern France steps up in class in the feature at Navan on Saturday, the Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Yeats Stakes. A fast-finishing second on debut, the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt got off the mark at Leopardstown just last weekend, and will be well-fancied to follow up now. O’Brien also saddles Sizzling and Easter Lily in this one-mile-five-furlong contest, with both needing to improve on recent efforts if they are to trouble the likely favourite. British raider Yabass is an interesting contender for Archie Watson, while the Jessica Harrington trained Whirling Dervish is another to consider. Harrington saddles St Brelades Bay in the Mathews Agri Handicap, with 11 declared for the five-furlong event. The son of Camacho was successful on his last start at Dundalk, and looks to have strong claims here, with Oneoveryou, Smash Williams and Blue Uluru among the opposition. The hat-trick-seeking Bianca Minola looks the one to beat in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap. This Richard O’Brien-trained chestnut was already successful at Cork and Roscommon earlier this month, and she races off a career-high mark of 80 now. Recent Clonmel winner Scealai Aonair is an obvious danger, while handicap debutant Minnie Dahill is another who should be able to make her presence felt. Leigh Roche takes the ride on Scealai Aonair, and he will be aboard Dundalk winner Snow Patch in the Meridian Security 3yo Handicap. The Darren Bunyan-trained filly looks to have solid claims in this wide-open affair, with Tipperary winner Summerseat Dream, and the Joseph O’Brien-trained Boragh Steps others for the shortlist. Betsey Trotter and Hawaam are the stand-out names in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden, while Coral Beach looks the one to beat in Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden, after catching the eye when third on debut at Naas. The Navanadventuresports.ie And Multiactivity Pack Maiden has a more open look, with recent Dundalk runner-up Rapture’s Delight likely to prove popular with punters.
