Thousand Stars bids to make his first appearance at Navan a winning one when he lines up in the Ladbrokes Boyne Hurdle.

The nine-year-old has to give weight all round due to winning the Grade One French Champion Hurdle, and was last seen finishing second behind his brilliant stablemate Hurricane Fly in the Irish Champion Hurdle.

"Hopefully he's back to his best form. He's not run in Navan before, but I'm sure it's a track he will be well able to handle. While he has got winners' penalties, I think he is getting into better form, so I hope it's a nice opportunity for him," said champion trainer Willie Mullins.

Mullins also saddles On His Own, who has his first start since last year's John Smith's Grand National as his preparation for another crack at the Aintree showpiece gathers pace.

"I think he'll handle the ground. It's a nice introduction to get him back before the National and he won't be as at home over hurdles as he is over fences, but I have to start him somewhere," said Mullins.

Dessie Hughes believes his representative Si C'Etait Vrai has it all to do against Thousand Stars.

"He's a very nice horse but he has a tough task against Willie's horse. Thousand Stars is not far off Champion Hurdle class. It seems like (in) all these conditions races you have to beat one of Willie's. This looks the right race for him and he won well the last day," said the County Kildare trainer.

"Anything from two and a half miles to three is fine, he`s qualified for the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham and he'll probably run."

Thyestes Chase winner Jadanli has his first run over hurdles for three years before being aimed at the Irish Grand National, and trainer Paul Gilligan said: "He's going over hurdles for a change of scenery. He's in good form but we're taking on Thousand Stars and On His Own.

"I do not expect him to win, but hopefully he will return home safe and sound. The Irish National is still the plan for him. I thought about running him in the Bobbyjo Chase but decided against it. If Cheltenham turned up soft, he might run in the JLT Handicap Chase."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests