Johnstown Novices Hurdle (Grade 2)

Navan stage the rearrangeded Grade 2 Johnstown Novice Hurdle on Saturday. The race was originally scheduled for Naas last Sunday but the meeting was abandoned. On paper, this six runner contest looks a match between Cheltenham candidates, Coole River and Pittoni.  The former carries a penalty for his Leopardstown Graded win while the latter receives the allowances being just a 4-y-o.

Gigginstown supply two of the opposition with Start Me Up and Far Away So Close, but on what they have shown to date it is difficult to see them trouble the principals. Both are nice prospects for the future but a win for either in this event would be something of a surprise.

Lucky William and Thegreatjohnbrowne, who complete the sextet, have each shown ability at times. Both were decent bumper performers but have taken time to get the hang of things over hurdles. It would not be a huge surprise to see either horse trouble the principals here, and they look stronger candidates than the Gigginstown runners.

The race should, however, boil down to a match between top and bottom and, with negatives against each of them, it is a very difficult contest to call. Coole River has a winner’s penalty to carry and would possibly be better over further. Pittoni gets all the weight allowances but is only a juvenile and it is very early in the season to be taking on older horses. The stiff uphill finish and testing ground should turn this into a war of attrition and for this reason a slight preference is for the Harrington runner.

Summary: In a very difficult contest Coole River is just given the nod over Pittoni. With negatives about each, Lucky William may make the frame but with only the six runners there is no real eachway value.