The Yellow Clay goes for hurdling hat-trick in Grade 2 that was rich source of Cheltenham Festival winners last season

It's probably safe to say there are not three future Cheltenham Festival winners hidden away among this year's field for the Navan Novice Hurdle and, on paper anyway, it appears to be a pretty straightforward assignment for The Yellow Clay.

Last year this race went to subsequent Supreme winner Slade Steel from Lecky Watson, with Albert Bartlett winner Stellar Story in third and Martin Pipe scorer Better Days Ahead fourth.

It is lacking the same strength in depth this year but The Yellow Clay posted a Racing Post Rating of 142 when winning a Grade 3 over this course and distance last month and looks towards the top of the pecking order of Gordon Elliott's novice hurdlers.

Despite a slight error two out, The Yellow Clay powered clear up the run-in to put ten lengths between himself and Where's My Jet at the line. The runner-up had won his previous two starts and looks a good yardstick for the form.

Fleur In The Park, who was a well-beaten third there, tries again but perhaps the biggest danger to The Yellow Clay is stablemate Patter Merchant, who was tapped for toe over two miles on his last visit to the track but will be more in his comfort zone here. He's dangerous under Danny Gilligan and might prove a spot of value.

What they say

Gordon Elliott, trainer of The Yellow Clay and Patter Merchant
The Yellow Clay was a quality bumper horse who ran in some big bumpers last season, especially at Punchestown. He's done nothing wrong on his two starts over hurdles and was well on top at the line when winning at Navan last time. This looked the logical place to come next and he seems to have done well at home in the three weeks between the two races. Patter Merchant will appreciate this longer trip and probably found two miles too sharp behind Bleu De Vassy.

Andy Slattery, trainer of Fleur In The Park
I definitely think we can get closer to The Yellow Clay this time. He missed a bit of work after he won his maiden hurdle at Wexford and I don't think he was quite himself last time.

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Will The Wise
He probably bumped into a good horse when he was second to Irancy at Punchestown and I'd say two miles was a bit too sharp for him as well. This trip will suit better and I think he's a nice horse.

Anthony McCann, trainer of Rockstown Girl
She's probably a bit underrated. She was bang there when she fell at Cheltenham last time but she's none the worse for that spill and seems in very good form at home. I just hope the ground doesn't go too soft on us.

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