Navan 2:44 Result

Southern Boulevard has the strongest and most progressive form line in the field - 5-3-2, clearly improving with each run, and already carries an official rating of 83, the highest in the race by some distance (Abletai's 90 came via easier maiden company early but has since faded to two below-par efforts, 8-2-6-6). Southern Boulevard's third last time out was in a stronger event and she's trained by G M Lyons, a top yard for sharpening up 2yo maidens, with Colin Keane taking the ride - a booking that signals confidence. Blue-blooded pedigree (No Nay Never out of a winning female family) suits this minimum trip well and she looks the type to have more to offer over 5f as she matures. Atlantic Bridge (44) and Always Magic (84) are others with fair form but neither shows the same upward trajectory or class edge. The unraced/lightly-raced fillies (Jungle Tina, Rollin'onariver) and the ones with flat form figures (Rathbran Lady 00, Syrah 0) look to be up against it fitness and form-wise. Abletai's rating looks flattered by early company and his last two runs (6,6) suggest he's found his level. Given Southern Boulevard's rating advantage, positive placings, and stable/jockey confidence, she looks the value combination to defy what should be a competitive market price and win this maiden.