Navan 2:17 Result

This is a typically messy 19-runner Irish maiden hurdle with little standout class, so I'm leaning on the highest official rating in the field. Any Chance is rated 94, notably higher than the other exposed rated horses (Rumble Demosa 90, Mr Devlin 90, Bethpage Theatre 79, Banphrionsa Alainn 77), giving a solid form-book edge over this weak assembly of maidens. His recent form figures (005-68) show he's already been racing competitively without winning, but placing at a decent level, and a 7-year-old with that rating class should have more scope than several of the younger, unproven types stepping up into this trip for the first time. Gordon Elliott's pair (Returning Officer, Vargas) are interesting purely on stable strength but neither has form figures suggesting they're close to winning (677 and P/P-56), and Elliott's third-string types in maidens are often there simply to find their level. Rumble Demosa (90 OR) is the closest form rival but has been running around 90-rated placed form without winning and the 770 figures aren't inspiring. Mr Devlin, fitted with a visor and dropping/stepping around, is another with a similar profile but his rating and scrappy form (0800-5) suggest he's held on for backable claims. Given the depth of unexposed types in this field, backing the horse with the clearest, highest rating and battle-hardened experience (Any Chance) is the most defensible single-selection strategy, even without a red-hot recent piece of form.