NAVAN 14:25 4l6k6r

Non Runners: DUSHREMBRANDT (IRE), MORE MADNESS (IRE). Fences: 17.

Time: 6m 30.8s

Overrounds: Industry SP 156%, Betfair SP 100.8%

A very competitive renewal of this valuable handicap chase, on paper at least, but plenty of them never landed a blow, Balbriggan making every yard and likely to have won a bit easier but for a couple of late errors.

BALBRIGGAN (IRE) didn't need to improve to land a big gamble, taking full advantage of what looked a very workable mark, in control some way out and having a bit more in hand than the official margin would suggest; made running, blundered 2 out, in control when jumped left last, always doing enough; will remain of plenty of interest, be it in this sphere or back over hurdles, though it would come as no surprise if connections were to save him for the big spring Festivals.

OWEGA STAR (IRE) a Grade 2 winner over hurdles at this track, ran well on form back over fences, just unlucky to bump into even better treated than himself, this trip clearly well within range; mid-field, headway before 3 out, second 2 out, kept going well; will remain of interest in these events.

GROODY HILL (IRE) who won this race (from a 5 lb lower mark) in 2011/12, proved at least as good as ever tried in cheekpieces back over fences; mid-field, headway early final circuit, forced to switch between last 2, stayed on strongly, nearest finish; worth another try at further than 3m.

BACK OFF MATE (IRE) remains in good form; mid-division, pushed along entering straight, one paced.

VASCO DU MEE (FR) ran well on form, in a deeper contest than he has been contesting, but more is required if he is to defy this mark; held up, ridden 4 out, kept on, never landed a blow.

MY MURPHY (IRE) after 7 months off, ran well on form; raced wide, tracked pace, second 4 out, outpaced early in straight, kept on again run-in; should prove suited by long distances.

PANDORAMA (IRE) after 10 months off, well into the veteran stage now and not the horse he once was, this sort of mark probably summing him up nowadays; mid-field, headway before 4 out, no further impression.

COLBERT STATION (IRE) after 7 months off, managed to complete for just the second time in 5 starts and showed some ability remains; dropped out, blundered 3 out, kept on, never better than mid-field.

NEARLY NAMA'D (IRE) failed to stay upped in trip; chased leaders, not always fluent, mistake tenth, fourth 2 out, weakened.

SUBTLE BEN (IRE) least exposed of these as a chaser, wasn't disgraced back up in trip; mid-field, forced wide entering straight, made no impression.

HE'LLBEED (IRE) has never won from a mark as high as this, but did enough to suggest he's still in good form; held up, headway before 4 out, plugged on, never a threat.

DOGORA (FR) after 8 months off, is on a stiff mark and failed to stay this 4f longer trip; mid-field, steady headway from 5 out, in contention entering straight, faded.

BENEMEADE (IRE) run best overlooked, for all he looks no more than averagely treated; dropped out, all but came down first, still plenty to do entering straight, plugged on.

BOSE IKARD (IRE) back on softer ground, in first-time cheekpieces, wasn't in same form as last time; chased leaders, in contention 4 out, faded; may benefit from break.

LIVING NEXT DOOR (IRE) back over fences, ran poorly; held up, some headway before home turn, no extra.

SHAMIRAN (IRE) back over fences, ran poorly; close up, in touch 4 out, weakened early in straight; something to prove in this sphere at present.

CHICAGO GREY (IRE) again ran below form, is proving more miss than hit; mid-field, behind when clouted 5 out, laboured headway next, no further impression.

ROUGH JUSTICE (IRE) has been harshly dealt with by the handicapper; held up, never involved.

THOMOND (IRE) hampered and fell third.

RYE MARTINI (IRE) is on a fair mark judged on hurdles form but might have needed run after 11 months off; chased leaders, held (upsides Colbert Station) when fell 3 out.

ROGUE ANGEL (IRE) brought down third.

LION NA BEARNAI (IRE) after 7 months off, isn't the force of old; chased leaders, weakening when brought down 3 out.

WRONG TURN (IRE) never got competitive back over fences; held up, went in snatches, some headway early final circuit, in touch 4 out, met some trouble entering straight, hampered 3 out, pulled up before next; worth another chance.

LIKE YOUR STYLE (IRE) ran no sort of race; held up, pulled up before 3 out.

BLACK BENNY (IRE) patiently ridden, some headway before straight, plenty to do when hampered 3 out, pulled up before next.