NAVAN 14:20

Non Runners: HURRICANE GEORGIE (IRE). Fences: 16.

Time: 6m 24s Closing Sectional: (3.1f): 49.1s (101%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 134%, Betfair SP 99.2%

The second last fence in the back straight was omitted on the final circuit due to a stricken jockey

Messrs Elliott and Mullins were responsible for over half the field but victory went to Peter Fahey's much smaller yard, which has now landed 3 valuable staying chases this autumn, 2 courtesy of the thriving The Big Dog; the pace was sound.

THE BIG DOG (IRE) proved better than ever as he followed up his Munster National win, clearly a different proposition this campaign after rather losing his way in 2021/22 - a tilt at the Grand National is reportedly the aim and he has many attributes which should stand him in good stead at Aintree, chiefly being a largely fluent jumper with plenty of experience in big fields who has long appealed as one that will stay extreme distances; never far away, challenged from 3 out, not fluent last (jumped fine otherwise), stayed on well to assert run-in.

LIFETIME AMBITION (IRE) stripped fitter for his Grand Sefton run and posted a career-best effort with the type of trademark fluent display from the front that should keep him a big factor in similar company this winter - it bears repeating that he's well worth another try over the Aintree fences in the spring, be it in the Topham or the National itself; made running, went with zest, typically jumped well, briefly looked in control when kicking on home turn, still in front when pecked last, collared run-in.

DEATH DUTY (IRE) shaped similarly to last time faced with another barely sufficient test and is clearly no back number in top handicap company despite his advanced years; mid-division, lost place when hampered first, always on the back foot as a result and still plenty to do end of back straight, stayed on well latter stages, took third close home.

COKO BEACH (FR) fared better than of late, though was found wanting in the latter stages again; held up, hampered second, rapid headway out wide fifth, went second halfway, faded from 2 out, lost third close home.

FRONTAL ASSAULT (IRE) didn't have quite the chance that the market suggested but shouldn't be judged on this, probably using up too much energy to get into contention after 2 pieces of significant early interference - he's worth another chance off this sort of mark; waited with, baulked first, badly hampered second, took closer order around halfway, challenged home turn, not sustain effort.

RAMBRANLT'JAC (FR) possibly failed to stay the longer trip and is worth another chance in valuable handicap company; took keen hold in mid-division, jumped right first, in contention out wide leaving home turn, not sustain effort.

SCHOOL BOY HOURS (IRE) met a sad end, suffering a heart attack after the race having been never better than mid-field on his return from 7 months off.

DEFI BLEU (FR) is increasingly hard to catch right and failed to repeat his Cork National second, looking a hard ride to boot; mid-division, went in snatches out wide, took closer order sixth, struggling some way out, merely plugged on.

GLAMORGAN DUKE (IRE) seemingly isn't the force of old and was well held in very competitive company back over fences; in touch, already starting to struggle when mistake 4 out.

FLASH DE TOUZAINE (FR) found this too competitive and was never on terms.

EGALITY MANS (FR) is worth another chance off this sort of mark, a significant error at a vital stage putting paid to his chances on his return from 7 months off; mid-division, took a while to warm to his task (went in snatches after shuffled back third) but good headway when clouted 4 out, not recover.

REGINA DRACONES (IRE) was let down by her jumping again after 7 months off, falling heavily at the second when in mid-division.

PUNITIVE (IRE) unseated at the fifth when in touch.

GLENLOE (IRE) shaped similarly to last time, going as if in decent heart until let down by his jumping; mid-division, going well when bad mistake tenth, not recover (eventually pulled up before 3 out).

VELVET ELVIS (IRE) has made a most disappointing start to the campaign; in touch, slow third, lost place back straight, beaten some way out.

FIGHTER ALLEN (FR) was let down by his jumping under a change of tactics and has plenty to prove at present (easy to back here); dropped out, blundered sixth, all-but-came-down eighth and pulled up soon after, possibly amiss.

A WAVE OF THE SEA (IRE) ran one of his lesser races, adding to a patchy recent record; mid-division, behind from halfway.

FARCLAS (FR) was only 2 lb higher than when runner-up in last year's renewal but, returning from 7 months off, probably needed the run this time around; mid-division, in touch when not fluent 4 out, dropped away from home turn.