Navan Race Preview: Analyzing the Contenders for the William Hill Each Way Extra Handicap Chase
The William Hill Each Way Extra Handicap Chase at Navan on February 8th, 2026, promises a competitive field of 17 runners. Examining recent form reveals key contenders and potential pitfalls for punters. The going is heavy, and low numbers appear to have an advantage, a factor trainers will undoubtedly consider.
Banter At The Bar: A Recent Victor
Banter At The Bar, a 6-year-traditional gelding, enters the race with strong recent form, having won a chase at Punchestown over 2m 7f on soft ground last month. This victory, beating John The Diva by 5 lengths, positions him as a leading prospect. His current OR is 122.
John The Diva: Seeking Redemption
John The Diva, the horse Banter At The Bar defeated, will be looking to bounce back. Even as finishing second at Punchestown over 2m 7f on soft ground, a mistake at the second last fence proved costly. The 9-year-old gelding has shown capability, but consistency is a concern.
Contenders with Mixed Form
Several other horses present fascinating cases, though their recent form is more varied. Supreme Gift (IRE) struggled at Cheltenham, finishing 13th of 24 in a 3m handicap chase. Hermino AA (FR) finished 6th at Cork, while Choccabloc secured a 2nd place finish at Fairyhouse, 14 lengths behind Nelson County.
Potential Longshots and Risks
Horses like Kings Hill (IRE) and Evies Vladimir (IRE) have shown limited recent success. Gringo D’aubrelle (FR) fell at Punchestown in January, highlighting the inherent risks of National Hunt racing. Where’s Frankie (IRE) and So They Tell Me (IRE) have consistently finished towards the rear of the field in recent outings.
Heavy Ground Considerations
The heavy ground at Navan will favor horses with proven stamina and experience on soft surfaces. The race distance of 3 miles will test the endurance of all contenders. Horses that have performed well on similar ground conditions, like Banter At The Bar and John The Diva, are likely to have an advantage.
Understanding Handicap Chases
Handicap chases are designed to level the playing field by assigning weights to horses based on their official rating (OR). Higher-rated horses carry more weight, theoretically making it more difficult for them to win. This adds a layer of complexity to predicting the outcome, as a horse’s weight can significantly impact its performance.
The Importance of the Jockey
The skill of the jockey is crucial in navigating the challenging conditions and making tactical decisions during the race. Jockeys like G P Brouder (riding Banter At The Bar) and P T Enright (associated with John The Diva’s form) have a proven track record and can significantly influence a horse’s chances.
FAQ
Q: What is the distance of the race?
A: The race is 3 miles long.
Q: What is the going like at Navan?
A: The going is heavy.
Q: Which horse recently won at Punchestown?
A: Banter At The Bar won at Punchestown last month.
Q: Does track position matter at Navan?
A: Low numbers are considered to have the best chance.
Did you know? A fall at any point in the race can dramatically alter the outcome, making National Hunt racing unpredictable.
Pro Tip: Pay close attention to horses that have performed well on similar heavy ground conditions in the past.
Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as we approach the William Hill Each Way Extra Handicap Chase at Navan. For more in-depth horse racing coverage, visit Sky Sports Racing.
What are your predictions for the race? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
