DON’T be surprised if both Gowran Park and Navan this weekend, along with Punchestown and Thurles midweek, attract larger than usual crowds. With good race-going weather conditions forecast, and time running out to get a run into Cheltenham hopefuls, it is likely that we will see more than a few clues for the great festival in the Cotswolds delivered today and tomorrow.

Gowran is centre stage today and takes that place even with Presenting Percy missing. What a draw he would have been for the Grade 2 Red Mills Chase, but it is still a hugely intriguing contest, four going to post for a race that will feature live on ITV Racing’s coverage this afternoon.

Most pundits seem to be only ruling out Edwulf as a potential winner, a horse who 12 months ago was being lauded for his victory in the Grade 1 Gold Cup at Leopardstown. That day last year saw Monalee win a Grade 1 novice chase on the same card and then find only Presenting Percy too good for him at Prestbury Park. He is on a mission to regain winning form and recent runs indicate that is a real possibility.

You have to go further back to find winning form for either Killultagh Vic or Anibale Fly, but a case could be made for both and the latter will be heading to Cheltenham next month attempting to better his third place finish in last year’s Gold Cup. There is a fascinating contest in prospect.

Many believe that there is no better test of a Cheltenham horse in Ireland than the track at Navan. It is Ladbrokes day at the Co Meath venue on Sunday where five of the seven races carry the name of the betting firm in their titles, the exceptions being William and John Flood’s Boardsmill Stud supporting the hunters chase and JP McManus’ Adare Manor being associated, as they are on many tracks, with the handicap hurdle confined to professional riders who have not lost their right to claim.

Most eyes will be on the remarkable Tiger Roll on Sunday when he makes his second start back after his famous victory at Aintree in the Grand National. Before he attempts to defend his crown at Liverpool there is the small case of getting ready for another trip to Cheltenham.

Had the diminutive son of Authorized never won the Grand National he would still be a racing hero for his record of winning at the Cheltenham Festival on three of his four visits there. He won the Triumph Hurdle, the National Hunt Chase and the Cross Country Chase and few horses have shown such versatility in their careers.

At the age of just nine he still has some miles on the clock, even with 32 starts already under his belt.

Navan has a distinguished history of racing. Racing has been held in Proudstown for almost 100 years and the venue has seen many transformations over that time. It is now one of the most modern venues in the country and with a host of restaurants, bars, a coffee shop and children’s’ area, there is something to suit all ages.

Ladbrokes Boyne Hurdle Day is one of the tracks’ biggest meetings during the National Hunt season and Peter Killeen and his team promise customers that whether you are an avid racegoer or completely new to racing, you are guaranteed to enjoy a friendly atmosphere, thrilling live action and wonderful facilities at Navan.

Navan has a range of hospitality options to suit all tastes and pockets, from finger food in their Sports Bar to a four-course silver service lunch in the Bective Restaurant. Package prices range on Sunday from €22 to €65.