TIMESAREACHANGING’s maiden hurdle win at Navan last month was promising for a number of reasons. In a field of 12, Andy Slattery’s charge was one of just two making their hurdle debut, and he was entitled to still be in need of a run, having been off the track for 23 months before finishing third in a Limerick bumper in December.

The trainer’s post-race comments also suggested he held the winner in high regard, with the Albert Bartlett mentioned, and the novice subsequently entered for the Cheltenham Grade 1. Speaking on Friday, Slattery told The Irish Field: “He’s a good, staying horse; I really don’t know how good he is yet.”

Slattery will know a lot more later today, as the Times Are A Changing Racing Syndicate-owned chesnut lines up in the Grade 3 Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle at 1.55pm. It’s a significant step up in class, but Timesareachanging has exceeded expectations ever since joining Slattery, the trainer explains.

“When we got him at first, we thought he was a 100-rated handicapper, but he just kept improving and improving,” he says. “After the lads bought him (for just £19,000), he got a leg injury – that’s why he was off so long, and I got him around October time. He’s a lovely horse, he jumps well, he does everything right.”

Mahler’s progeny have a reputation for making light of testing conditions, and Slattery confirms that Timesareachanging is no different. “I think he’ll love it,” he says regarding the heavy ground at Gowran. “He’s fit and well, and going there in great form. I just hope he’s good enough.”

Timesareachanging’s maiden hurdle win ties in with the form of his main market rival Bally Free today. Gordon Elliott’s charge got the better of Melbourne Shamrock, who subsequently finished fourth to Slattery’s inmate, though the fact that those races came over different distances means it’s not an entirely fair comparison.

Timesareachanging’s nearest rival at Navan, Court Compliance, had previously beaten Bally Free by 11 and a half lengths, but that was the latter’s first start under rules, and he has improved since.

Elliott, who seeks his third straight win in the race, is also represented by Lord Rouge, who made a perfect start over hurdles in December before disappointing in the Ballymore Novice Hurdle.

Two mares complete the field - John McConnell’s dual winner Walks The Talk and James King’s Changeyourstars, a winner last time out at Limerick.