UK Horse Racing Tips: Naas

With Aidan O'Brien saddling the last couple of winners of this contest, Darkest and Holy Roman Empress both warrant plenty of respect on their debuts, while the trainer's son, Joseph, also looks to have a strong hand with the twice-raced A New Dawn and newcomer Unforgetable. However, the vote goes to Jessica Harrington's IN THE PRESENT, who sets a fair standard having finished third in Listed company two starts ago before being beaten four lengths at Group 3 level over C&D last time.
Prediction : 1st In The Present 2nd Darkest 3rd A New Dawn

POWERSVILLE gets the tentative vote in what looks a fiercely competitive handicap. Thomas Mullins' charge brings winning C&D form to the table and she has turned a corner in recent weeks, stepping up on a close sixth at the Curragh to score nicely at Sligo. Third in the aforementioned Curragh event was Handsome Maverick and he warrants respect under Kevin Manning, while Baby Power and Trueba are others to keep an eye on.
Prediction : 1st Powersville 2nd Handsome Maverick 3rd Baby Power

RITA LEVI posted a number of solid efforts at two and left a disappointing comeback effort well behind when fourth over 6f at the Curragh last month. The speed which she showed that day suggests cutting back in distance will suit, and this could be her time to shine. Castletownshend was edged out in a 6f course handicap last time and he is likely to give another good account, while Count D'Orsay, Designation, Wondrous Scene and Zippity are other respected players.
Prediction : 1st Rita Levi 2nd Castletownshend 3rd Count DOrsay

RAPHAEL kept on improving throughout last season and was last seen winning over C&D in impressive fashion in September. Kevin Prendergast's gelding went up 8lb for that effort, but he appeals as having scope for further improvement and can prove too strong for Star Quality, third on her return here last month, and Laethanta Saoire, who is likely to be suited by the drop in distance having disappointed at Down Royal last time.
Prediction : 1st Raphael 2nd Star Quality 3rd Laethanta Saoire

Leopardstown 1,000 Guineas trial winner Hamariyna made it two on the bounce when taking her first Group contest and, on pedigree, appears likely to be suited by the step up to 1m2f. However, she carries a 5lb penalty for that success and there is every chance the runner-up from Leopardstown, DEAN STREET DOLL, can reverse form. Richard O'Brien's filly contested the 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh, staying on for fifth and shaping as though the extra couple of furlongs would play to her strengths. Search For A Song, a half-sister to Group 1 performer Free Eagle and from a black type family her trainer has done well with over the years, made a pleasing start to her career at Fairyhouse and warrants plenty of respect, while Goddess could take a big step forward from her return performance at Navan earlier this month.
Prediction : 1st Dean Street Doll 2nd Hamariyna 3rd Search For A Song

INSANE BOLT never really looked like reaching a talented winner when second at Roscommon 16 days ago, but is clearly improving and seemingly handles varying ground conditions. The three-year-old has more scope than most of these and Ben Coen taking off a valuable 3lb in the saddle will also help. Phoenix Open has shown promise in three maiden starts and makes some appeal upped in trip for the first time on his handicap debut, while Alcander and Shamad can also hit the frame.
Prediction : 1st Insane Bolt 2nd Phoenix Open 3rd Shamad

Mater Matuta has shown potential in five career outings and would go close if running to her official rating of 72, while Kalanoura has a similar profile (rated 76) and should appreciate this step up in distance. Aidan O'Brien's Simply Beautiful makes greater appeal than her stablemate Quote, but this could go the way of BELLAKRIS, who doesn't look straightforward but might have more ability than what she has shown so far for Jessica Harrington.
Prediction : 1st Bellakris 2nd Simply Beautiful 3rd Mater Matuta