UK Horse Racing Tips: Naas

BLACKBOW was a top bumper performer a couple of seasons back, winning a Leopardstown Grade 2 before acquitting himself with great credit at the highest level at the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals. He was forced to sit out the last campaign but it can be safely assumed that Willie Mullins has him back on track and he can start his jumping career with a win. The Very Man was still bang in contention when crashing out at the last on his hurdling bow but the primary threat could be Embittered, who was very smart in NH Flat races last term. You Can Call Me Al isn't out of it either.
Prediction : 1st Blackbow 2nd Embittered 3rd The Very Man

The JP McManus colours have been carried to glory in the last two renewals and the leading owner is well represented again. Gavin Cromwell attempts to follow last year's win with the ill-fated Espoir D'Allen with Arverne, although his claims aren't as obvious as the other two McManus runners Gardens of Babylon and Quartz Du Rheu. The latter's stablemate TIGER TAP TAP is most interesting, though, because he made Sir Erec pull out all the stops on his jumping debut prior to a couple of visits to the top table, and it is notable that Willie Mullins sends him straight here rather than taking in a maiden first. Surin is another to consider with fitness on her side.
Prediction : 1st Tiger Tap Tap 2nd Quartz Du Rheu 3rd Gardens of Babylon

Cilaos Emery stormed into the Arkle picture with a classy performance on Gowran's Thyestes card, but a subsequent setback forced him out of the rest of the campaign and that lack of chasing experience is a worry. There are no such concerns regarding ORNUA, who danced every dance in the spring and was rewarded with Grade 1 glory at Aintree. Duca De Thaix progressed through the handicap ranks but didn't appear up to this afterwards, while Winter Escape needs further.
Prediction : 1st Ornua 2nd Cilaos Emery 3rd Winter Escape

Bothar Dubh has made great strides since returning to action and has risen a total of 24lb since pipping Nibblers Charm at Ballinrobe towards the end of August, although his rival has also struck since and is 9lb better off. Prospectus, Caer, Allez Kal and Sayar are all fit from the Flat but perhaps a chance can be taken on KILFENORA, who reverted to the smaller obstacles to make the frame at the Punchestown Festival and seems happiest in this sphere.
Prediction : 1st Kilfenora 2nd Nibblers Charm 3rd Bothar Dubh

Four of these carry the colours of JP McManus, the pick of which may be Fairly Legal, who rates a leading player on the form of his second over 2m at Gowran in February. However, this is his first outing since so preference is for ASK HEATHER, who showed a fine attitude to open her chase account at the second attempt when returning to action at Tramore over 2m last month. The step up in trip should suit the three-time point-to-point scorer and a mark of 109 looks workable with improvement expected. Trumps Ace and Arctic Light are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Ask Heather 2nd Fairly Legal 3rd Arctic Light

French bumper winner ELIXIR D'AINAY did little wrong on his debut for Willie Mullins in January, chasing home a well-fancied Gordon Elliott runner in a Punchestown maiden hurdle, pulling well clear of the remainder. He gets the nod to make a winning return but looks set to do battle with an Elliott inmate again, with Column Of Fire's bumper second in February being boosted by the third winning well last weekend, and he should give a good account now back over obstacles. Mullins saddles another French recruit in the shape of Et Dite, who won both her NH Flat outings (including a Grade 3) in her native land and warrants the utmost respect.
Prediction : 1st Elixir DAinay 2nd Column Of Fire 3rd Et Dite

TOWER BRIDGE ended last season by chasing home subsequent Arkle hero Duc Des Genievres at Gowran and then picking up the silver medal in the novice handicap chase at the Cheltenham Festival, and that form gives him strong claims as he has his sights lowered for his reappearance. This is far from straightforward, though, with Grade 1 bumper winner Tornado Flyer highly respected on his chasing bow despite a slightly disappointing hurdling campaign. Cracking Smart is expected to show the benefit of his pipe-opener at Limerick last month.
Prediction : 1st Tower Bridge 2nd Tornado Flyer 3rd Cracking Smart

ANNIEGUIRE shaped with promise when second between the flags in April and is expected to show up well on her first start under Rules now debuting for Gordon Elliott. Belper Rose is improving with experience for Noel Meade and is the one expected to put up most resistance, though big runs from Hill Of Truth and More Info are also forecast, and it would come as no surprise to see Willie Mullins' newcomer Some Might Say take centre stage as well.
Prediction : 1st Annieguire 2nd Belper Rose 3rd Some Might Say