UK Horse Racing Tips: Naas

PEPPER'N SALT hadn't shown much on the level, but he was far more promising on his hurdling debut at Thurles, overcoming an error two out to retake second place. Gavin Cromwell looks to have found a good opportunity for the four-year-old to go one better. Battle Of Wills was rated 90 at his peak on the Flat and has to be of interest on his debut for Gordon Elliott, while Annie Pender showed some promise on her debut at Punchestown and is worth a second glance at least.
Prediction : 1st Peppern Salt 2nd Battle Of Wills 3rd Annie Pender

Sutton Place has been off the track for almost two years, but he won this contest in 2017 beating the smart Supasundae with ease. He could be a major player if fully wound up for his return, but STORMY IRELAND looks the safer option. Willie Mullins' mare already has two wins to her name this season, the latest coming in a mares' Grade 3 at Leopardstown, and she should be capable of handling the drop to this trip. Australian raider Big Blue was well off the pace in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and has a bit to prove now, so perhaps Charles Byrnes' four-times hurdle winner Off You Go is worth a place on the shortlist instead.
Prediction : 1st Stormy Ireland 2nd Sutton Place 3rd Off You Go

CAREFULLY SELECTED was Grade 1-placed behind Minella Indo over hurdles at Punchestown last term and recently slammed City Island by 24 lengths when landing a Grade 3 novice chase at the same venue two weeks ago. He's carrying a penalty today but is expected to take it in his stride before potentially progressing to the top level over fences. Ronald Pump has made an encouraging start to his chasing career in between his hurdles spins and appears the principal threat. Recent Thurles winner Elwood looks best of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Carefully Selected 2nd Ronald Pump 3rd Elwood

Bumper winner THE BIG GETAWAY failed to justify favouritism when fourth in a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown last month but the experience gained is unlikely to have been lost on Willie Mullins' charge, who is expected to take closer order. Foxy Jacks took a step in the right direction when picking up the silver medal over the extended 2m7f at Thurles and could benefit from the fitting of first-time cheekpieces. January Jets and Farceur Du Large could feasibly sneak some minor money.
Prediction : 1st The Big Getaway 2nd Foxy Jacks 3rd January Jets

It could pay to side with MISTER EDDMAN for Oliver McKiernan and Barry Browne. The trio teamed up to win over an extended 2m3f at Punchestown last month and a 5lb rise might not be enough to anchor him if arriving in the same mood. Like An Open Book still travelled well when falling two out at Thurles last week and hopefully that nasty experience won't have dented her confidence, while Saint D'Oroux, Morning Skye, Lean And Keen and Youngnedofthehill add further spice to a competitive handicap.
Prediction : 1st Mister Eddman 2nd Like An Open Book 3rd Saint DOroux

Caravation readily won a beginners chase over 2m here three weeks ago, for all her task was made a lot easier when main danger Good Thyne Tara fell three out. She now switches to handicap company off a fair mark of 128 and must enter calculations, but preference is for Leopardstown scorer BEST BEHAVIOR. The seven-year-old justified strong market support when winning comfortably over the Christmas period and can remain competitive off an 8lb higher mark. At the foot of the weights, recent course (2m) second Dasmyhoss is another name to note.
Prediction : 1st Best Behavior 2nd Caravation 3rd Dasmyhoss

Dylrow got the better of BILLAWAY (second), Edwulf (third), Val De Ferbet (fourth) and Coastal Tiep (fifth) on St Stephen's Day at Down Royal but it could be Willie Mullins' charge who comes out on top here. Like a lot of runners from the stable, he could well improve for that comeback run and Patrick Mullins now takes over the reigns from Noel McParlan. Edwulf got squeezed up at a crucial stage that day and can figure prominently in this event, with Jamie Codd catching the eye aboard Casey Jem, who makes his first appearance for the champion trainer.
Prediction : 1st Billaway 2nd Edwulf 3rd Casey Jem