UK Horse Racing Tips: Naas

Last year's winner CADMIUM has been thrown in at the deep end in both starts so far this season, contesting Grade 1 races at Leopardstown, and this drop in class could see him successfully defend his crown. Although forecast heavy ground might not be ideal, it was officially soft when he won the Topham over 2m5f last term and he might just about get away with it over this distance. Ornua is the likely pacesetter and should run well back in the hands of Davy Russell, while top-rated Hardline has disappointed the last twice but ran a mighty race behind Min in the John Durkan in December.
Prediction : 1st Cadmium 2nd Ornua 3rd Hardline

BEST BEHAVIOR is two from two since switching to handicap company and could defy a further 7lb rise in the ratings. He finished strongly to deny Star Max over C&D last month and, with forecast heavy ground likely to make it an even greater test, he is fancied to confirm the form. Nonetheless, that was a big effort from the latter and he warrants respect off a 3lb higher mark, while the hat-trick seeking Castle Oliver and runaway Navan scorer An Fraoch Mor add further spice to the race.
Prediction : 1st Best Behavior 2nd Star Max 3rd Castle Oliver

ANDY DUFRESNE is three from four under Rules, with his only defeat coming at the hands of subsequent Grade 1 winner Latest Exhibition. He showed a fantastic attitude when edging out the exciting Captain Guinness at Punchestown last time and, despite having to concede weight to these rivals, he is very much the one to beat. Mt Leinster wasn't disgraced behind stablemate Asterion Forlonge at the Dublin Racing Festival and he ought to be in the mix here, while Beacon Edge shouldn't be underestimated having made the perfect start to his hurdling career at Punchestown.
Prediction : 1st Andy Dufresne 2nd Mt Leinster 3rd Beacon Edge

Instant Return certainly wasn't winning out of turn at Punchestown and should give a good account on his handicap debut, as should Pasley, a decent Flat performer who has struck the crossbar on each of his three hurdle starts thus far. However, a chance is taken on Noel Meade's LAURA BULLION. Her two third-placed efforts behind A Wave Of The Sea now look fairly strong with that gelding successful in Grade 1 company since and, with Eoin Walsh taking a valuable 7lb off her back, she is fancied to play a leading role.
Prediction : 1st Laura Bullion 2nd Instant Return 3rd Pasley

Lynwood Gold made an encouraging start to his racing career at Fairyhouse, although Jessica Harrington's primary hope is Port Stanley, who is beginning to reproduce his smart bumper form over timber. He may have to settle for another supporting role, though, because VILLAGE MYSTIC acquitted himself with great credit in good maidens prior to coming to grief at this venue, and compensation awaits. Pure Genius also looks to have plenty of ability, while Ennemi Public's Limerick third was boosted when the winner followed up in Grade 3 company.
Prediction : 1st Village Mystic 2nd Port Stanley 3rd Lynwood Gold

The long-absent Lord Erskine remains on a really nice mark in this sphere but the absence is a worry. There are no such concerns with Muhaafiz, who accounted for Bythesametoken over C&D two weeks ago and strives to confirm that superiority on 5lb worse terms. Greenpanda is interesting now she steps outside of maiden company, but great improvement is also expected from ARDAMIR on his debut for the Gordon Elliott stable because the Co Meath handler has excelled with this kind of potentially well-handicapped recruit before. Aarons Day must also be considered following his breakthrough Fairyhouse triumph.
Prediction : 1st Ardamir 2nd Muhaafiz 3rd Aarons Day

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