UK Horse Racing Tips: Naas

LOCAL LAD can continue the fine recent form of the Gerard O'Leary stable. Considered good enough to make his debut in Group 3 class at the Curragh in May, the son of Sea The Moon justified that decision in finishing a close up fourth. Despite a slightly disappointing reappearance at Thirsk last month, the gelding is afforded another chance on this third start. A full-brother to a three-time Grade 1 winner in America, the Aidan O'Brien-trained Jousting has to be of interest. Although lacking previous experience, the Into Mischief colt has the pedigree to make up into a pattern performer. Stablemate Galveston, who proved disappointing when sent off odds-on favourite on his recent debut, is almost certainly capable of better.
Prediction : 1st Local Lad 2nd Jousting 3rd Galveston

The Michael O'Callaghan-trained OCEAN MANIFEST can make up for a below par run at Leopardstown. Sent off 2/1f for that latter contest, the colt dropped out of contention over a furlong out. On the basis of his debut second at Fairyhouse in July, the son of Siyouni is the horse to beat. That form was well advertised with the third, fourth and fifth all winning subsequently. A first-time tongue tie should aid his cause here. Auburn Avenue could offer each-way value on her return from a break. Third in a maiden over course and distance in May, the Chris Timmons-trained filly subsequently ran well in handicap company. Sacred Oath is another capable of getting involved at the business end.
Prediction : 1st Ocean Manifest 2nd Auburn Avenue 3rd Sacred Oath

SMOKE THEM OUT can land this valuable prize for trainer Tom McCourt. Although raised 9lb for his recent Cork win, the Sands Of Mali colt was always travelling easily before quickening up smartly to go clear inside the final furlong. In a race where one or two of the leading fancies have questions to answer, the McCourt runner looks the most solid option. Dropping back to sprinting may not be ideal for The Parthenon but Aidan O'Brien's colt is clearly the class horse. Last of eight in the Group 1 National Stakes, this represents a significantly easier task. Navan nursery winner Last Encore will need to improve but the fact that he is his stable's only runner is worth noting.
Prediction : 1st Smoke Them Out 2nd The Parthenon 3rd Last Encore

Progressive three-year-old MY MATE ALFIE might be able to give weight away. The Ger Lyons-trained gelding showed that he was capable of doing so when running out an impressive winner of the Bold Lad on his penultimate start. Back in Group company last time, he continued his improvement when following up at the Curragh. As the one potential top flight sprinter in this, it would be no surprise to see him complete the hat-trick. Torivega needs everything to fall right but the Sheila Lavery-trained four-year-old undoubtedly has the ability to be competitive. Billy Lee takes over in the saddle for the first time here. Big Gossey seldom runs a bad race but tends to reserve his best for the Curragh.
Prediction : 1st My Mate Alfie 2nd Torivega 3rd Big Gossey

STAYSOUND SUSIE won in good style over this trip at Cork and is less exposed than her rivals. Andy Slattery's three-year-old has a preference for soft ground but performed well on a sound surface when second over C&D in July and may have more to offer after a relatively light campaign. Apache Outlaw comes here on the back of a win over 5f at the Curragh but the best of his form prior to that had been over this trip. Stag Night was well handicapped when landing last year's renewal and faces a stiffer task off top weight while Heavenly Power, not beaten far in a premier handicap last time, may fare best of Eddie Lynam's three runners.
Prediction : 1st Staysound Susie 2nd Apache Outlaw 3rd Heavenly Power

FACETHEPUCKOUT has a good record over C&D and beat recent Listowel winner No More Porter in this race last year. Michael O'Callaghan's eight-year-old was also on target here in July when partnered by Colin Keane and the champion jockey is back on board. The selection has a bit to find with Orandi on the basis of a clash at Listowel and the latter, a 7f winner at the Curragh in the spring, may be helped by the addition of cheekpieces. The selection's stablemate I Am Superman retains plenty of ability and has found only one too good in two his last three starts while Bellaphina, who disappointed on AW debut last time, is better judged on her previous victory at Fairyhouse.
Prediction : 1st Facethepuckout 2nd Orandi 3rd Bellaphina

Placed twice in maidens in the early part of the season, FINSCEAL LUAS looked a bit ring-rusty when second over a mile at Listowel on her first start since finishing down the field in the Irish 1,000 Guineas. The daughter of Camelot made late headway to chase home a useful Ballydoyle-trained newcomer and can confirm placings with Final Curtain who looked to go a stride too quickly in front before fading to finish four lengths behind her on that occasion. Whispersinthewind, a creditable fourth in a recent Navan handicap after five months off, and Empress Xj, who makes a belated debut after being bought for 160,000euros at a breeze-up sale last year, are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Finsceal Luas 2nd Whispersinthewind 3rd Final Curtain