UK Horse Racing Tips: Naas

Ballinrobe bumper winner KALIX DELABARRIERE was too keen and made a bad mistake when starting off over hurdles in a 2m4f Leopardstown maiden. The Galiway gelding couldn't find any extra in the closing stages when runner-up to a subsequent winner on testing ground here last month and now takes a further drop in trip with a hood and tongue-tie applied for the first time. Walk On The Beach won a bumper on yielding ground in August after which connections reported that he had been jumping well at home. He is an interesting hurdling debutant but may not want the ground as testing as this. Hello Jack has been well held in both hurdle outings but has place claims again.
Prediction : 1st Kalix Delabarriere 2nd Walk On The Beach 3rd Hello Jack

KOOL ONE has been placed behind Willie Mullins-trained winners in both starts over hurdles, including over C&D, and makes a quick reappearance after finishing second at Gowran Park last weekend behind a rival who was rated much superior to him on the Flat. Conor Maxwell's prominent racer relishes testing ground and his amateur rider is again likely to make plenty of use of him. Shoda had useful Flat form over 1m4f and made a promising jumping debut when a place behind Bacchanalian at Limerick over Christmas. She may be able to improve past her former stablemate, who had the run of the race when winning here last month but is, nonetheless, a progressive and experienced juvenile.
Prediction : 1st Kool One 2nd Shoda 3rd Bacchanalian

Heavy ground is a concern for FLEUR IN THE PARK but he looks the one to beat. 2m7f may have stretched his stamina at Limerick last time and the six-year-old should be suited by a return to the distance, over which he was narrowly beaten in a Grade 2 at Navan. He might be flattered by that bare formline having been given a fine tactical ride but, nonetheless, looks to have a few pounds to spare if handling conditions, which he did to reasonable effect in bumpers. Course winner Joystick, who was outclassed in a Grade 1 last time, will relish conditions and may leave that run behind, while Jacob's Ladder may improve further after landing a maiden over this trip.
Prediction : 1st Fleur In The Park 2nd Joystick 3rd Jacobs Ladder

A decisive winner on handicap debut at Limerick, BALKO D'ANGE made a few mistakes before being outstayed by an in-form rival over 2m3f at Punchestown last time. Philip Fenton's five-year-old, who handles heavy ground, should be suited by dropping back in trip and is open to further improvement. Despite making mistakes at the last two hurdles, Duke Of Leggagh knuckled down well to win over C&D earlier this month. The front pair drew clear of the remainder, including fifth-placed Miss Gherkin, on that occasion and better jumping can see the winner contend again. Kimy was not unfancied when second in a valuable mares' handicap at Leopardstown but her stablemate, San Aer, is more likely to handle underfoot conditions.
Prediction : 1st Balko Dange 2nd Duke Of Leggagh 3rd San Aer

With the Gavin Cromwell yard continuing to fire in the winners, WILL THE WISE could prove the horse to beat on his handicap debut. Unbeaten in a point-to-point and bumper, the six-year-old has run with credit on three of his four starts over hurdles. Runner-up on his jumping debut at Punchestown in November, he was considered good enough to contest a Grade 2 hurdle at Navan on his next start. Although finding that a bridge too far at that stage of his career, he has looked much more like the finished article in two subsequent starts. Stablemate Bridie's Beau remains of interest despite a further hike in the weights, while Cato's Revenge is another worthy of consideration for trainer Philip Rothwell.
Prediction : 1st Will The Wise 2nd Bridies Beau 3rd Catos Revenge

With plenty of chat about both the runner-up and third horse, the bumper SPINNINGAYARN won at Navan is likely to have been well above average. The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding showed real battling qualities to get back up close home to edge the verdict on that occasion and the five-year-old can book his Cheltenham ticket here by maintaining his unbeaten record. I'll Sort That benefited from a spin over hurdles before landing a Fairyhouse bumper on his second start. Although more is required now, the gelding is open to improvement. Strong Link will need to step up on previous efforts but has crucial race experience which should stand to him against more unexposed opposition in this contest.
Prediction : 1st Spinningayarn 2nd Ill Sort That 3rd Strong Link

Although having a bit to prove having been pulled up last time, SHANNON ROYALE rates the percentage call. The Gordon Elliott-trained seven-year-old had been in excellent form prior to that lapse, stepping up on two second placed finishes to come home in front at Punchestown in December. Connections have wisely decided to claim off the top-weight here, with the excellent James Smith easing the burden by 5lb. Point-to-point winner No Flies On Him looked a smart prospect earlier in his hurdling career but failed to build on initial promise. He remains of considerable interest over fences, while Fascile Mode is another that needs to step up on previous chasing efforts but is certainly capable of getting into the mix here.
Prediction : 1st Shannon Royale 2nd No Flies On Him 3rd Fascile Mode

BLOOD DESTINY should appreciate returning to the minimum trip having been outstayed at Thurles on his reappearance. The Willie Mullins-trained gelding boasts some very smart novice form from last season, including a win at this track. A win here could see him book his Cheltenham ticket, where he would hold live chances in one of the handicaps. The veteran Espanito Bello loves it here but faces a stiff task if he is to record another success at his favourite track. At the same time, the 11-year-old looks the biggest threat to the Mullins contender. Rebel Gold, another in the twilight years of a successful career, might be good enough to take minor honours.
Prediction : 1st Blood Destiny 2nd Espanito Bello 3rd Rebel Gold