UK Horse Racing Tips: Naas

Dundalk runner-up FIRST APPROACH can go one place better. The Aidan O'Brien-trained No Nay Never colt made eyecatching late headway to take minor honours on that initial run last month. Sure to have benefited from that introduction, he can make the most of a potentially favourable high draw. Award Ceremony, who finished third in that aforementioned maiden, is also entitled to be sharper now. Donnacha O'Brien's filly ran green when coming off the bridle, but is likely to be a different proposition on this second start. Both the Aidan O'Brien-trained Kansas and Jessica Harrington's Taiyi are newcomers worthy of consideration, especially if the market speaks in their favour.
Prediction : 1st First Approach 2nd Award Ceremony 3rd Kansas

TOMARLO should be all the better after his recent third at Tipperary. Noticeably weak in the market, the David Marnane-trained three-year-old travelled into the race strongly before weakening inside the final furlong. Likely to be much straighter, the son of Iffraaj has the potential to be a lot better than a mark of 67. Nicely drawn towards the stands side, the gelding should be capable of making his presence felt against more exposed opposition. Navan winner Beano Power should be competitive off an 8lb higher rating. Eddie Lynam has few peers when it comes to training sprinters, so further improvement would not surprise. Sarahmae, who beat the selection last time, is another with leading claims.
Prediction : 1st Tomarlo 2nd Beano Power 3rd Sarahmae

Having finished third on his debut at the Curragh, EVENING BLUES should take the beating. The Ger Lyons-trained colt didn't really get the run of the race on that occasion, having to wait for the gaps to open before keeping on late. Even then, the son of Blue Point gave the distinct impression that he would be all the better for the experience. As the only runner in this field with a previous outing to his name, he has a definite advantage. A half-brother to a dual Group 1-winning sprinter, Gstaad has to be respected on his racecourse debut. Aidan O'Brien's other representative Albert Einstein also warrants consideration on his first start.
Prediction : 1st Evening Blues 2nd Gstaad 3rd Albert Einstein

A progressive sprinter last season, PINAR DEL RIO can make a winning debut for Kieran Cotter. Narrowly denied at the Curragh on his return last April, the gelded son of Havana Gold tends to run well fresh. With Paddy Harnett claiming a valuable 5lb and provided that the low numbers are the place to be, the six-year-old has to be very competitive. With Colin Keane a notable booking, the Paul Flynn-trained Rappell enters calculations. A three-time winner last term, the Soldier's Call gelding should be all the better for his return at the Curragh. Never Shout Never can also play a leading role.
Prediction : 1st Pinar Del Rio 2nd Rappell 3rd Never Shout Never

In a race which has the potential to become quite tactical, GAZELLE D'OR is a tentative selection. Michael Grassick's filly is a strong traveller who will be suited to getting a lead before being produced from off the pace. A winner at the Curragh last time, the daughter of Equiano is 5lb higher. However, having only had the 10 career runs, she could still be open to further improvement this term. No Return, who was clear after a furlong when making all to win his maiden, rates a threat. Jorge Alvares adopted similar tactics to win at Dundalk, so supporters will be hoping that they don't cut each other's throats vying for the lead.
Prediction : 1st Gazelle Dor 2nd No Return 3rd Jorge Alvares

Recent C&D maiden winner KALIXA may be progressive enough to cope with this step up in class. The Dermot Weld-trained filly quickened up smartly to lead over two furlongs out before keeping on strongly to repel all challenges. With just the three starts to date, the daughter of Kingman is open to any amount of improvement. She is certainly in the right hands to develop into a leading middle-distance horse this season. Island Hopping, who beat the selection at Gowran last September, arguably sets the standard. Third in a Group 3 at Navan recently, the Aidan O'Brien-trained filly should improve from that outing. Tamam Desert is one who could run well at a bigger price.
Prediction : 1st Kalixa 2nd Island Hopping 3rd Tamam Desert

If first-time blinkers work the oracle, GALVESTON can resume winning ways. Strongly fancied when a beaten favourite on his racecourse debut last September, the Frankel colt subsequently made all to win at this track. Again somewhat disappointing on his seasonal reappearance in March, the application of headgear may just see him in a better light. With just the seven runners, Wayne Lordan might be able to dictate from the front. Despite being unraced on grass, the Ger Lyons-trained Heather has shown enough to suggest that she can make her presence felt. Killarney maiden winner Tangapour is almost certainty better than he showed at this venue on his return.
Prediction : 1st Galveston 2nd Heather 3rd Tangapour

Fourth over C&D at the beginning of the season, SHARAYKA can make the most of that experience. Well supported to make a winning debut, the daughter of Pinatubo shaped with plenty of promise before weakening late on. With the second and third horses both going on to win subsequently, that form has a solid look about it. Given time to recover, the Dermot Weld-trained filly should also be more at home on this better ground. Paddy Twomey debutants always deserve maximum respect - a remark that applies to Bond International here. Any market support should be noted. Weld's second string Katashuna shouldn't be left out of calculations on her initial appearance.
Prediction : 1st Sharayka 2nd Bond International 3rd Katashuna