UK Horse Racing Tips: Naas

CHARLES DARWIN has to carry a penalty for winning in Navan, but should be up to it. This full-brother to the top-class Blackbeard powered away from his rivals to win by five and a half lengths on soft ground. Afterwards, Aidan O'Brien commented that it could be the Coventry Stakes or Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot for him, so he looks to be a colt with a bright future. Joseph O'Brien's Spring Is Here started out in Listed company at the Curragh and acquitted herself well to be beaten just over two lengths into fourth, so that experience will stand to her. Cardiff By The Sea is a half-sister to a Listed winner so should be checked in the market along with the other newcomers.
Prediction : 1st Charles Darwin 2nd Spring Is Here 3rd Cardiff By The Sea

MONASTERBOICE could be a shade of value on this drop in class. He hasn't been at his best on his last couple of starts but, crucially, he has a fast-ground success over the same trip in Killarney last summer in the book. Colin Keane has been on board for his three career successes and is reunited with him. Instant Appeal was a market mover on his seasonal reappearance over further at Leopardstown last month, but weakened out of contention. He has been dropped 2lb and gets a first-time tongue-strap. A better performance is more than likely. Recent Cork maiden hurdle runner-up Killeaney Bear could have a say, while Nakasero and Independent Expert are others in the mix for a cheque.
Prediction : 1st Monasterboice 2nd Instant Appeal 3rd Killeaney Bear

The Ger Lyons-trained ONE SMACK MAC shaped well enough when third in this grade at Cork last month to suggest he should be good enough here. Staying on nicely inside the final furlong to reach the frame, the son of Kodiac gave the impression that he would be all the better for this additional furlong. With the form of that race having been franked by the winner subsequently, he holds leading claims. Copacabana Sands, who ran very well when fifth in a Group 3 at Leopardstown, should be competitive. Although still a maiden, Michael O'Callaghan's filly has plenty of upside. Dance Night Andday should be all the better for her recent return at Cork.
Prediction : 1st One Smack Mac 2nd Copacabana Sands 3rd Dance Night Andday

Narrowly denied over C&D last time, MISSISSIPPI RIVER can get back on the winning trail. Having reached the frame on all three starts as a juvenile, the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt was a staying-on third here on his reappearance in March. Getting off the mark in a maiden at Navan next time, he went very close on his handicap debut back at this venue subsequently. Despite being raised 5lb, the son of Lope De Vega looks progressive. Curragh maiden winner Beckman should appreciate this drop in class, on his first start in handicap company. The Ger Lyons-trained gelding has acquitted himself well in better grades. Va Va Vroom is another to consider on her seasonal reappearance.
Prediction : 1st Mississippi River 2nd Beckman 3rd Va Va Vroom

Having been very weak in the market when runner-up at Limerick on her reappearance, INDIGO DREAM should be much straighter now. The Ross O'Sullivan-trained filly kept on nicely inside the final furlong to take minor honours, while giving the impression she would be better for the outing. Her juvenile form, including when second at Leopardstown to a subsequent Listed winner, is very strong in the context of this race. Candleford Green, who cost 230,000gns as a yearling, was touched off on her introduction last October and Willie Mullins' filly shouldn't be long in going one better. Limerick third Hanamaya is entitled to have improved from that debut run.
Prediction : 1st Indigo Dream 2nd Candleford Green 3rd Hanamaya

Although yet to prove her effectiveness over this distance, the Ger Lyons-trained LADY IMAN is difficult to oppose. Unbeaten in two starts over the minimum trip, the daughter of Starman has looked one of the best juvenile fillies seen out to date. With nothing in her pedigree to suggest that she won't stay the additional furlong, she is taken to maintain a perfect record. C&D winner Simply Astounding rates the main danger for Aidan O'Brien. An impeccably-bred daughter of Wootton Bassett and Minding, she couldn't have been more impressive when making a successful debut last month. Bath winner Saffron Dandy has to be respected for the visiting Hannon team.
Prediction : 1st Lady Iman 2nd Simply Astounding 3rd Saffron Dandy

WHISTLEJACKET was defeated by Babouche in last year's Phoenix Stakes but ran a much stronger race than her on reappearance. A brother to Group 1 winner Little Big Bear, the selection maintained consistently high-class form through his juvenile year and can step forward from his recent Navan comeback win. Babouche was a top-class winner of the Phoenix and while forgiven a below-best effort on soft ground at Newmarket in September, she returned wearing a tongue-tie and needs to show more than that Cork fourth. Bodhi Bear steps up in grade following his Cork success over 5f.
Prediction : 1st Whistlejacket 2nd Babouche 3rd Bodhi Bear

MAGNUM FORCE won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint in November and can defy a 5lb penalty. Ideally suited by fast ground, his two-year-old form was consistently strong and he defeated high-class rivals at Del Mar. He holds an entry in Royal Ascot's King Charles III Stakes, which indicates that this distance is again likely to be his optimum. Bucanero Fuerte was retired to stud duties last winter, only for fertility issues to intervene. High-class on his day, he would prefer further, while his unorthodox preparation is also a negative. Powerful Nation is progressive and cannot be dismissed lightly.
Prediction : 1st Magnum Force 2nd Powerful Nation 3rd Bucanero Fuerte