UK Horse Racing Tips: Naas

NEWBROOK DIAMOND is taken to make it third-time lucky over flights. An encouraging second on his racecourse debut here in November, he was a little disappointing when third on his latest start at Punchestown. However, Jack Kennedy later reported that his mount hung badly left throughout, and perhaps a return to this left-handed circuit will bring out the best in him. Takenasred has been knocking on the door and had a subsequent winner directly behind when second on his penultimate start at Down Royal. Third when last seen at Ayr, it'll come as no surprise if he manages to make the breakthrough now. Starting off over flights, the Willie Mullins-trained Future Prospect warrants the utmost respect.
Prediction : 1st Newbrook Diamond 2nd Takenasred 3rd Future Prospect

One of three last-time-out winners in the line-up and racing in first-time cheekpieces, CUMBERLAND RIVER gets the nod. Finishing with a flourish to win going away at Limerick over Christmas, the Gordon Elliott-trained four-year-old takes a step up in trip and it should play to his strengths. Making all and easily accounting for 19 rivals at Fairyhouse, Run For Cover is the second choice. Upped 10lb, she might still be ahead of the handicapper. Coming from last to first to make the breakthrough at Down Royal on St Stephen's Day, Boston Bobby warrants the utmost respect as well.
Prediction : 1st Cumberland River 2nd Run For Cover 3rd Boston Bobby

Since this race's elevation to Grade 1 status in 2015, Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins have won all bar one renewal between them. Mullins appears to have the upper hand in this year's renewal and although Paul Townend rides Saint Baco, he might be upstaged by stable companion SORTUDO. Very impressive when winning a bumper at Fairyhouse in April, he again won with consummate ease on his first try over flights at Cork. Successful on his Irish debut at Navan early last month, Saint Baco is the second choice. He beat Lazare De Star, who gave the form a boost by winning at Leopardstown over Christmas. The choice of Jack Kennedy, Classical Creek looks the pick of Elliott's three.
Prediction : 1st Sortudo 2nd Saint Baco 3rd Classical Creek

Given Gordon Elliott's rich vein of form at present, HARTFORD might be good enough to take this on debut. Bought for 235,000 euros, the Blue Bresil bay represents top connections and is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Handstands. The French-bred Quiryn is also well related, with 2015 Prix du Cadran hero Mille Et Mille a half-brother. Trained by Willie Mullins and set to be partnered by his son Patrick, it'll come as a surprise if this Sottsass gelding is not involved towards the business end. Easy to back when springing a 33/1 surprise in an academy hurdle at Navan last month, Coole Cafe had a subsequent winner behind and warrants the utmost respect in her bid to follow up.
Prediction : 1st Hartford 2nd Quiryn 3rd Coole Cafe

BOSSOFTHEBROWNIES proved himself a force to be reckoned with in the staying division when a close third in a Grade 2 contest at Punchestown. Finishing strongly, he was just a short head behind Koktail Divin, with that one since impressing at Leopardstown over Christmas. Flicker Of Hope has been a real stable star for Mark Fahey and after finishing an encouraging third over a trip short of his optimum on his chase debut at Wexford, he proved tough when making the breakthrough at Fairyhouse. Now upped to his favoured distance, it'll come as no surprise if he manages to follow up. Getting a weight allowance on account of his age, Kurasso Blue is sure to prove popular with punters and is likely to be very much in contention.
Prediction : 1st Bossofthebrownies 2nd Flicker Of Hope 3rd Kurasso Blue

Willie Mullins' representatives come into the race on the back of disappointing efforts. The choice of Paul Townend, Karamoja appears the pick of the trio, with this French import placed at the highest level over flights last season. Not given a hard time of it when her chance was gone at Fairyhouse before Christmas, she blundered at the last and is likely to step forward from that comeback effort. For a selection, THE GREAT NUDIE gets the nod. A point-to-point winner, she was a good third in a Listed mares' hurdle at Punchestown in November and a reproduction of that performance might be good enough. A faller when favourite at Tipperary in July, four-time winner Gaoth Chuil warrants the utmost respect.
Prediction : 1st The Great Nudie 2nd Gaoth Chuil 3rd Karamoja

One of three JP McManus representatives in the line-up and the choice of Mark Walsh, MCLAUREY should be good enough to take this. Successful over flights at the Dublin Racing Festival last season, he has shown enough in recent starts to suggest a win in this company is well within his range. Navan winner Battle Of Ridgeway will be well fancied to follow up, while Rockbrook is turned out again quickly after making virtually all at Tramore on New Year's Day. After an early mistake, Golden Joy was never involved at Leopardstown over Christmas and it'll be interesting to see if first-time blinkers have the desired effect.
Prediction : 1st Mclaurey 2nd Battle Of Ridgeway 3rd Rockbrook