UK Horse Racing Tips: Naas

A big field for the opener but only a handful have claims and LYNCHES KNOCK is taken to go one better after his runner-up effort at this venue last month. The third-place finisher in that race has endorsed the form and Gordon Elliott's four-year-old, who holds a Fred Winter entry, can put his experience to good use having had two good runs in academy hurdles prior to his latest outing. Star Of The Week has had two solid runs in maidens and is a leading contender, while Triumph entry Dschingis Desire, a winner over 1m4f in France, is likely to leave behind a disappointing hurdles debut at Leopardstown.
Prediction : 1st Lynches Knock 2nd Star Of The Week 3rd Dschingis Desire

A decent handicapper on the Flat for Sir Mark Prescott, IMMEDIATE EFFECT lived up to his name when winning on stable debut at Punchestown. He was outclassed in a Grade 1 at the Dublin Racing Festival earlier this month, but the Study Of Man gelding can take full advantage of this drop in class. On ratings and a line of form through Narciso Has, a good case can be made for Adrienne and her latest run, where she dropped away after a bad mistake, is readily forgiven. A winner over 1m2f at Longchamp last May, Majolique holds a Triumph entry and commands plenty of respect.
Prediction : 1st Immediate Effect 2nd Adrienne 3rd Majolique

PEACEINTHEVALLEY was well clear of third-placed veteran Rebel Gold when finding one too good over a longer trip here last month and Henry de Bromhead's unexposed seven-year-old is taken to make the breakthrough now. He had previously shown up well over this distance on handicap debut and testing ground holds no fears for JJ Slevin's mount, whose light weight is another positive. Progressive in handicaps prior to a below-par run at Navan, Fierce Handay is capable of bouncing back to form, while Whimsy, a fine third in a mares' contest at the Dublin Racing Festival, should be involved in the finish again but her overall record suggests that she is more likely to place than win.
Prediction : 1st Peaceinthevalley 2nd Fierce Handay 3rd Whimsy

In first-time cheekpieces MELBOURNE SHAMROCK appeals off an initial mark of 121. Sold for 125,000 pounds after winning a point-to-point, the Hillstar seven-year-old has been running well of late, going down by just a head on his penultimate start. Carrying the Grand National and Gold Cup winning silks of Robert Waley-Cohen, the lightly-raced bay makes his first appearance in handicap company and a positive showing here might see him book his ticket for Cheltenham. First and third at Punchestown on Wednesday, Well Del and Ontheropes are set for a quick turnaround, with the former sure to be well fancied in his bid to follow up. D Art D Art and Minella Sixo are others for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Melbourne Shamrock 2nd Well Del 3rd D Art D Art

IT'S GOOD TO TALK looks a very interesting contender on his racecourse debut. A Gleeson family homebred, the Caravaggio grey is a half-brother to Raise You and A Dream To Share, with the latter winning the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham and the Punchestown equivalent in 2023. Bought by current connections for 170,000 pounds after finishing third on debut in a bumper at Aintree, Low Kick is sure to have plenty of supporters. Second to an impressive winner on his Irish debut at Navan last month, it'll come as a surprise if he's not involved towards the business end. An 11-length winner on good to yielding at Tipperary in October, State Pension warrants the utmost respect, while Ludus Magnus is the most interesting of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Its Good To Talk 2nd Low Kick 3rd State Pension

Despite his advancing years, it's difficult to look beyond 2024 Champion Chase hero CAPTAIN GUINNESS. While he has yet to put his best foot forward this season, he should appreciate this significant drop in class. Fourth in the Fortria at Navan in November, where the selection pulled up, Touch Me Not appears to be the main threat. He has already beaten all of his rivals in recent months and while having to give weight all around here, he might still come out on top. Already successful at this grade in 2024, Blood Destiny warrants the utmost respect, despite the fact he pulled up when last seen at Fairyhouse.
Prediction : 1st Captain Guinness 2nd Touch Me Not 3rd Blood Destiny

An embarrassment of riches for JP McManus, with his five representatives all capable of taking this competitive heat. Three In A Row, who sports first-time cheekpieces, and Goraibhmaithagat appear to be his principal contenders, with the pair second and third to the reopposing Rusheen over C&D last month. Bidding for a fourth win in a row, Kobalt St Georges might still be ahead of the handicapper, while Leopardstown winner Kish Bank and the Willie Mullins-trained Magic McColgan are others to keep on side. For a selection, it might be worth taking a chance on THE BUSY FOOL. A smart performer over flights, he has been disappointing of late, but could be a different proposition starting off in handicap company.
Prediction : 1st The Busy Fool 2nd Goraibhmaithagat 3rd Kobalt St Georges