UK Horse Racing Tips: Naas

The winner of a Grade 2 bumper at last year's Dublin Racing Festival, COLCANNON might be able to kick-start his career over hurdles. Second on his timber debut at Punchestown in November, he then disappointed at Navan. Given a few months off since that effort and upped in trip now, it'll be disappointing if he fails to deliver. Winning a Lingstown point-to-point in impressive fashion and subsequently purchased by JP McManus, Sine Qua Non is an interesting contender. A close third on his sole start under Rules to date, he might be best watched on his comeback from a lengthy absence unless the market suggests otherwise. Out of action for over two years before returning in January, Doctor Elvis is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Colcannon 2nd Sine Qua Non 3rd Doctor Elvis

BLAKE finished well ahead of Davy Crockett when they clashed at the Dublin Racing Festival and, on better terms now, the Noel Meade-trained Blake should be able to confirm his superiority. Narrowly beaten in the Royal Bond on his penultimate start, the selection is the highest rated runner in the line-up. Unbeaten in three starts prior to that Leopardstown effort, the aforementioned Davy Crockett still warrants the utmost respect, while it'll be interesting to see how Le Labo fares.
Prediction : 1st Blake 2nd Davy Crockett 3rd Le Labo

A first-time hood might have the desired effect on KING BOB. A real eye-catcher when coming from off the pace to finish a never-nearer third at Punchestown on New Year's Eve, he looks well capable of winning a contest of this standard. Well supported when successful on her handicap debut at Navan last month, Westandtogether is now dropped in trip and it remains to be seen whether that will suit. Narrowly denied at Limerick over Christmas, Might Be The One should give a good account of herself too.
Prediction : 1st King Bob 2nd Might Be The One 3rd Westandtogether

Now rated 136 over fences after going down narrowly in the Thyestes, BETTER TIMES AHEAD will be aiming to exploit his much lower hurdles mark. He already took advantage at Fairyhouse in November and looks capable of doing so again. In truth, this is a fiercely competitive affair and cases can be made for many others. An easy winner at Fairyhouse, Billy Lee Swagger can be forgiven his subsequent effort there after his reins snapped. Second at Leopardstown and Navan the last twice, Hgranca De Thaix is sure to have plenty of supporters, while handicap debutant I'm Slippy, a stable companion of the selection, is another of definite interest.
Prediction : 1st Better Times Ahead 2nd Billy Lee Swagger 3rd Hgranca De Thaix

HARVARD GUY can put a favourable chase rating to good use. A dual Listed winner and Grade 3-placed over hurdles in 2023/24, he missed 641 days prior to November's return and while well held this season, he caught the eye here last time and is unexposed at this trip. Mark Walsh is unable to do the weight on the selection but rides Goraibhmaithagat, who has obvious claims despite being 7lb higher than when scoring here last month. Built By Ballymore is 4lb out of the handicap, but ran well in first-time blinkers at Punchestown.
Prediction : 1st Harvard Guy 2nd Goraibhmaithagat 3rd Built By Ballymore

BALLYGUNNER CASTLE is an able performer and it is hoped he will leave behind a last-start tumble. A dual bumper winner and placed at Grade 2 level last April, he ran well on his chase debut at Punchestown before falling at that venue on New Year's Eve. He is suited by testing ground and is his yard's first string. Spread Boss Ted finished fourth in Cheltenham's 2024 Albert Bartlett, but then missed a year. His most recent Punchestown run was satisfactory, but he would prefer further. Champagne Jury was well enough held on his recent chase debut, but is useful and can place. Grade 1-placed hurdler Supersundae's overall form is inconsistent and he was well held on a recent reappearance run.
Prediction : 1st Ballygunner Castle 2nd Spread Boss Ted 3rd Champagne Jury

POETISA has good recent form and has shown nice promise to date. Out of a half-sister to top-class hurdler Macs Joy, she was purchased for 300,000 pounds following a debut bumper success and although disappointing on her hurdling debut in January, she improved from that effort subsequently. In that Navan race, she turned the form around with her Punchestown conqueror, chasing home smart winner Zanoosh. Kiltybo scored at Thurles, but must now concede 7lb to runner-up Moyneard and both probably need to improve to beat the selection.
Prediction : 1st Poetisa 2nd Kiltybo 3rd Moyneard