Blackmore returns from injury at Naas today
Rachael Blackmore makes her return from injury at Naas today Photo: ©INPHO/Tom Maher
The Naas Christmas Party race day takes place on Monday afternoon, with seven races on the card for festive racegoers to enjoy.
The action begins at 12:30, with Slade Steel, with Rachael Blackmore on aboard after recovering from injury, a key attraction as the exciting Henry De Bromhead novice continues his chasing career after a promising start at Navan in November. With the final race at 15:30, there is plenty of action to enjoy, and here is a preview of the card, with selections and odds courtesy of BoyleSports, who offer the latest Leopardstown Christmas Festival odds.
Bar One Racing '100% Acca Boost On Self Service Terminals' Beginners Chase As a horse who ran strongly the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham last spring, Slade Steel is a recognisable name who is set to go off as odds-on favourite in just a second outing over fences. A first outing resulted in a second placed finish at Navan and lessons will have been learned from that experience.
Kieron Gammel Naas Member Handicap Chase (0-102) In the second race, the first handicap of the day sees Mahlers Cove taking on Irish Impulse, who is on a hat-trick following their last meeting at Tipperary on November 22. On a track more suited to him, the former could spring a surprise.
Sign Up To GavinLynchRacing.com Maiden Hurdle For this race, a large field of 23 runners will take to the course for the 2m3½f trip, with Karbau the likely frontrunner as a winner in France who makes a debut for WIllie Mullins in this race. He will likely be challenged by JP McManus-owned Shuffle The Deck, who has shown promising form since making a National Hunt debut last month.
Bar One Racing 'Guaranteed Multiples All Shops' Maiden Hurdle Up next, Hearts And Spades is a consideration and one to watch in the markets. However, Colonel Nelson sets the standard in a weak race and can be expected to lead from the front despite a switch from bumpers to hurdles.
Gener8 Engineering Mares Maiden Hurdle In this Mares race, 23 runners will tackle a course of just over two miles, as they face the hurdles. The standout name is Baby Kate, who won two bumpers before a disappointing run at Aintree in April, however, a hurdles debut is an eye-catching run for a horse who was bred by former Premier League striker, Kevin Doyle and now trained by Willie Mullins.
John Thomas McNamara Series (Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle (80-95) For the penultimate race of the day, No Big Deal is the most promising option following a strong run on soft ground at Limerick 27 days ago, which yielded a fourth place finish. Meanwhile, after a third place at Navan 29 days ago, O'Faolains Glory will be one to keep an eye on.
Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction (Pro/Am) Flat Race Finally, the only Flat race of the day sees a number of inexperienced horses who will hope to make a name for themselves in the future. One debutant who stands out is Kara De Thaix, who makes a first appearance for Willie Mullins.
Selections - odds courtesy of BoyleSports
12:30 - Slade Steel - 4/7
13:00 - Mahlers Cove - 14/1
13:30 - Karbau - 8/11
14:00 - Colonel Nelson - 13/8
14:30 - Baby Kate - 3/1
15:00 - No Big Deal - 8/1
15:30 - Kara De Thaix - 7/4
