Naas Racecourse: Preview and tips for Monday’s seven-race meeting

Racing fans were treated to both the Galway and Goodwood Festivals last week but the action carries on at Naas today, with seven competitive races on the afternoon’s card, which features the Ballyhane Stakes.

Read on for a preview of and tips for the Naas card from BetBrothers.

We begin with a six-furlong conditions race (14.17). Of those with ratings, Likedbymike is the best horse in the race, but her latest start was below form. She should find this easier and is usually much better. Bear On The Run is one of the least exposed, though, and won smartly at Dundalk last time. A Group Three entry for later this month promises plenty.

Next is a six-furlong handicap (14.47). Gavoo is now a pound below his latest winning mark and ought to be at the sharp end, while Red Evolution is nicely drawn and has dropped significantly down the weights since his latest start at the Curragh, finishing a good seventh of 20. Gotta Catch’em All seeks a hat-trick but looks to be in too difficult a position this time.

Race three is a five-furlong apprentice handicap (15.17). Dandy Land has been in good form lately, beaten under a length last time, and he’s nicely drawn today. Platino Bianco is a course and distance winner who looks to be competitive here after some consistently good runs, and her mark should be workable. Steel Magnolia, though, has been close behind her recently is is lower down in the weights here with a better draw.

A seven-furlong handicap follows (15.47). Bear Right has been consistently good in the last couple of months, so has a solid chance today, but Zhelezaya Dama looks better treated on this occasion. Volendam also should have at least an each-way chance for her new stable and has had some time to freshen up and settle in.

The fifth race is a handicap run over a mile and three furlongs (16.17). Dermot Weld’s Hamiyan is handy at this mark and should be capable of a big run today, but this trip is not a certainty. Daler is proven over this distance and can run well on his mark, while My Girl Grace is intriguing here after only two previous runs.

Second to last is the six-furlong Ballyhane Stakes for two-year-olds (16.47). There is over €100,000 prize money for the winner, making this a seriously competitive event. Maeda Matsu and Starlit are both newcomers, thrown in at the deep end for their debuts. They are likely up against it with the likes of Star Prospect and South Dakota in the mix, both of which have run well enough in pattern races, while Weekend Roar comes all the way from England to take part here after winning a nice novice race at Newmarket.

The concluding race is a mile maiden (17.20). Coolmore’s Venosa is still winless, despite being rated 89, having been used as a pacemaker in Group One races this term. This is much more within reach and she may have her opportunity now. There are numerous newcomers here, though, which throw big questions. Estrallita and Acula are smartly bred by prominent sires, the latter coming from a powerhouse stable also.

Naas selections - Monday:

14.17 - Bear On The Run 

14.47 - Red Evolution 

15.17 - Steel Magnolia 

15.47 - Zhelezaya Dama 

16.17 - Daler 

16.47 - Weekend Roar 

17.20 - Acula