Naas Racecourse: Preview and Tips for Saturday’s Eight Race Meeting

It’s Oaks Trial day at Naas Racecourse on Saturday afternoon; an eight-race fixture which features the aforementioned Listed Stakes race and a premier handicap, alongside two further handicaps, three maidens and a rated race.

Read on for a preview of and tips for the Naas card, brought to you by BetVictor Online Casino.

We start with a two-year-olds’ five-furlong maiden (1.33). The Coolmore duo are Carry The Flag, who was second on debut at the Curragh, setting the standard on form, and the unraced Sun Goddess. Amo Racing run Ocean Club, whose debut was poor but is entitled to improve. Woodlawn Lily ran well on her first time out at Cork and may be capable of better on this firmer ground.

A five-furlong handicap follows (2.03). Phil’s Dream and Stone Bear both won last time out on the all-weather, but look unlikely to repeat the form here. Arctic Steps could be capable of a good run, as could Eichan San, who seems to prefer softer going. Plushy is an interesting contender, but has limited form on turf.

Race three is a six-furlong maiden for two-year-olds (2.35). Confucius and Bull Shark are the only two with previous form, both having picked up places. The former appears to be the better of two at present. The nicely-bred Selwyn may be dangerous, as might Luca Brilliante, but the Coolmore representative should improve plenty and ought to take all the beating.

A six-furlong handicap follows (3.10). There are three last-start winners in the mix; Genesis, Bint Majestic Roi and Sporting Hero, but all have risen sharply in the weights since and look vulnerable. Mehman was a close enough second of 14 last time over a mile and is tried over two furlongs fewer here, while the inconsistent Sommelier could be on a winnable mark if on a going day. He might be worth taking a chance on.

One of our feature races is next; the six-furlong Premier Handicap for three-year-olds (3.45). With lots of good recent form on the card and plenty of winners, this is a red hot race which could be difficult to decipher. Ocean’s Breath is one of the least exposed, and his form is very promising so far, with one win and two close placings. Dawn Romance is a course and distance winner who, although beneath her best last time at Cork, could do better on the sounder surface here.

Race six is a mile fillies’ maiden (4.20). A total of four of the 15 runners carry Coolmore colours; Chosen One and Feel Happy trained by Donnacha O’Brien, while his father Aidan trains Closely and Flower Forest. The latter seems to be the best of them at present, and ought to appreciate the step up in trip from her debut over seven furlongs. With lots of unraced fillies opposing though, it’s far from a certainty. Cromac Quay has good form also and should get involved again.

The 10-furlong Oaks Trial Stakes is next, a Listed three-year-old fillies’ race (4.57). Donnacha O’Brien’s Eretria won her latest start in a fairly average maiden, while Joseph O’Brien’s Mixed Feelings was a much more convincing winner of a similar race. Ice Dancer was well below form when reappearing for the season last month, apparently showing signs of coming into season, which could be the excuse. She would be a big danger on her best performances.

Finally, we conclude with a three-year-olds’ rated race, run over the same trip (5.30). Galileo Noir and Perisher both won on turf when last seen, while Golddream did the same on the all-weather. He steps up in trip here, which may suit, and he could hold his form for trainer David Marnane, whose horses have been running well.

Naas selections - Saturday:

1.33 - Woodlawn Lily e/w 

2.03 - Arctic Steps 

2.35 - Confucius 

 3.10 - Sommelier 

3.45 - Ocean’s Breath, Dawn Romance e/w 

4.20 - Flowers Forest 

4.57 - Mixed Feelings 

5.30 - Golddream