Naas Racecourse: Preview and Tips for Saturday’s Seven-Race Card

Naas Racecourse presents its latest seven-race Flat card on Saturday afternoon, with the feature race being the valuable Pat Smullen Stakes; a two-year-olds’ Listed contest.

Read on for a full report of the Naas card, courtesy of BoyleSports, who offer the latest Galway Festival odds.

The afternoon’s action begins with a five-furlong two-year-old fillies’ maiden (1.57). With a field of 15, five of which have never been seen before, this could prove to be anyone’s race. Of those with form, Michael Butler’s Practical Move is currently the best, having finished third of seven behind the talented Havana Anna over course and distance on debut. On the basis of pedigrees, however, she looks very vulnerable to the likes of By The Lake - who hails from a Group One winning family - and Coolmore’s Cactus, a daughter of Wootton Bassett. By The Lake is the best quality on paper and comes from Ger Lyons’ stable, who has an excellent strike rate of 27% about his two-year-olds on turf this season.

We stay with the two-year-olds for the next race, this time over six furlongs (2.32). There are just three debutants in this field of nine, of which Ridersinthesky is equipped with cheekpieces already, which isn’t overly attractive. Just A City Boy, though, was an expensive breeze up buy, and connections will be hoping he can make an impact on his first performance. It won’t be straightforward for him, however, in amongst the likes of Lyons’ pair; last-start winner Sir Alfie, whose penalty is counteracted by a claiming jockey, and Howd’yadoit, who was only a length behind the former that day. That said, The Piper’s Call, who showed an impressive turn of foot on debut behind the high quality Flushing Meadows, might prove to be the best of the bunch.

Next is an apprentice handicap over six furlongs (3.07). Carrigans Grove won at this track over a furlong less last time out, but has been heavily penalised for that run and, though given weight back by a claiming rider, might find it difficult to win again from stall 15. Goldmoyne looks to have a solid chance from the innermost draw, having run a good race at Fairyhouse on reappearance and is entitled to come on for the run.

Again over six furlongs, the following race is a very competitive fillies’ and mares’ handicap (3.42). Aurora Nova seeks a hat-trick, having won both last starts over five furlongs, while the consistent and reliable Gazelle d’Or looks likely to be involved once again. Some life may be breathed back into Where’s Clare by newly equipped cheekpieces and Agouti Bear should have a chance here if she gets some luck in running and could be spot on with the handicapper now to win this.

The greatly anticipated Pat Smullen Stakes is next, a Listed race run over a mile (4.17). Three of the eight runners are newcomers, so they must all be believed at home to be of some class; Wyman, whose pedigree is the most promising of the debutants’, Blue Blue Moon and Genchev. Aidan O’Brien sends debut winner Daytona into the mix and he is naturally a main player, but if Wyman is on point for his first go, he may prove to be even better.

The penultimate race is over an extended mile and a quarter; a three-year-olds’ handicap (4.50). There’s something of a lack of decent form on offer from this term, save an extremely impressive win last time out at Gowran Park by Casheldale Lass, who has been raised accordingly in the weights. Behind her that day was Whats New, who wears a first-time visor here and could improve for it for at least a place, remaining on the same mark. But, Lisnadill looks to have been given a fair chance by the handicapper for this and could surprise.

Our finale is a three-year-olds’ rated race over seven furlongs (5.20). Juddmonte have two runners here; debut winner Fingerpaint, and the more exposed Storm Piece. Both should run big races, but the quality Iceford could be expected to bounce back from a below-par showing at Royal Ascot and take the win here for his in-form trainer.

Naas selections - Saturday:

1.57 - By The Lake 

2.32 - The Piper’s Call 

3.07 - Goldmoyne 

3.42 - Agouti Bear 

4.17 - Wyman 

4.50 - Lisnadill 

5.20 - Iceford