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

The jumps action is back on at Naas Racecourse on Saturday afternoon with a seven-race card, which features the Listed Opera Hat Mares Chase.

Read on for a preview of and tips for the Naas card, courtesy of BOYLE Sports, who provide all the latest horse racing odds.

We begin with a four-year-olds’ rated hurdle, run over two miles (1.05). Gordon Elliott’s Highland Crystal seeks to maintain her unbeaten record, and looks capable of doing so, but she carries a penalty and might be vulnerable now. Saratoga is going well over hurdles so far and looks to be improving, so he might have his opportunity here, given seven pounds by the filly.

Next is a novice hurdle run over two and a quarter miles (1.40). There are just five runners here, two of which won their latest start; Grey Jude and Raise You Up. The latter looks the most likely to succeed again, but Gordon Elliott’s Dunleer Crystal could be dangerous if improving again and carries no penalties.

Race three is a maiden hurdle run over two and a quarter miles (2.15). The two newcomers are Nebraska Brave and Awordinyourear but they will have quite a task on their hands to get past the likes of the Gigginstown pair Poetisa and Jalon d’Oudairies. Gordon Elliott trains the latter, who is probably the one to beat here given his ability on the ground and improving form.

Next is a two-mile handicap hurdle (2.50). David O’Sullivan’s Eternal Echo looks likely to be a factor here, but Moudan looks well treated on his current hurdle mark, having been recently running over fences higher up in the handicap. He can handle this ground and is a fairly reliable type, so looks a good option.

A bumper follows (3.25). Of the five runners, two have raced previously; Coole Cafe and Apache Peak. with seven pounds from his rider, Apache Peak could win here, and was soundly ahead of Coole Cafe in their recent race over course and distance. Newcomer Todo Bien is interesting, but doesn’t have the race fitness which could be essential to a young horse in heavy ground.

Second to last is the Listed Opera Hat Mares Chase over two miles (4.00). JP McManus has a trio of representatives here, but Dinoblue ought to outclass all of her opponents here. She is the highest rated by some way, handles the ground and won her first start of the new year. This should be a simple enough task.

Finally we have a three-mile hunters chase (4.35). Hunters Yarn seeks a hat-trick and looks very able here, while Gordon Elliott’s Last Round is given a useful seven pounds by his rider and, given his great record on ground like this, could be the one to beat.

Naas selections - Saturday:

1.05 - Saratoga 

1.40 - Raise You Up 

2.15 - Jalon d’Oudairies 

2.50 - Moudan 

3.25 - Apache Peak 

4.00 - Dinoblue 

4.35 - Last Round