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

Naas Racecourse: Preview and Tips for Sunday’s Eight-Race Meeting There’s an eight-race meeting on at Naas Racecourse this Sunday, with two Listed races and two Group Three races across the afternoon.

Read on for a preview of and tips for the Naas card, brought to you by BOYLE Sports, who provide the horse racing odds.

We begin with a three-year-olds’ mile rated race (1.56). This looks a super-competitive race, but with four of the seven runners belonging to Coolmore, racegoers could be confident that the Aidan O’Brien stable will train the winner. Accredited, Latin America, Port Ferdinand and Shaftesbury Avenue have each won a race before, and the latter seems to be the first string, with Ryan Moore on board. His win came on heavy ground, and this may be easier on good ground.

A mile handicap follows (2.26). The Colin Keane-ridden Far From Dandy could be competitive after a second of 22 last time, and he is a fairly consistent sort. Vega’s Muse, trained by Jessica Harrington, is best on this good ground, which we have today, and he could go well for an each-way chance, while Dark Viper could be our winner on a more workable mark than last time.

Race three is a two-year-olds’ five-furlong maiden (2.56). Pala Aurelia is the only debutant; a nicely-bred daughter of St Mark’s Basilica who is bred for further than this in time. Star Prospect and New Yorker have both already won over five furlongs, and What A Girl Wants has shown plenty of ability also. If she improves again, this could be within reach, but Star Prospect looks to be the one to beat.

A mile fillies’ maiden is next (3.26). There is a glut of horses running in prominent colours, namely Juddmonte’s Guardian Of Realm, who brings some of the best form figures, having placed on each of her three juvenile starts. She has leading claims, but newcomer Rebel Wave - running in the Valmont silks - poses a threat.

The seven-furlong Listed Owenstown Stud Stakes follows (3.56). Top-rated Native Warrior runs for Wathnan, having placed a close second on reappearance in a Group Three race at Saint-Cloud. He’ll be a top contender here, but East Hampton is slightly better on this firmer surface and could get to the front here after a good seasonal debut at the Curragh.

Race six is a Group Three two-year-old fillies’ six-furlong sprint (4.26). Amo Racing’s Controlla is the only newcomer, smartly bred by the in-demand sire Night Of Thunder. Victorious represents Coolmore, having won over course and distance on debut, while Paddy Twomey’s Velozee seeks a hat-trick. Maria Quiteria won her debut by the biggest margin, and should get involved too.

The penultimate race is the six-furlong Group Three Lacken Stakes (4.56). Coolmore’s Charles Darwin is next, having only been beaten once from five career starts so far. Havana Anna is rated three pounds higher and makes her seasonal reappearance here, already proven at Group One level. Carrying a fillies’ allowance, she could be in with a chance, but Charles Darwin is hard to argue with at present.

Last of all is a Listed five-furlong sprint (5.26). Mission Central and Keke both won when last seen, while Likedbymike has placed on her last two starts. Her latest race was at this level against colts and geldings, therefore she could be the one to beat here, though she will have to prove that she can maintain the form.

Naas selections - Sunday:

1.56 - Shaftesbury Avenue 

2.26 - Dark Viper 

2.56 - Star Prospect 

3.26 - Guardian Of Realm 

3.56 - East Hampton 

4.26 - Velozee 

4.56 - Charles Darwin 

5.26 - Likedbymike