SEAN - Naas 2.00 Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles 4 furlongs - 19 run - Soft

 

One of the best galloping Tracks anywhere, a test of stamina up the deceptive climb when they turn in. It does pay to be fairly prominent though as a well ridden front runner who gets fractions right can prevail. You will often see horses flying at the finish just too late and also some come 2 fences out apparently going well who fade.

 

FIRM FOOTINGS should be around 5/1 and at that price IS cracking each way value for Gordon Elliott, proven on soft , gets trip and as a 5 year old should be stronger after another summer on his back. 

 

Common Practice has to prove it gets more than 2 miles, Ballybawn Belter is in impressive form at this trip and further but up to a mark of 130 and only poor runs have been with "soft" in Going description, a big danger though. Lord Erskine is fir from the Flat, gets further and very underrated over Hurdles and not overlooked lightly. Amir Kabir could be anything also for Elliott with stamina to prove as does Jazzy Matty who is in the Tracker already.  Rebel Gold and Espanito Bello both run off eye-watering Hurdles marks but better Chasers and both off 200+ day breaks may just need the run, another pair though to keep close eye on going forwards as is Balwilliam Boy who was very decent before a 645 day break.

 

Other than FIRM FOOTINGS , I'm VERY keen on GAOTH CHUIL, who I pointed out to TRACK after last run and he really comes here fit, improving and very confident of a bold and big run for Ted Walsh off a feather weight and a good 5lbs Claimer up. At bigger Odds, I think KILBREE WARRIOR who loves to race prominently could lead most of them a merry dance for a long way and IF getting the fractions right nick a place and although up to a career high mark I think WEST IS AWAKE could also nick a place using current well being and race fitness against a fair few who'll be blowing very hard and may be in need of the run in the closing stages.

 

TIPS (1) Firm Footings / (2) Gaoth Chuil / (3s) Kilbree Warrior / (4s) West Is Awake