13:25
Naas
Ballymore Novice Hurdle: Runners, odds and a free tip for Friday’s Grade 1 at Naas
Naas hosts a rescheduled seven-race card on Friday and the feature race is the Grade 1 Ballymore Novice Hurdle. It has an illustrious roll of honour and is often a decent trial for the Cheltenham Festival. A field of nine has been declared so we’ve assessed each runner and picked out our strongest fancy for the race. Take a look at our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
1. Classical Creek
This horse is the more fancied of Gordon Elliott’s three runners and it’s easy to see why. He won a Navan maiden hurdle in good style in November and was a smart bumper horse last season. He clearly has a good engine and is one for the shortlist.
2. Fruit De Mer
Henry de Bromhead’s runner won his maiden hurdle well and could be ready for the steep step up in grade. The yard’s form has improved over the last couple of weeks and he’s one to consider at an each-way price.
3. I’ll Sort That
Declan Queally’s six-year-old has been prolific so far this season and he was last seen winning a Grade 3 at Navan. He might not have as much scope for improvement as some of his rivals and others are therefore preferred at this level.
4. Kovanis
Kovanis won a maiden hurdle at Clonmel in good style on his penultimate start but was well beaten in a Grade 2 last time. You would imagine he has plenty to find at this level.
5. Letos
Anthony Mullins’ runner has already been beaten a couple of times this season and is probably one for handicaps, having already won a decent one at Navan in November.
6. Lord Rouge
Another one for Gordon Elliott, Lord Rouge beat a couple of Mullins horses when winning a maiden hurdle at Cork last month. More will be needed obviously but he’s entitled to progress.
7. Saint Baco
Willie Mullins runs two here and Paul Townend has opted to ride Saint Baco. He was narrowly denied when third at Auteuil for previous connections but managed to beat a subsequent winner easily when getting his head in front at Navan. There should be loads more to come.
8. Sortudo
This horse is prominent in the betting for the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham so the step up in trip will surely suit. That being said, he kicked nicely clear over two miles at Cork last time. Patrick Mullins rides and he looks like a contender.
9. Switch From Diesel
Ross O’Sullivan’s mare was runner-up in the Grade 1 bumper at Punchestown last season but it’s a concern that she’s winless in two starts over hurdles so far.
Verdict
Classical Creek gets the nod, as this looks like the ideal next step for him. Gordon Elliott’s gelding is a strong stayer and further progress is expected here.
If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.
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