Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle: Runners, odds and a verdict for Friday’s Grade 1 🤩

It was disappointing to lose the Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle from it’s usual Saturday berth last week but it’s good to see the race has been rescheduled. Always a quality and competitive Grade 1, it has a star-studded list of previous winners.

Seven horses have been declared for the race on Friday, with Mullins and Elliott dominating once again. We’ve outlined the chances of all the runners and provided a verdict for the big race. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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1. An Tobar

Henry de Bromhead’s sole representative was an easy winner of a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse in November and looked a little outpaced in the Royal Bond over two miles there last time. The step up in trip is a good idea and there’s more to come.

2. Chapeau De Soleil

This horse was slightly disappointing in his two bumpers and never looked dangerous at Cheltenham in March. He won a weak maiden at Clonmel on his hurdles debut last month and probably has a bit to find on that form.

3. Croke Park

One of two in the race for Gordon Elliott, this horse is progressing nicely. It was a good performance when winning cosily at Navan last time out and the step into Grade 1 company looks justified. The Gigginstown Stud-owned six-year-old isn’t without a chance here.

4. Firefox

Gordon Elliott’s main hope easily dispatched Ballyburn on his first start over timber and that horse absolutely bolted up next time out. Firefox also got the better of Ile Atlantique, who re-opposes here, in a bumper back in April. He’s the one they all have to beat.

5. Ile Atlantique

Willie Mullins’ first string was a very comfortable winner of a maiden hurdle at Gowran in November. Useful in bumpers, he does have a bit to find with Firefox, although it’s certainly not out of the question that he can find the requisite improvement.

6. Lecky Watson

He’s the mount of Danny Mullins here and appears to be the stable’s third string. Mullins’ six-year-old was a close second to a useful prospect in a Grade 2 at Navan last month but that effort leaves him with a bit to find on form.

7. Readin Tommy Wrong

Simon Munir and Isaac Souede own this interesting prospect who has an unblemished record in three starts under rules. He looked very smart in both bumpers but just about held off a stablemate to win a maiden hurdle at Cork last time out. Plenty of improvement is needed but the step up in trip will suit.

Verdict

Firefox got the better of Ballyburn in a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse last month and that rock-solid form makes Gordon Elliott’s charge very difficult to oppose.

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