Elliott To Win The Battle At Naas

Grade 1 action returns to Ireland for the first time this year as Naas stages the Grade 1 Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle and it looks quite a classy renewal of the race.

Willie Mullins has dominated the race and runs three but Gordon Elliott has two big bullets to fire as he looks to once again take this race from Closutton having been the only trainer other than Mullins to win the Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle.

Elliott To Win The Battle
Grade 1 bumper winner Tornado Flyer is the mount of Ruby Walsh and certainly brings some very strong form from last season to the table. Not only did the six-year-old win the Champion Bumper at Punchestown but he was third in the Cheltenham equivalent too.

Tornado Flyer’s maiden victory at Punchestown over hurdles was a shade more workmanlike than might have been expected but he’s sure to come on for that outing and is a fair standard setter here.

That said, Battleoverdoyen has answered every question asked of him so far and it has been a different question every day. First up he won his point-to-point at Loughanmore before joining Elliott and winning his bumper in November.

That bumper win was 18 months after his point-to-point victory and he’s sure to keep progressing from his runs this season having bolted up in a Navan maiden last month.

Battleoverdoyen is taking a big step up in class here but the step up in trip should be a big plus and…

he certainly won’t be inconvenienced by the dry ground.

British To Make Impact At Naas
Keith Watson’s British Art was a winner at Down Royal on St Stephen’s Day and the seven-year-old can be backed to follow that up in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.

British Art looks to have been given a real chance by the handicapper having gone up just 7lbs for a decent effort at Clonmel and that Down Royal win and it would be a surprise if he can’t go in again.

Barry Browne is a good experienced rider to have on your side in these Opportunity races and will have got to know British Art better at Down Royal. He looked to win with a bit more in hand than the winning margin suggested last time and…

would look a decent bet on the card.

Recommended Bets:
Battleoverdoyen (2/1) – 1.50 Naas
British Art (8/1) – 2.50 Naas

*Prices correct at time of publication.