Paul Townend runs the rule over four Naas runners
Published:
Leading jockey and Ladbrokes ambassador Paul Townend assesses the chances of his seven weekend rides at Gowran Park and Naas.
Saturday
She didn’t have a clear run last season and that told in her performances. We have been sailing with her so far this year. She is a point-to-point winner, schooling has gone very well, and although she is probably better left-handed, we have to take our chance here. It looks a nice opportunity for her, and I hope she can have a big season over fences this year. She is my best chance of the day.
She won three on the flat in Scandinavia. I don’t know what level of form that is really. She works nicely at home. This is a competitive maiden. It is nice to get her out and going and she wears a hood. She is quite forward going and we will know more after this.
He is an exciting horse for the year. He had one run over hurdles in France before we got him. His jumping has been brilliant. We have a good level of bumper form from last year to bring to the table. It is a very competitive maiden but I think our lad has matured a lot over the summer and I think he can be a leading player amongst the novice hurdlers.
Sunday
He won at Fairyhouse last year, beating Lecky Watson who had a good run in the Cheltenham bumper and then won on his first time over hurdles last week at Clonmel. We take on King of Kingsfield who was disappointing when he was beaten on his first run this season, but he has the benefit of a run and race fitness is on his side so that will make him very hard to beat. Slade Steel is another one in there with a live chance, who brings a high level of form to the table.
He ran in all the top bumpers last year as well. He has the benefit of a run in a point-to-point. He will appreciate the stiff finish at the track and the soft ground is no issue. Mahon’s Way’s course form looks very good. I think going over hurdles will bring about improvement in our lad.
He drops back to two miles here. He had an interrupted season last year and didn’t get going until just before Cheltenham. He had a very good run at Fairyhouse when just beaten by Flame Bearer. The start of his season seems to be his best so we are hopeful of a good performance. He was late coming to chasing so he has been thrown into the deep end and is entitled to improve. The conditions here suit him and hopefully we get a clear run of the season with him.
He is a horse who hasn’t shown his full potential yet. I loved him when I won a maiden hurdle on him. He disappointed then in the Grade One hurdle at Naas and again back at Leopardstown at the Dublin Racing Festival. He got his break then at the Punchestown Festival. His schooling has been very good over fences. Corbetts Cross sets the standard on what he achieved last year.
