Race Review – 13:55 Naas (8th Feb 2025)

Connollys RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Novice Hurdle (2m2½f, Soft, 7 runners)

Winner: Scalpnagoon (IRE) (11/1)

Trainer: Gordon Elliott

Jockey: D J Gilligan

Race Tactics: Disputed early, settled 2nd, moderate 2nd 4 out, improved after 3 out, led after 2 out, stayed on well.

Betfair In-Play Low: 1.01 (Hit minimum, strong support)

Betfair In-Play High: 16.5 (Traded higher mid-race)


A well-timed run from Scalpnagoon, who responded impressively after 3 out. The form is boosted by Koori Star finishing second, reinforcing the strength of the race.


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2nd: Koori Star (IRE) (13/8 Fav)

Trainer: Peter Fahey

Jockey: Sam Ewing

Distance Beaten: 1.5L

Race Tactics: Tracked leaders, moved into 2nd before the last, stayed on well but never looked like passing Scalpnagoon.

Betfair In-Play Low: 2.3

Betfair In-Play High: 1000


A solid effort from the favourite, who closed well but found one too strong. Might be worth following next time, especially if facing weaker opposition.


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3rd: Coral River (IRE) (2/1)

Trainer: Thomas Mullins

Jockey: K M Donoghue

Distance Beaten: 2.75L

Race Tactics: Mid-division, slight mistakes, kept on at the same pace.

Betfair In-Play Low: 2.54

Betfair In-Play High: 1000


Travelled well enough but couldn’t quicken decisively. May need a stiffer test or more experience at this level.


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4th: A Tipp For Gold (IRE) (7/2)

Trainer: Declan Queally

Jockey: Philip Donovan (5lb claimer)

Distance Beaten: 0.5L (from 3rd)

Race Tactics: Held up, made late headway but never truly threatened.


Shaped as if better for a step up in trip, stayed on late but didn’t have the tactical speed.


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Key Takeaways

1. Scalpnagoon was well-positioned, jumped right at times, but asserted when it mattered.


2. Koori Star lost nothing in defeat – stayed on but couldn’t challenge the winner.


3. Coral River made some errors but still finished a respectable third.


4. A Tipp For Gold shaped like a potential stayer.



Next Time Out Angles:

Koori Star – If placed in similar company, could be a strong favourite next time.

A Tipp For Gold – Worth watching if stepped up in trip.