17:40 Naas – Preview

A competitive renewal of this 3-year-old handicap, where a strong early gallop looks virtually assured. The expected very strong pace is likely to favour horses ridden with a degree of patience, and several improving types line up to take advantage. Handlers with previous success at this meeting and Timeform’s adjusted ratings, trends and form flags suggest a few to focus on more closely.

Strongest Contenders

Brigid’s Cloak (TFR 90) made a significant breakthrough when landing a Dundalk handicap last month in first-time cheekpieces, and there was little doubt about the merit of that success given how readily she came clear. Timeform note that the strong anticipated pace should suit her hold-up style, and she’s clearly progressive. She now returns to turf and has yet to conclusively prove her effectiveness on it, but if she does translate her all-weather improvement, she will be difficult to beat.

Unique Journey (TFR 89) has shaped very well on all three handicap starts to date, including when third in a steadily-run race here last month, where he traded at short odds in-running. He promises to be well suited by the likely stronger tempo today. His steady upward curve suggests another bold showing is likely, though any notable weakness in the market should be treated with caution given his 36-day break.

Island Girl (TFR 84p) ran with credit on her reappearance when fourth in a Naas handicap over this course and distance. She is one of the few in the field tagged with a “p” symbol (potential to improve) by Timeform, and J.A. Stack’s runners stepping up in trip have historically performed well at this time of year. She looks poised to progress with that comeback under her belt and is well worth a second look, particularly if the ground remains on the soft side.

Main Dangers

Sarahmae (TFR 86) arrives with the confidence of a recent victory, having got off the mark in a Tipperary handicap last week. Although the race set up nicely for her strong finish, the fact she handled yielding conditions and finished her race off strongly is a positive in the context of today’s predicted pace scenario. Denis Hogan’s stable often do well with improving fillies in this grade, and she must be respected despite the quick turnaround.

Pickersgill (TFR 81) is another recent winner, having made all at the Curragh last month. While she is proven over this trip and in soft ground, she might find it harder to dominate in this much larger field given the predicted strong gallop. Nevertheless, she is a tough filly in good form and could stick on for a place.

Interesting Outsiders

Dmaniac (TFR 85) is lightly raced and shaped well when second at the Curragh last time, despite hanging and the jockey losing an iron. If he can settle better in a strongly-run race, he may improve again, and odds around 10/1 look fair for those seeking something at a price.

Aherla Rock (TFR 81p) is another with a “p” attached to his rating, suggesting better days are ahead. John Murtagh’s yard, who also run Brigid’s Cloak, are adept with 3-year-olds in this bracket, and any market support after a slightly underwhelming return could be significant.


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Pertinent Trends and Trainer Notes

Recent winning form has been a key trend for this race, with many past winners having scored or placed last time out.

Watch for trainers with past winners: Although no trainer here has dominated the race, J.A. Stack (Island Girl) and Denis Hogan (Sarahmae) have enjoyed success at Naas in similar 3yo handicaps in recent seasons.

Horses off longer breaks (60+ days):

Billie Be Quick, Gloriously Glam, Elusive Duke, Lyra Constellation, and Bluebelardo fall into this bracket.

These runners should be monitored in the market. Significant drifts could suggest a need for the run.




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Final Word

Brigid’s Cloak looks the one to beat if transferring her all-weather improvement to turf, especially given the strong pace forecast suits her run style.
Unique Journey is solid and progressive, while Island Girl and Sarahmae could emerge as the main threats if stepping forward again.
Dmaniac and Aherla Rock are two more to keep in mind for those seeking bigger-priced alternatives, particularly if the market speaks positively before the off.