2:50 Naas – Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden (2yo, 6f, Good, 13 runners)

·

Pace / Draw Angles:
Looks likely to be run at an honest tempo, with several inexperienced colts likely to press forward. Naas’ straight six can be draw-neutral, but a middle-to-high pitch is generally handy in maidens with pace.


Strongest Contenders

  • Unbreakable Duke (RPR 96, TS 67) – Progressive / Proven
    Consistently running to a good level in three starts, latest a close 3rd in a €91k Naas auction event, form that sets the standard. Will be suited by a strong pace and has experience at the track. The one to beat.
  • Fresh Fade (RPR 90, TS 36) – Exposed / Consistent
    Has four solid runs in maidens, hitting the frame in three. Yet to find a killer turn of foot, but consistency makes him the “solid place banker.” Likely to be thereabouts but vulnerable to improvers.

Main Dangers

  • Fortuity – Promising / Unexposed
    Dark Angel filly with one run under her belt (7th at Sligo). That wasn’t devoid of promise, and her pedigree suggests she should come on plenty. Better expected now.
  • Star Of Beauty – Interesting Outsider
    Beaten at Dundalk on debut but shaped like a filly who will improve for experience. Has the pedigree (Starman filly) to do better on turf. Could easily step up from debut effort.

Others of Note

  • Aqua Bear / Wicklow Gap / Stolen Treasure – All showed limited ability so far, need to step forward plenty.
  • Iff In Doubt – Debutant for Eddie Lynam, sire Iffraaj can produce early winners. Watch market.
  • Duchess Of Down / The Nomad / John La Bear – Some minor promise in big-field maidens but need more.
  • Hooves Your Daddy / Fire Up The Jets – Shown little, hard to fancy.

Runner Scores (Suitability /10)

  • Unbreakable Duke – 9/10 clear form pick, strong recent run.
  • Fresh Fade – 7/10 consistent but exposed.
  • Fortuity – 7/10 scope to progress.
  • Star Of Beauty – 6/10 second-time-out improver.
  • Duchess Of Down – 6/10 debutante with interesting profile.
  • Aqua Bear – 5/10 limited so far.
  • Wicklow Gap – 4/10 well held last time.
  • Stolen Treasure – 3/10 tailed off on debut.
  • Iff In Doubt – ? (market check, unraced).
  • John La Bear – 5/10 minor promise but exposed.
  • The Nomad – 5/10 untested, pedigree ok.
  • Fire Up The Jets – 2/10 looks outclassed.
  • Hooves Your Daddy – 1/10 shown nothing.

Private Tissue (my prices)

  • Unbreakable Duke 6/4
  • Fresh Fade 9/2
  • Fortuity 6/1
  • Star Of Beauty 7/1
  • Duchess Of Down 8/1
  • Iff In Doubt 12/1
  • Others 16/1+

Summary & Smart Play

This maiden revolves around Unbreakable Duke, who has already shown Group-level form and is clear on RPRs. Fresh Fade brings solid place form but looks vulnerable to improvers. Of those, Fortuity and Star Of Beauty appeal most as the likely threats stepping forward from debut runs. Market support for Iff In Doubt would be significant.

Smart Play:

  • Win Bet – Unbreakable Duke (form choice, strong standard)
  • Each-Way – Fortuity (unexposed filly, expected to improve)

Leave a comment

Get updates

From art exploration to the latest archeological findings, all here in our weekly newsletter.

Subscribe