Naas; Analysis of the TimeWise top two ranked+The Spotlights Verdicts+The Race Stats

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This analysis works through the Naas race card in chronological order, detailing the TimeWise Master Top Two rated horses, their form, the Spotlight Verdict, Race Statistics, and an assessment of their chances.


1. 12:20 Mongey Communications Novice Handicap Chase (2m 4f 40y)

RankHorseTrainerTimeWise Rating Basis
1Coffeys Forge (IRE)G ElliottTop Two Rated
2Tell Nobody Nothin (IRE)N MeadeTop Two Rated

Recent Form and Comments

Coffeys Forge (IRE) (9yo)
Coffeys Forge earned his current chasing mark following a debut win over fences at Downpatrick in May (19.5f, good). He subsequently attempted to take advantage of a much lower hurdles mark with two runs over timber in October without success. Those runs bracketed a 23l defeat over fences off his current mark at Fairyhouse (24.5f, yielding), where he hung and jumped left. It is noted that this track may suit him better.

Tell Nobody Nothin (IRE) (5yo)
This horse is 1-8 over hurdles but is winless from five attempts over fences. His best chasing performance was a 3.25l defeat at Galway (22.5f, good to yielding) off a 3lb higher mark. However, he finished 21l behind over the same course at Galway last time and needs to bounce back to form.

Spotlight Verdict

Although winless over fences, CEROC is exceedingly consistent and took the runner-up spot once again at Clonmel despite jumping left, and going this way around can help him. Mark Walsh rides Crecora Hills, which singles her out as worthy of consideration, while Rolly Bowley Boy is a danger if he can sort out his jumping and if he takes up the engagement.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups (W-P-R): 5yo 1-4-9; 6yo 5-8-31; 7yo 2-7-48; 8yo 1-2-17; 9yo 1-1-11; 10yo 0-0-5; 11yo 0-0-2.
  • Fate of Favourites: 20110U2142.
  • Trainer Records (Historical Race Winners): A L T Moore 1-0-2; Liz Doyle 1-0-2; P J Rothwell 1-0-4; Robert Tyner 0-3-8. (Gordon Elliott has a 14% W% and 20% P% over the last two years. Noel Meade has a 9% W% and 20% P% over the last two years).

Assessment of the Top Two

Coffeys Forge (IRE)

  • Strengths: Has a previous chasing win. The track might be more suitable given his previous tendency to hang and jump left.
  • Weaknesses: Recent form is poor, including a heavy defeat over fences and unplaced runs over hurdles.
  • Suitability: Requires the change in track configuration to bring improvement.

Tell Nobody Nothin (IRE)

  • Strengths: Has shown ability over fences, with his best run being a narrow defeat off a slightly higher mark.
  • Weaknesses: Winless in five chase attempts and was well beaten last time. Needs to significantly improve upon his latest outing.

2. 12:50 Cavan Developments Home Builders Supporting St Marys GAA Maiden Hurdle (2m)

RankHorseTrainerTimeWise Rating Basis
1Murat (IRE)P LawlorClear Top Rated
2Between Friends (IRE)E BolgerTop Two Rated

Recent Form and Comments

Murat (IRE) (6yo)
Murat is unbeaten, having won his easy debut Killarney bumper in August last year. He returned from nearly a year off to win a Galway festival winners’ bumper in August when last seen. He has a good chance on his hurdling debut.

Between Friends (IRE) (5yo)
She finished a distant second at Killarney last year, building on a moderate Galway debut. She finished fifth in a Punchestown festival novice hurdle when beaten over 25l, staying on from the back. Mark Walsh takes the reins today, suggesting she is worth a look. Her master RPR is 108.

Spotlight Verdict

Purchased for 200,000GBP following his debut point-to-point success, Port Authority should have a bright future. Rusty Harkness is also an interesting contender, and any market support for him would be notable. However, MURAT is unbeaten following two bumper wins, the latest of which came in a Galway festival winners’ contest, and he may be able to continue his streak.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups (W-P-R): 4yo 1-3-29; 5yo 8-12-114; 6yo 1-3-34; 7yo 0-2-11; 8yo 0-0-3.
  • Fate of Favourites: 2111211121.
  • Trainer Records (Historical Race Winners): Gavin Cromwell 1-0-4; Henry De Bromhead 1-1-8; Gordon Elliott 0-5-11; Oliver McKiernan 0-2-6. (P Lawlor has a 16% W% over the last two years. E Bolger has an 11% W% and 20% P% over the last two years).

Assessment of the Top Two

Murat (IRE)

  • Strengths: Unbeaten in two bumper runs, including a victory in a competitive winners’ contest. Trainer Peter Lawlor has high percentages historically, though few recent runners.
  • Weaknesses: Making hurdles debut.
  • Suitability: Highly suited based on strong bumper form and is the favoured selection to win.

Between Friends (IRE)

  • Strengths: Mark Walsh booking is a positive. Showed some promise with a second place last year.
  • Weaknesses: Modest performance on her Punchestown hurdle run (beaten over 25l). Her form looks distinctly weaker compared to Murat.

3. 1:20 Overlander Fishery Lane Novice Hurdle (2m)

RankHorseTrainerTimeWise Rating Basis
1Positive Energy (IRE)M D O’CallaghanClear Top Rated
2Tir Og (IRE)E SeymourTop Two Rated

Recent Form and Comments

Positive Energy (IRE) (4yo)
Positive Energy is the top-rated runner. He has decent form on the Flat and was an immediate winner over hurdles on heavy ground in a Navan maiden hurdle in May. He was below that level when finishing 21l behind in a Naas novice hurdle subsequently. He has been consistent in recent Flat runs, and soft conditions suit him. Paul Townend is booked to ride.

Tir Og (IRE) (4yo)
This horse is in great form, having secured back-to-back handicap hurdle wins in August/September. He has followed those victories with back-to-back runner-up finishes at Limerick (soft) and Thurles. He is rated 10lb inferior to Positive Energy.

Spotlight Verdict

The top-rated of these is POSITIVE ENERGY courtesy of a heavy ground debut hurdles win and although he disappointed on his subsequent start, softer conditions will suit here and the booking of Paul Townend is a positive. The selection would give Our Lucky Lady 25lb on the Flat, but she has been turned inside out over timber and confirmed her debut promise when easily winning last time, yet softer conditions are a question mark. Similar ground concerns arise for the dependable bumper performer Hopeful Hero, while Tir Og is also a model of consistency.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups (W-P-R): 4yo 2-1-10.
  • Fate of Favourites: 34.
  • Trainer Records (Historical Race Winners): None listed. (M D O’Callaghan has a 13% W% over two years. E Seymour has a 7% W% over two years, but 100% W%/P% in the last 14 days from 1 run).

Assessment of the Top Two

Positive Energy (IRE)

  • Strengths: Top RPR master rating (128); proven heavy ground hurdle winner; excellent jockey booking (Paul Townend).
  • Weaknesses: Disappointed significantly on his second hurdle start (21l defeat).
  • Suitability: Well suited by soft conditions and is the primary selection based on his debut win and rating.

Tir Og (IRE)

  • Strengths: Model of consistency with recent wins and seconds; in great form.
  • Weaknesses: Rated 10lb inferior to the top selection.

4. 1:52 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle (2m 2f 200y)

RankHorseTrainerTimeWise Rating Basis
1Fruit De Mer (IRE)H De BromheadClear Top Rated
2Bridge View Star (IRE)W O’DohertyTop Two Rated

Recent Form and Comments

Fruit De Mer (IRE) (5yo)
Fruit De Mer was an easy winner of his debut point on heavy ground. He subsequently finished first past the post in a Limerick bumper in March but was demoted to second for causing interference. The form of that Limerick race appears strong, placing him toward the top of calculations.

Bridge View Star (IRE) (5yo)
He has achieved midfield finishes in a Galway maiden hurdle and a Listowel bumper. His step up in trip at Limerick (2m3f, good to yielding) last time did not bring any improvement. He may get involved now back at this trip. His master RPR is 99.

Spotlight Verdict

Demoted to second after causing interference on bumper debut at Limerick, FRUIT DE MER was an easy point-to-point winner and can make amends on his first try over hurdles. Newbrook Diamond makes his rules debut after being bought by connections following a point-to-point win on his second attempt and he should give the selection most to do.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups (W-P-R): 4yo 1-2-43; 5yo 7-17-76; 6yo 1-1-28; 7yo 1-0-6; 8yo 0-0-4; 10yo 0-0-1.
  • Fate of Favourites: 1132131201.
  • Trainer Records (Historical Race Winners): Henry De Bromhead 2-2-4; Gordon Elliott 1-5-12; John C McConnell 1-0-1. (Henry De Bromhead is running at 28% W% in the last 14 days).

Assessment of the Top Two

Fruit De Mer (IRE)

  • Strengths: Easy point win on heavy ground (suggesting ground suitability) and the form of his bumper run is strong. Trainer/jockey combination (H. De Bromhead/D. O’Keeffe) is in good form.
  • Weaknesses: Hurdles debut. Was demoted from his bumper win.
  • Suitability: Excellent candidate based on potential and form strength.

Bridge View Star (IRE)

  • Strengths: Returning to a trip that might suit better.
  • Weaknesses: Modest form shown in previous runs. Master RPR (99) is low for a top two rated horse.

5. 2:27 SIS Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race) (2m 4f)

RankHorseTrainerTimeWise Rating Basis
1Spillane’s Tower (IRE)J ManganClear Top Rated
2Sysko (FR)W P MullinsTop Two Rated

Recent Form and Comments

Spillane’s Tower (IRE) (7yo)
Spillane’s Tower is a top-class chaser, having completed a Grade 1 novice double at Fairyhouse and Punchestown. His hurdles mark is 33lb lower than his revised chase rating. He won a 2m3f maiden hurdle at this course previously. His master RPR is 151.

Sysko (FR) (5yo)
Sysko is a former 2m Flat maiden winner in France. He won a 2m3f Punchestown maiden hurdle in June. After a poor Listed run at Galway, he ran much better when second in a 2m4f contest at Listowel on his handicap debut, returning to a suitable trip. He is likely to make his presence felt. His master RPR is 139.

Spotlight Verdict

It hardly needs to be said that top-class chaser Spillane’s Tower sticks out a mile, but there is probably value in opposing him in view of the fact that his technique has not been publicly tested for so long. With 7lb claimed off bottom weight THE NAGGER REIDY is suggested as a viable each-way alternative. Sysko and Letos appeal as likely future handicap winners and could feature in an intriguing contest, along with Leopardstown Chase winner Backtonormal.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups (W-P-R): 4yo 0-1-11; 5yo 2-5-25; 6yo 1-11-38; 7yo 3-5-30; 8yo 2-1-23; 9yo 1-0-10; 10yo 1-2-12; 11yo 0-0-3; 12yo 0-0-1.
  • Fate of Favourites: 2033220003.
  • Trainer Records (Historical Race Winners): Henry De Bromhead 1-0-2; Gavin Cromwell 0-1-5; Gordon Elliott 0-5-15. (W P Mullins has a 24% W% and 20% P% over the last two years).

Assessment of the Top Two

Spillane’s Tower (IRE)

  • Strengths: Class is undeniable, being a dual Grade 1 chase winner. Runs off a significantly lower mark over hurdles than fences.
  • Weaknesses: Technique over hurdles hasn’t been tested recently; the Spotlight verdict suggests caution regarding his price.
  • Suitability: Well handicapped on paper, but fitness and focus over hurdles are questions.

Sysko (FR)

  • Strengths: Good second on handicap debut over 2m4f (Listowel); suited by today’s trip; represents Willie Mullins.
  • Weaknesses: Failed to perform in Listed company previously.
  • Suitability: Highly capable handicap runner, expected to feature.

6. 3:02 Barberstown Castle Chase (Grade 3) (2m)

RankHorseTrainerTimeWise Rating Basis
1Champ Kiely (IRE)W P MullinsClear Top Rated
2Only By Night (IRE)G CromwellTop Two Rated

Recent Form and Comments

Champ Kiely (IRE) (9yo)
Champ Kiely returned from a 21-month layoff to win his chase debut in January. He secured a 2m Grade 3 win at Navan. Although he jumped left when third in a 2m4f Grade 1 at Fairyhouse, he made amends by winning a 3m1f Grade 1 at Punchestown. He is trip-versatile but generally considered more of a stayer. His master RPR is 159.

Only By Night (IRE) (7yo)
This progressive mare went 3-5 over fences last season, including victories in a Cork Grade 2 and an Exeter Listed event (both mares’ races). She was an impressive second in the five-runner Arkle at Cheltenham. She was beaten 14l in a 2m Grade 1 at Punchestown subsequently. Her master RPR is 162.

Spotlight Verdict

The conditions of the race sway the vote in the direction of INTHEPOCKET who runs well fresh and comes from a bang-in-form top stable. Besides, at this stage, he may be more comfortable at this trip than Champ Kiely, who signed off in the spring with a 3m1f Grade 1 win. Only By Night had smart 2m form as a novice.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups (W-P-R): 5yo 1-1-4; 6yo 3-0-14; 7yo 4-5-16; 8yo 2-1-12; 9yo 0-1-4.
  • Fate of Favourites: 231F1F1U12.
  • Trainer Records (Historical Race Winners): Henry De Bromhead 3-2-8; W P Mullins 3-0-11; Gavin Cromwell 1-0-2.

Assessment of the Top Two

Champ Kiely (IRE)

  • Strengths: High-class Grade 1 winner. Proven winner at 2m (Grade 3 Navan).
  • Weaknesses: Best form is over longer trips (3m1f Grade 1 Punchestown). May find 2m too sharp for his staying profile.
  • Suitability: Trip (2m) is the main concern, especially against proven speedsters.

Only By Night (IRE)

  • Strengths: Outstanding mare’s form (Grade 2 winner, Cheltenham Arkle second). Smart 2m form. Highest master RPR in the field (162).
  • Weaknesses: Was well beaten in her final Grade 1 start. The spotlight selects Inthepocket over her.

7. 3:37 Sign Up To GavinLynchRacing.com Beginners Chase (2m)

RankHorseTrainerTimeWise Rating Basis
1The Wallpark (IRE)G ElliottClear Top Rated
2Jacob’s Ladder (IRE)G ElliottTop Two Rated

Recent Form and Comments

The Wallpark (IRE) (7yo)
The Wallpark completed a four-timer over hurdles in the first half of last season and performed well in stepping up in class, making the frame in the Long Walk, the Stayers’ Hurdle, and the Liverpool Hurdle. He is expected to be a smart staying novice. However, this 2m trip puts a question mark against his name.

Jacob’s Ladder (IRE) (6yo)
He won a Navan maiden hurdle and a course Grade 3 novice event (both 2m4f) last season. He won his only point start. He has a definite chance on his chasing debut. Like many in the race, he is likely to appreciate further than 2m in time.

Spotlight Verdict

Even allowing for the stiffness of this track, many of these novices probably need further to shine. That remark applies to The Wallpark who arguably makes the most appeal on hurdles form. Perhaps BECKETT ROCK will prove versatile enough since his hurdle wins were achieved at around 2m. Jacob’s Ladder is another with a definite chance in a potentially informative contest.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups (W-P-R): 6yo 0-0-1; 7yo 1-0-3.
  • Trainer Records (Historical Race Winners): Gordon Elliott 1-0-1. (Gordon Elliott has a 14% W% and 20% P% over the last two years).

Assessment of the Top Two

The Wallpark (IRE)

  • Strengths: Exceptional hurdles form over staying trips, including Grade 1 placed efforts. Should be a high-class novice chaser.
  • Weaknesses: The 2m trip is a significant concern for this confirmed stayer.
  • Suitability: Likely to require a longer distance to shine.

Jacob’s Ladder (IRE)

  • Strengths: Grade 3 hurdle winner and previous point winner makes him a definite chance on chase debut.
  • Weaknesses: Won over 2m4f and is likely suited by further than 2m.
  • Suitability: Has ability but the trip is a possible limitation.

8. 4:10 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race (2m)

RankHorseTrainerTimeWise Rating Basis
1Shadys Lady (IRE)D QueallyClear Top Rated
2Torpille Dagrostis (FR)G ElliottTop Two Rated

Recent Form and Comments

Shadys Lady (IRE) (7yo)
Shadys Lady showed modest effort in her sole point-to-point in 2023. She shaped well on her return from a long layoff when runner-up to the subsequent Grade 1-placed Switch From Diesel over C&D in March (soft). She was sent off odds-on at Roscommon in September but weakened into third. She may do better now. Her master RPR is 112.

Torpille Dagrostis (FR) (5yo)
She finished second in a point in October and was subsequently purchased for 62,000GBP. She finished a promising second in a point-to-point bumper at Cork, finishing nearly 7l ahead of the favourite Simply Natural. She has every chance of upholding that form. Her master RPR is 107.

Spotlight Verdict

Gordon Elliott’s Cork runner-up TORPILLE DAGROSTIS (nap) gets the vote to uphold form with the fifth-placed favourite Simply Natural. Shadys Lady has a good C&D second to her name and should be better for a run in September. Alpha Zeta ran well over hurdles in the spring.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups (W-P-R): 4yo 2-8-56; 5yo 6-7-52; 6yo 0-1-13; 7yo 0-0-2.
  • Fate of Favourites: 01041103.
  • Trainer Records (Historical Race Winners): Gordon Elliott 2-4-8; Declan Queally 1-0-1; Gavin Cromwell 1-1-4. (Declan Queally has a 19% W% and 19% P% in the last 14 days. Gordon Elliott is running at 18% W% in the last 14 days).

Assessment of the Top Two

Shadys Lady (IRE)

  • Strengths: Proven C&D form on soft ground (second place). That form was boosted by the winner becoming Grade 1-placed.
  • Weaknesses: Recent run saw her weaken when odds-on favourite.
  • Suitability: Should perform well given her course record, and is expected to be better after her September run.

Torpille Dagrostis (FR)

  • Strengths: Strong recent point-to-point bumper form, notably beating a subsequent favourite soundly. Purchased for a high price (62,000GBP). Selected by the Spotlight.
  • Weaknesses: Rules debut for this yard.
  • Suitability: Expected to uphold form and is the strongest contender.

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