The Bar 1 Betting “Proud Sponsor of Irish Racing” Handicap Hurdle at Naas is a typically competitive Irish handicap with 17 runners set to tackle 2m3f on heavy ground. Stamina and the ability to handle testing conditions will be key, and recent renewals suggest the race tends to fall to a horse well treated in the handicap rather than the obvious class act at the top of the weights.
Ataboycharlie heads the market but carries risks
Timeform put forward Ataboycharlie as the one to beat after he looked set to win before falling at the last at Fairyhouse on his latest start. On that evidence he is clearly well capable off a mark of 130.
However, there are reasons to oppose him. He returns from a 98-day break, carries top weight of 11-12, and historically this race has not been kind to horses burdened with big weights in deep ground. He has the ability, but he does not look bombproof in a race of this nature.
Hgranca De Thaix brings solid recent form
Hgranca De Thaix arrives in very good order and has finished second on his last two starts, including a strong run at Navan on heavy ground. He is clearly comfortable in testing conditions and handles big-field handicaps well.
Barry Connell’s runner is consistent and reliable, but off a mark of 127 he may be vulnerable to something slightly better handicapped.
Catch The Beast respected after course effort
Catch The Beast caught the eye when finishing second at Naas two weeks ago over shorter. That run showed he handles the track and the ground, and stepping back up in trip should suit.
The concern is that his overall profile is patchy and he is not the easiest horse to trust, although the recent run puts him firmly in the mix.
The well-handicapped angle – Better Times Ahead
The one that makes the most appeal is Better Times Ahead.
Robert Tyner’s nine-year-old has been running well over fences, most recently finishing second in a 25f handicap chase at Gowran on heavy ground, beaten only a narrow margin. That performance suggested he remains in very good heart.
Crucially, he now switches back to hurdles off a mark of 118, which looks workable given the strength of his recent chasing form. He is also a course winner, handles testing ground well, and carries a very manageable 11-0.
In a race where many have questions to answer, he looks one of the few runners with proven stamina, current form and a favourable handicap mark.
Verdict
This is a typically open Naas handicap, but Better Times Ahead appears to have been given a good opportunity back over hurdles and can take advantage of his mark.
Selection: Better Times Ahead
Main danger: Hgranca De Thaix
Next best: Catch The Beast
If the race develops into the expected heavy-ground test, Better Times Ahead may simply prove the strongest stayer in the field.