18:10 Naas Preview

A small but interesting 3yo rated race, with only four runners but several different angles. The official ratings point towards Go Just Do It, who drops sharply in class after contesting the Irish 2,000 Guineas, but this may be more tactical than straightforward.

The key to the race is the likely very weak pace. In a slowly-run 6f contest, position could matter more than finishing kick, and that brings Oro Blanco firmly into the picture. He is the least exposed runner, has improved with each start, and won his Fairyhouse maiden readily over 7f last time. Dropping slightly in trip should be fine if he is ridden handily, and he receives weight from the rest.

Amiata is respected after winning two of his last three, including over this course and distance, but he is usually ridden patiently and may not get the race run to suit. Gavoo also has claims on his good Naas fourth in May, though he too would probably prefer a stronger gallop.

Go Just Do It remains the class horse and should find this easier than Group 1 company, but under top weight and possibly short enough in the betting, he is not bombproof.

Verdict

Oro Blanco gets the vote as the progressive, well-weighted runner most likely to benefit from the tactical setup. Go Just Do It is the main danger, with Amiata vulnerable if the pace is steady.

Selection: Oro Blanco
Danger: Go Just Do It
Best value: Oro Blanco at 3/1 or bigger