A competitive eight-runner handicap brings the curtain down at Naas, with a fascinating clash between progressive three-year-olds and seasoned older handicappers over a well-run seven furlongs on good ground.

The lightly raced Watch Tower arrives in excellent form after making all to score convincingly at Leopardstown earlier this month. An 8lb rise asks a tougher question, but the son of Starspangledbanner still looks capable of further improvement, especially with Colin Keane retaining the ride.

Contrary To Law also steps up in grade after getting off the mark in determined fashion at Fairyhouse. He had to battle hard to reel in the leaders that day and still showed signs of greenness, suggesting there is more to come. The stiffer finish at Naas could unlock another step forward for the JP Murtagh-trained colt.

The proven benchmark is Little Empire, who produced arguably the strongest recent piece of handicap form when narrowly denied in a competitive 17-runner Curragh contest. A repeat of that performance would make him extremely difficult to beat, and his proven effectiveness over seven furlongs on quick ground makes him a major player despite conceding weight to the younger horses.

Thenandnow brings the highest peak Racing Post Rating into the race and has shaped well in defeat since winning her maiden. She now returns to seven furlongs for the first time this season and could be dangerous if seeing out the trip strongly.

Of the outsiders, Barbapapa is worth a second look. The seven-year-old has been competing in stronger handicaps than this and now drops in class while returning to his correct handicap mark. If the race is run at a solid pace, he has the experience to pick off rivals late and could outrun his odds.

The remaining trio all have questions to answer. Spodo Komodo was comfortably behind Little Empire on his handicap debut and needs to leave that effort well behind, while Blues Emperor and Eddie G have struggled for consistency and require a return to their best form to feature.

With several runners who like to race prominently, the pace should be honest without becoming overly aggressive. That scenario is likely to favour those sitting just behind the leaders before producing their challenge inside the final two furlongs.

Verdict: The improving Watch Tower has the profile of a horse capable of defying his higher mark, but Little Empire sets the standard on established handicap form and rates the value alternative. Contrary To Law is feared most as another progressive three-year-old who could still be ahead of the assessor.

Predicted 1-2-3

1. Watch Tower
2. Little Empire
3. Contrary To Law