Free horse racing selections for Saturday February 9
Anita Chambers makes Pravalaguna her best bet at Naas and has a tip for every race on the card.
NAP: Pravalaguna 2.10 Naas
Next best: Band Of Outlaws 2.40 Naas
Pravalaguna can take the spotlight, with British racing currently on hold because of equine flu, by winning the BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Mares Chase at Naas.
The seven-year-old proved a pretty capable performer over hurdles for Willie Mullins in previous seasons, but the margin and ease of her debut chase success suggests fences may be very much her forte now.
Despite racing a bit keenly at Limerick in December, Pravalaguna effectively sealed her victory at the third-last with a fine leap before not having to be pushed too hard to come home eight lengths clear.
This Listed heat is certainly a step up in class, and the likes of Baie Des Iles will provide a stern test, but Pravalaguna has a comparative featherweight and could be far too good.
Joseph O'Brien has a fantastically strong hand in the juvenile hurdle division, and Band Of Outlaws may add himself to the Cheltenham Festival squad by outdoing stablemate Konitho in the EMS Copiers Rated Novice Hurdle.
Three times a winner on the level, he was not beaten far when third on his initial try over hurdles - and then soon righted that when landing a Limerick novice event on Boxing Day.
While that may not have been the strongest race, Band Of Outlaws won with a degree of authority, and his Supreme and Triumph Hurdle entries perhaps indicate he shows a bit more at home.
O'Brien could also be on target in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle with Leave Your Mark, who has shown glimpses of promise.
In the opening Connolly's RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Novice Hurdle, it will most likely pay to side with expected short-priced favourite City Island.
Martin Brassil's six-year-old has been beaten by just one horse in his four career starts - although he was subsequently disqualified after winning on his hurdles debut at Galway last summer when arsenic was found in a feed supplement.
It was confirmed that was through no fault of the trainer, who sent out City Island to win a maiden hurdle back at two miles on Boxing Day instead at Leopardstown and rates the son of Court Cave one of the best young horses he has trained.
City Island ought to take this next step up the ladder with ease.
Bilbo Bagins was just outpointed over two and a quarter miles on his most recent start but should appreciate the extra two furlongs in the O'Driscoll O'Neil Handicap Chase.
He is a game stayer - and while his handicap mark is not exactly favourable, he should at least be fresh for this event.
Debuchet has some excellent form in the book in previous seasons and may be worth one last chance in division one of the Cavan Developments Maiden Hurdle.
The grey finished behind City Island at Galway. But there was no disgrace in that, and he may be about to get his head in front for the first time over hurdles.
Noel Meade's Faugernon looks a good starting point in the second division, while Zambezir can improve on a debut third in the Jordan's Centra (Pro/Am) Flat Race.
Sporting Life tips
NAAS: 12.40 City Island, 1.10 Debuchet, 1.40 Faugernon, 2.10 PRAVALAGUNA (NAP), 2.40 Band Of Outlaws, 3.10 Bilbo Bagins, 3.40 Leave Your Mark, 4.10 Zambezir.
DOUBLE: Pravalaguna and Band Of Outlaws.
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