15:55 Naas
Saturday 11 February 2017
All13:3514:1014:4515:2015:5516:3017:00
Hospitality At Naas Handicap Chase
- 5YO plus | 2m | Soft | 10 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 15:55 | Winning time: 4m 18.6s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Took impressive record to four from six over fences at Cheltenham in October, freshened up since but some concern dropping back from three-miles to minimum trip in this.
Been playing bit-part roles in three starts this season, easy to see that pattern continuing now.
Been running against some top-class horses in beginners' chase company this term, switches to handicaps and could be competitive.
Won novice event at Ballinrobe over 2m1f in April when last seen without really being asked serious questions, return to the track demands more but could have the answers.
Two efforts this season saw him pulled up and with plenty questions to answer, return to best form would give him a squeak however.
This is much less daunting than last month's Fairyhouse handicap and he should run accordingly but will probably find a few too strong.
Another tame effort last month at Leopardstown, that has become the norm of late and tough to build a case suggesting that will change.
Ran his best for some time last month at Fairyhouse, finishing ahead of Leap Dearg, and is now 4lb lower. Could run well here if in the same mood.
Doesn't appear progressive over fences, yet to get off the mark in eight attempts and should be held on the formbook.
C&D winner penultimate start, not quite as effective at longer trip off higher mark a fortnight ago but should be suited by this distance again.
Forecasts
Heron Heights (11/2), Killer Crow (11/2), Squouateur (6/1), Black Zero (6/1), Leap Dearg (13/2), Vent De La Cote (7/1), Caolaneoin (7/1), Rock On Fruity (9/1), Westerners Son (20/1), Ludo Et Emergo (20/1)
Caolaneoin ran a solid race when fourth in a valuable handicap last month and shouldn’t be easily looked over now racing off a 4lb lower mark. Heron Heights is greatly respected a novice going the right way but it must be a concern he drops to two-miles for this. Henry De Bromhead's charge has won over 2m3f but his hurdling form at this trip doesn’t inspire confidence. Instead the vote goes to another handicap debutant in VENT DE LA COTE, who was untroubled in winning over fences at Ballinrobe on his sole previous try. He has to prove his fitness but could prove up to it with conditions in his favour. Previous C&D winner Black Zero will also be better suited at this trip than on his follow-up last time.
1. Vent De La Cote
2. Heron Heights
3. Caolaneoin
Prize Money
1st: €15,375.002nd: €4,750.003rd: €2,250.004th: €1,000.005th: €376.00
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