Irish Racing Review: Naas, June 3rd 2013

Naas Review

Naas – Monday June 3^rd

7f Maiden

A poor race that took little winning; Ramsa, one of least exposed, got first run on second, good attitude, was taped up for this and may not want the ground this quick, an opinion voiced by trainer/jockey afterwards. One True Love an unlucky loser, going well swinging into straight but got trapped on rail thereafter travelling strongly, came home very well but did show attitude at two.

Some promise in the debut of Balmont Belle, missed break, ran on well in a race that few got into. Lottie Dod was keen, possibly finding ground too quick, has long looked a dodge though. Of the Weld pair, Violet Hour got an easy time while Lapis Blue held her head awkwardly.

7f Listed

Easy win for Reply, looks much best on fast ground, good or better: 311330921, now strung two good runs together. Tobann has come from rear, belatedly building on wide-margin maiden win, but looked tricky ride in process, inclined to cock jaw and run flattened out when got close to winner, one to oppose. Off the bridle early was Parliament Square, may like further while Core Element put up a career best.

Not a bad return from Coolnagree on livelier ground than she’s used to, ran on in finish and might build on this though infrequent winner. Caprella was BTBF, travelled well and want to see her back at 6f. Ghaamer was found out in this class while Foxtrot Romeo’s career has gone badly awry.

7f Handicap

The pace looked decent enough and it was the best time over the trip on the card; they finished in a heap. Slipper Orchid one of first off the bridle but found plenty and appears to have improved for this faster ground which is the opposite of what her breeding would say, won’t be getting much for this and likeable. Tarsille travelled best (won’t mind 6f) but is difficult to win with while Ningaloo Reef was well-backed and has a very good record at the track – 1213.

Iron Major caught the eye; held up, travelled well for inexperienced jockey, not beaten far, first run since December and has dropped to 76 having won off 84 in the past. Collingwood met some trouble but wouldn’t overdo it and hard to win with while Seanie showed HC; the fact he hasn’t been put into good races in England with a mark of 92 has to be a negative with Marnane. Prince Jock looked an awkward ride.

6f 2yo Listed

This looked slowly run – time markedly slower than the following race – which was something JPOB remarked on post-race and Stubbs did it well to come from rear, jockey never having to get serious, type to do better over strongly run 6f.

No sign of attitude from Club Wexford but there was enough in his debut run to make him one to take on and his return to maidens is something to look forward to. All Set To Go shaped well on debut but ran no sort of race and the impression is that the Sir John Hawkins maiden is not all it is cracked up to be.

6f 2yo Listed

A pretty straightforward race with no hard luck stories; Sandiva was impressive, raced more professionally than last time and the idea to give her an extra run before Royal Ascot looks a good call given how she went here; goes to the Albany next and a big player. Heart Focus hadn’t impressed previously but this was much better and she’s improving run-to-run as ones from the yard can do; step up to 7f will suit.

There would be a doubt about the strength of the Irish fillies at this point as APOB is yet to win a race with a filly so perhaps the English will have an edge at the Royal meeting. Glassatura was a bit disappointing, not really building on debut, while Adeste Fideles put up a fine debut getting among maiden winners and was unwanted in the market.

7f 3yo Handicap

They finished in a heap and the pace was moderate. Connacht Council has proved a little in-and-out but finally got his win while Zalty whose LTO form is proving strong ran much better, the soft ground seemingly against in Killarney, Lightnin Hopkins travelled best and has dropped to a good mark on his 2yo form, coming back to 6f will be no issue and seemed to like the faster ground.

The decision to switch Angela’s Dream inside about a furlong and a half down was a poor one, met some trouble afterwards and may have cost a place while Rain God met some traffic too though looked beaten at the time. Street Party looks on a harsh mark for what he has done in maidens, albeit not particularly busy in previous races.

1m2f Handicap

An interesting race but more for the negatives it threw up, the first three all showing attitude. Love And Cherish swished the tail, Drifting Mist (brought along with handicaps in mind, well-backed here, stumbled on one of ridges) looking an awkward ride and Something Graceful showing HC; want to be against all three next time.

Headford Lady didn’t run too badly but some of these were terrible: Coco Bella, Bint Nayef and Nabat Ali.