It's a fantastic afternoon of racing at Naas on Sunday, and that, of course, brings with it the big race of the day, the Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle, otherwise known as the Slaney.
The famous Grade 1 has a valuable €100,000 pot up for grabs, and this year, a field of eight goes in search of glory.
Adrian Wall provides his analysis on the big race as well as some other selections at Naas, where they race from 12.30-3.40, with the Slaney itself due off at 2.00.
2.00 – Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle (2m4f)
The power of Willie Mullins is on show yet again as the master handler saddles five of the eight runners, and the yard's best hope is probably Ile Itlantique, who ran away with a maiden hurdle at Gowran in November.
No Time To Wait, who was well beaten in third, gave the form a nice boost, but Gordon Elliott probably has the best horse in this race in the form of FIREFOX if he can appreciate the step back up in trip.
The son of Walk InThe Park extended his winning streak to four when comfortably seeing off the classy Ballyburn over 2m at Fairyhouse last month.
Ballyburnsubsequently came out and won a Leopardstown maiden hurdle by 25 lengths, so the form is very strong. Elliott's other runner, Croke Park, could be the one to chase Firefox home. He thrives in the mud and will finish his race off to good effect.
1.00 - Irish EBF Novice Chase (2m)
Earlier on the card, Willie Mullins can continue his recent dominance in the 2m novice chase courtesy of MISTER POLICEMAN, with Paul Townend booked for the ride.
Sporting the familiar Ricci colours, the French hurdle winner made it a perfect 2-2 for Mullins when beating stablemate Feu Du Bresil at Fairyhouse in November on chasing debut.
Mister Policeman needed every yard of the 2m½f on the day and would appreciate a step up in trip in time, but he loves soft ground and should have the class to see off his rivals. Gordon Elliott's Sa Fureur can chase the selection home.
1.30 - Race And Stay Handicap Chase (2m)
A field of 10 are set to go to post for this competitive handicap chase, but Barry Connell's SNAKE OIL wouldn't be winning out of turn, and he can score in the hands of Mikey O'Sullivan.
A winner of a 2m bumper and a 2m4f maiden hurdle, the nine-year-old son of Westerner improved for the switch to handicap company over fences when third at Leopardstown on Boxing Day.
Snake Oil did well to get so close because he made a terrible mistake at the first fence, and O'Sullivan lost his iron.
He finished his race off in eye-catching fashion, and a 1lb hike in the weights seems fair. Enda Bolger's Genois was third in a much better race than this when last seen and could prove to be the main threat.
