12.45 Naas Maiden Hurdle 1m 7f 151y

Coltor had a couple of these rivals in rear when second on his hurdling debut at Leopardstown over Christmas. Although somewhat disappointing when only managing fourth place at Punchestown on his next start, he is forgiven that run as the track may not have suited. Paul Townend is a significant booking for the Dermot Weld-trained four-year-old so he is given another chance.

Zoffanien finished ahead of Coltor at Punchestown earlier this month so has to hold a live chance. Trainer Denis Hogan was in the saddle on that occasion so the fact he retains the ride could be a pointer in itself.

With a hurdling mark of 116, the son of Zoffany would be good enough to win an ordinary maiden at the very least.

SELECTION: COLTOR

Next Best: Zoffanien

1.15 Limestone Lad Hurdle (Grade 3) 1m 7f 151y

Beacon Edge should be good enough to win a race in which he has plenty in his favour. A lightly raced horse who has proven his ability to compete at the highest level, this easier task should see him return to winning ways.

Last seen when running Honeysuckle to less than a length in the Grade 1 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle, he could even be a live Champion Hurdle outsider if winning this race impressively.

Grand Roi was well behind Beacon Edge at Galway in October so appears to have little chance of overturning that form especially at these weights. However, in all probability he would have needed the run on that occasion and has since run out a very easy winner at Limerick.

SELECTION: BEACON EDGE

Next Best: Grand Roi

1.45 I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle (Div l) 2m 3f

Kilbree Warrior, who was slightly disappointing when sent off favourite at Fairyhouse last time, may be worth another chance in a first-time tongue tie.

Oliver McKiernan’s runner made all to win her point-to-point at Tallow last February and had shown promise on her first two starts over flights. In receipt of plenty of weight here, she can make a bold bid from the front and might not be easy to pass on really testing ground.

Limestone Rock has only had the two career starts so is open to plenty of improvement. Second in a decent Leopardstown bumper on his racecourse debut, he again showed up well when third at this track on his introduction to hurdling. A similar effort would see him go very close in arguably a weaker contest.

SELECTION: KILBREE WARRIOR

Next Best: Limestone Rock

2.15 I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle (Div ll) 2m 3f

Glens Of Antrim, who ran into an above-average sort when second at Leopardstown over Christmas, should be able to go one place better.

Willie Mullins has an abundance of talent in this division so must be confident his runner is good enough to see off a couple of worthy competitors here. Mark Walsh can guide the JP McManus-owned six-year-old to her first career victory.

Mr Incredible also finished second in a maiden hurdle over the Christmas period at Leopardstown. Henry de Bromhead’s horse raced against his own age group on that occasion but looked smart enough to hold his own in open race company.

SELECTION: GLENS OF ANTRIM

Next Best: Mr Incredible

2.45 Celebrating The 2020 ITBA Award Winners Handicap Hurdle 1m 7f 151y

Baltimore Bucko looks set to create a little piece of history here as the first American-trained horse to win a jumps race in Ireland.

The Keri Brion-trained five-year-old ran a big race on his Irish debut at Limerick over Christmas, holding every chance before a mistake at the final flight saw him weaken into third. With the runner-up going on to win easily at Thurles in mid-week, he gives the impression he could be nicely handicapped.

Capilano Bridge stayed on strongly to be nearest at the finish in a similar race to this at Leopardstown last time. Although outpaced at a crucial stage of that contest, he was noted making late headway to be nearest at the death.

If the Conor O’Dwyer-trained six-year-old travels better then he will really appreciate the stiff climb to the winning post.

SELECTION: BALTIMORE BUCKO

Next Best: Capilano Bridge

3.15 Naas Racecourse Business Club Novice Chase (Grade 3)

3m 170y

Pencilfulloflead is the class act in this field so should be good enough to concede weight all round. He takes a big drop in class here having finished second in Grade 1 company at Limerick last time.

The form of his Galway win was well advertised in mid-week with the second-placed horse easily winning the Thyestes. Although yet to win over this trip, Pencilfulloflead shapes as though it will suit.

Escaria Ten remains relatively unexposed over fences so can provide the biggest threat. An easy winner at Thurles last time, this represents a huge step up in grade but he certainly deserves the chance to show what he can do.

SELECTION: PENCILFULLOFLEAD

Next Best: Escaria Ten

3.45 Tipper Road Novice Handicap Chase 2m 4f 90y

Fully Charged unseated his rider early on at Fairyhouse but would appear to hold leading claims if jumping better. A point-to-point winner earlier in his career, he won his maiden hurdle under Hugh Morgan at Limerick last year.

The latter jockey is reunited with the seven-year-old now and the addition of cheekpieces may also prove beneficial. He will need to meet his fences spot on but if he does then he has to be involved.

Ilikedwayurthinkin is obviously well handicapped over fences but has yet to show much under this discipline.

When the penny does eventually drop he will almost certainly leave his previous form behind but it would be encouraging to see a little more from him before then.

SELECTION: FULLY CHARGED

Next Best: Ilikedwayurthinkin

4.15 Naas Hunters Chase

3m 170y

Billaway has looked the best hunter chaser in the country this winter so is taken to reverse form with It Came To Pass, his conqueror in last year’s Foxhunters Chase.

A close second on his seasonal reappearance at Fairyhouse, the Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old went one better at Down Royal recently. With Patrick Mullins doing the steering, he can win here before going on to play a leading part in the Cheltenham showpiece.

Staker Wallace has ground to make up with a couple of these based on last year’s Cheltenham race but seems in better fettle this season. Enda Bolger is a master at this discipline and anything he runs has to be respected.

SELECTION: BILLAWAY

Next Best: Staker Wallace