Blue Lord can step up at Naas to maintain Mullins’ streak
WHAT’S rare is wonderful and the prospect of a midweek Grade One is tantalising as some lofty reputations are put on the line in today’s Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle (2.20).
The pedigree of recent winners like Envoi Allen (2020), Bellshill (2016) and Aintree National hero Rule The World (2013) speaks volumes about the quality of the Naas showpiece and today’s renewal certainly doesn’t disappoint.
Ashdale Bob may not be favourite, despite cruising to Grade Two success at Navan last month, but Jessica Harrington’s six-year-old warrants serious respect and he sets the barometer which others will have to reach, including Henry de Bromhead’s market leader Bob Olinger.
The latter was beaten on his hurdling debut when narrowly falling to Champion Bumper winner Ferny Hollow, but scored at the second time of asking when sauntering home in a maiden hurdle at Navan over today’s 2m4f trip.
Rachael Blackmore’s mount could be vulnerable to an improver, though, and Willie Mullins’ Blue Lord fits the bill having made a pleasing Irish debut when scoring at Punchestown in November and the step up in trip is unlikely to be an inconvenience, according to the Closutton maestro.
“I’m very happy with Blue Lord,” Mullins said of his French recruit. “Our fellow won’t mind stepping up in trip following his Punchestown win over two miles last time and he’s pleased me at home since that run.”
With Appreciate It looking like Mullins’ leading candidate for the Supreme at Cheltenham, Blue Lord looks tailor-made for the mix of speed and stamina in the Neptune as his trainer revealed that “we think Grade One is the level he is up to”. Victory here can confirm that confidence.
The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Chase (1.20) is also a tasty affair with Mullins saddling runaway Gowran winner Energumene as well as Blackbow, while De Bromhead has easy Punchestown winner Captain Guinness. There was a lot to like about Energumene on his chasing debut, though, with his economical jumping leaving a lasting impression and he can score under Paul Townend.