ELLIOTT’S CHARGE IS THE WRIGHT CHOICE

THE Gordon Elliott-trained Cartwright should prove tough to beat in the Irish Racing Writers Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle, the listed feature of tomorrow’s card in Naas.

A five-year-old High Chaparral gelding, Cartwright won six races on the flat for Sir Mark Prescott in England before being purchased for just 7,500 Guineas in October.

And he has done little wrong in three starts over hurdles for his new handler, apparently tiring when beaten 17 lengths by Scarpeta on his hurdling debut, on Thyestes day at Gowran Park.

He stepped-up on that effort when landing his maiden over tomorrow’s course and distance, storming up the hill to slam the quirky Epicuris by 16 lengths, a performance which stamped him a smart novice.

Last time, again over this course and distance, Cartwright stepped into Grade 2 company and, ridden patiently, held every chance from the home turn before failing to quicken on the run-in and finishing fourth behind stable-companion Hardline and Impact Factor.

Beaten three and a half lengths that day, he had 130-rated Makitorix behind in fifth spot.

A reproduction of that effort, or an improvement brought about by more positive tactics, might see Cartwright land the spoils here. Cartwright’s stable-companion opposes him tomorrow but was beaten when falling at Thurles last time and has been a bit disappointing.

Willie Mullins relies on a winner at Kilbeggan and Gowran last summer, but off the track since June.

Recent maiden winners (Noel Meade),

(Henry de Bromhead) and ( Joseph O’brien) are open to improvement while winner of his maiden on this track, must improve on his fifth to Hardline at Punchestown.

The Paul Nolan-trained

third to Chesterfield King at Fairyhouse last time, should appreciate the extra three furlongs of the Naas Supporters Handicap Hurdle and should figure prominently.

Others to consider are the consistent and top-weight

raised 7lb for landing the recent Pertemps Qualifier at Punchestown, but dropping back from three miles.

Runner-up to Eagle Lion at Punchestown last time, Noel Meade’s will be a leading fancy for the six-runner Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle.

But marginal preference is for Liz Doyle’s second to Cut The Mustard at Punchestown last time but probably better judged on an earlier second to subsequent winner Dortmund Park at Fairyhouse.

Willie Mullins introduces an interesting French import in the Toals Free Bet Maiden Hurdle. And, if he’s strong in the market, he might oblige.

Msassa finished fourth in his only start in France, at Compiegne last March, and won’t have to be a star to get the better of Noel Meade’s

and the 112-rated