WINNING FORMULA Joy for John Joe

GALLANT JOHN JOE can live up to his name and shrug off all comers in the Irish Racing Writers Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle (3.15) at Naas tomorrow.

Oliver Mckiernan’s horse, left, went off 33/1 last time out at Leopardstown and finished third in a Grade 1 over two miles and six furlongs.

He seemed to lack the boot of Commander of Fleet and Rhinestone in the closing stages but they are classy types with the former towards the head of the betting for the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.

It is interesting that connections have brought the son of Presenting back down in trip against some speedy types.

They must feel the softer ground, thanks to some timely rainfall, will help this horse and he could be staying on best at the finish. There are plenty of dangers though, chiefly who Gordon Elliott has kept busy of late.

The six-year-old prevailed by just a nose against Hannon last time out at Naas with the pair nicely clear of the rest.

Previous to that he only found the potentially top-class Sinoria too good and is the most likely victor should Gallant John Joe struggle with the drop in trip.

In the following Naas Directors Plate Novice Steeplechase (3.45), it is definitely worth nothing Willie Mullins has sidestepped a trip to Cheltenham with

The mare wasn’t anything special over hurdles but has really impressed since going over fences and was streets clear of useful pair Grey Waters and Ellie Mac last time out.

This is another step up in class though and you might find better value with

The son of Germany did his winning in the summer months and was allowed to go off at 33/1 in a Grade 1 at the Dublin Racing Festival.

In the end, only the teak tough mare La Bague Au Roi got the better of Kaiser Black and with nothing of that calibre here is fancied for a well deserved win.

Another horse to swerve Cheltenham is Noel Meade’s who connections thought was harshly treated by the British handicapper.

He is much better treated here in the Leinster National (4.50), and while his jumping over fences hasn’t always convinced, a small wager is too tempting.