Mare’s form given boost PRAVA BULLET PROOF
PRAVALAGUNA (2.10) can give punters a boost at Naas, with Ireland the focus of attention this weekend as the equine flu virus shutdown takes hold in Britain.
The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old takes a step up in class in the two-mile Listed Chase after a very comfortable victory at Limerick over the Christmas period, beating Moyhenna by eight lengths.
That was decent form, with the runner-up previously finishing six lengths second behind Camelia De Cotte, who has won a Grade Two novice chase in impressive fashion since.
Gordon Elliott’s Synopsis may give the selection most to do, despite pulling up last time at Huntingdon, having won a handicap chase off top-weight at Cheltenham.
The best bet of the day is KONITHO (2.40), trained by Joseph O’Brien. The four-year-old French import spreadeagled a 17-runner field at the same track two weeks ago and looks another to add to O’Brien’s impressive list of potential novice hurdle stars.
Stablemate Band Of Outlaws can make it an O’Brien 1-2, having been driven out with hands and heels to get up on the line to beat Triumph Hurdle entry Future Proof at Limerick on Boxing Day.
FAUGUERNON (1.40) has entries at Cheltenham for Noel Meade and can improve on a quiet debut when fifth at Fairyhouse a fortnight ago in division two of the two-mile maiden hurdle.