PUNTERS FACE ELL OF A CHOICE AT NAAS

GORDON ELLIOTT ended 2021 with a flourish and he can start 2022 in style by landing the Grade 1 Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle this afternoon.

However, Elliott (left) sets punters quite a poser in this top level contest as he saddles both Ginto and Hollow Games (right).

The pair are among the most promising novice hurdlers in the country and either would be a worthy favourite if they lined up on their own.

Slight preference is for Ginto who has held a big reputation since he made a winning debut in a point-to-point well over a year ago. This gelding met with defeat on his racecourse debut this time last year but then won a bumper in Navan and returned from a summer off to win a maiden there in November.

The best was still to come from Ginto though as he was very impressive in a Grade 2 at Navan last month.

On that occasion the son of Walk In The Park thrashed Eric Bloodaxe who went on to frank the form with a Grade 2 triumph at Limerick earlier this week.

For good measure the third-placed runner from that Navan race, Mr Fred

Rogers, won at Thurles a couple of weeks ago.

Hollow Games has also won both his starts over hurdles this term and followed up a maiden success at Down Royal by landing a Grade 3 at Navan.

He is a classy gelding and, like Ginto, he still has more to offer but on this occasion he might have to settle for a minor role.

Willie Mullins looks capable of continuing his excellent run of form by securing an opening race double.

In the mares beginners chase it is hard to look past the trainer’s Dolcita who was a decent sort over hurdles.

Mullins should also land the novice chase with Blue Lord who was impressive in landing a Fairyhouse beginners chase last month.

This gelding was bordering on Grade 1 class as a novice hurdler and he should be at least as good as a chaser this season.

Elsewhere on the card, Killer Mode makes plenty of appeal in the maiden hurdle.

He showed smart form in bumpers which included a victory at this track last month.