Horse Racing tips: Ruby Walsh and Frank Hickey’s best bets at Naas on Saturday

Ruby and Frank have named their Naas selections

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at the time of publication but subject to change

Ruby Walsh and Frank Hickey have picked out their best bets ahead of action at Naas on Saturday.

On a weekend that has already seen several meetings cancelled due to poor weather, an inspection at the Kildare venue is scheduled for 7.30am – but our duo have done their homework in the hope racing will go ahead.

Speaking on the latest episode of Paddy Power’s From The Horse’s Mouth podcast, Ruby and Frank picked out some top tips.

Ruby Walsh

12.35pm – Captain Kangaroo

Willie Mullins runs a horse called CAPTAIN KANGEROO in this, who beat none other than Kilcruit in a bumper at Clonmel. He’s had three starts over hurdles and each one has been a steady progression.

He was fourth to Gabynako, third behind He’s A Hardy Bloke and second to On Eagles Wings. Grand Paradis of Gordon Elliott’s was fourth that day and has since gone on and won. Limestone Rock was third and he could have gone and won since at Naas.

On Eagles Wings unfortunately got beaten at Down Royal but I think Captain Kangaroo can belatedly break his maiden duck.

1.40pm – Elimay

I think ELIMAY is a pretty decent mare. I would be slightly worried about the trip – she won a 2m chase in Cork but she beat Augusta Gold and they were both running at the wrong distance. Elimay was just a bit quicker but we know that Augusta Gold wants a much further distance.

She was too quick for Cut The Mustard at Thurles over 2.5m, and then she was behind Allaho. I don’t know if it is a concern but Thurles was cancelled on the day it was supposed to run and rescheduled for the following Wednesday, so it means that Elimay is backing up in 17 days rather than 20 and her original target was race in January that she couldn’t run in.

The 17-day turnaround and the drop in trip would be slight concerns but she is the best filly in the race. Shattered Love would at one stage have been the best but she seems to have lost her way.

Pravalaguna-Naas

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Frank Hickey

1.40pm – Elimay

Ruby put ELIMAY up for the Mares’ Chase even before she ran at Thurles last time out. She looked very strong in the market that day and ran a cracker to only be beaten by two lengths by Allaho. She travelled well and jumped nicely. The drop to 2m shouldn’t inconvenience her and she’s only had three chase starts – winning in two – so she’s open to a bit of improvement. I think she’ll take a bit of beating.

I’m not sure about the drop in trip for Shattered Love. I think it’s four or five years since she last ran over 2m. Yukon Lil I can see running better back at 2m but she has a small bit to prove after slightly disappointing runs while the other two shouldn’t be good enough.

Elimay will win this and tighten up a bit for the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham.

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at the time of publication but subject to change

Naas bet summary – Saturday, February 13

(Inspection scheduled for 7.30am, Saturday)

Ruby Walsh
12.35pm – Captain Kangaroo
1.40pm – Elimay

Frank Hickey
1.40pm – Elimay

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