Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle tips & runners guide to Naas 2.20

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change

Grangeclare West heads the betting for a red-hot renewal of the Grade 1 Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle.

The gelded son of Presenting – unbeaten in two runs under rules including a 13l success on debut over flights in November – will attempt to give Willie Mullins a record-extending ninth victory in the race but eight talented rivals are set to take their chance at 14:20 GMT on Sunday.

NEW TO PADDY POWER NEWS?

WELL, HOW DOES £/€20 AFTER SIGNING UP SOUND?

The Closutton handler also pitches Champ Kiely into the mix but the principal threats appear to be Gavin Cromwell’s hat-trick seeking Inothewayurthinkin and Royal Bond second Irish Point for Gordon Elliott.

Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle odds can be found on the Paddy Power website, Paddy Power app or via our snazzy betting widgets, otherwise Timeform’s horse-by-horse guide to the runners and betting tips from the racing boffins are below.

Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle runners

Affordable Fury

Trainer: Noel Meade Jockey: B J Cooper Age: 5 Weight: 11st 10lbs

Bumper/maiden hurdle winner at Galway in October. 4/1, fell in Monksfield Novices’ Hurdle at Navan (20f, heavy) 42 days ago (won by Dawn Rising). Open to improvement.

***

Champ Kiely

Trainer: W P Mullins Jockey: Danny Mullins Age: 7 Weight: 11st 10lbs

Promising type. Lost unbeaten run when fourth of 8 to Marine Nationale in Royal Bond Novices’ Hurdle at Fairyhouse (16f, heavy, 10/11) 35 days ago, travelling strongly. Back up in trip and he’ll need to settle.

****

Dawn Rising

Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien Jockey: J J Slevin Age: 6 Weight: 11st 10lbs

Useful winner at 12f on Flat. Won 4-runner Monksfield Novices’ Hurdle at Navan (20f, heavy, 10/1) 42 days ago by 8 lengths from American Mike, suited by way race developed. This asks a different question.

***

Grangeclare West

Trainer: W P Mullins Jockey: Paul Townend Age: 7 Weight: 11st 10lbs

Highly-promising sort. Won 23-runner novice hurdle (2/1) at Navan (20f, heavy) on hurdles bow 42 days ago, impressively. Should significantly improve for top yard.

****

Imagine

Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: Jordan Gainford Age: 5 Weight: 11st 10lbs

Lightly-raced winner under NH rules. 1 win from 3 runs this season. Creditable ½-length second of 8 to Inothewayurthinkin in minor event hurdle at Gowran (16f, heavy, 15/8) 43 days ago. Up in trip.

Inothewayurthinkin

Trainer: Gavin Cromwell Jockey: L P Dempsey Age: 5 Weight: 11st 10lbs

Won 8-runner minor event hurdle at Gowran (16f, heavy, 2/1) 43 days ago by ½ length from Imagine, bit in hand. Step up in trip will suit so not one to underestimate.

***

Irish Point

Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: Jack Kennedy Age: 5 Weight: 11st 10lbs

French bumper winner who made successful hurdles debut in November. Excellent head-second of 8 to Marine Nationale in Royal Bond Novices’ Hurdle at Fairyhouse (16f, heavy, 18/1) 35 days ago. Up in trip. Standard bearer.

*****

Kalanisi Star

Trainer: Oliver McKiernan Jockey: Phillip Enright Age: 6 Weight: 11st 10lbs

Bumper/maiden hurdle winner at Gowran. 14 lengths last of 5 to Favori De Champdou in Gr 2 hurdle at Limerick (23f, heavy, 15/8) 12 days ago. Hard to make a case for.

Monbeg Park

Trainer: Sean Thomas Doyle Jockey: Keith Donoghue Age: 6 Weight: 11st 10lbs

Useful hurdler. 6/4, respectable 8 lengths third of 6 to Hiddenvalley Lake in Gr 3 hurdle at Cork (24f, soft) 28 days ago, suited by way race developed. Difficult ask.