May 21 / 16.45 Naas

16.45

Good

Royal Ascot Trials At Naas Handicap

  • Prize money: £11486.73
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • 11 runners
RTV
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Royal Ascot Trials At Naas Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

7/1 (Won)

Form: 8-31

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Backed up promising comeback run by landing 7f Gowran maiden early this month, needing very yard; should be well suited by this longer trip and holds some fancy entries.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(4)

14th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

14:37 Cork

Fort Vega

9st 5lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

Better than ever last summer, winning over C&D (good) and career-best in Scurry Handicap at the Curragh over an extended 6.5f in July; matched that effort when beaten just a neck by Headmaster in the Habitat Handicap back at the Curragh on seasonal return (6f, good); entitled to improve and he's in the mix off 2lb higher.

15/2

2nd

8

(16)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

17:25 Curragh

Fort Vega

9st 9lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

Better than ever last summer, winning at Cork and career-best when second in Scurry Handicap here over extended 6f; bit keen and not quite at same level in Listed at Galway festival when last seen; may just need this comeback run.

20/1

100/30

Form: 2-91

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Promising run here a year ago on sole 2yo start and off the mark at third attempt when running away with 7f Dundalk maiden last month, clearly relishing the sound surface; could well have more to offer and trip should be no problem.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

12

(13)

9th Sep 2023

Good

0m 7f 72y

17:40 Leopardstown

Broadhurst

9st 1lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

towards rear, pushed along and raced in last 2f out, headway towards near side but still plenty to do 1f out, ran on well to lead towards finish

15/2

2nd

1

(3)

21st May 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

16:45 Naas

Broadhurst

9st 12lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

prominent, disputing third halfway

100/30

1st

3

(2)

11th Apr 2023

Standard

0m 7f 0y

19:15 Dundalk (AW)

Broadhurst

9st 7lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Expensive yearling was second to useful type on only juvenile start at Navan (5.5f, good); off over ten months and disappointing favourite at the Curragh last month but quite possibly heavy ground was the reason; son of No Nay Never should enjoy this surface.

2/1

10/1

Form: 2210-0 C

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Quite a busy 2yo campaign which included 7f maiden win here; well below best twice since on testing ground (probably didn't stay 1m2f latest) so will relish the return to better ground here; others may have more scope for improvement though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

(1)

22nd Jun 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Betterdaysrcoming

9st 0lb

J: W J Lee

T: A Oliver

Both wins have been at 7f but he needed all of that trip at the Curragh (good) a month ago to be ahead when it mattered; it's debatable whether he's got enough boot under the bonnet to win this much deeper race; best form on good or yielding (below par on softer).

25/1

1st

5

(12)

27th May 2023

Good

0m 7f 0y

16:15 Curragh

Betterdaysrcoming

9st 6lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: A Oliver

midfield on near side of group, pushed along and outpaced over 2f out, headway when ridden up the centre from over 1f out, led towards finish, all out

16/1

3rd

5

(11)

21st May 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

16:45 Naas

Betterdaysrcoming

9st 8lb

J: W J Lee

T: A Oliver

midfield

10/1

9/1

Form: 21-3

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Dundalk maiden winner last autumn made encouraging return at Cork early this month although didn't help her cause by racing keenly in testing conditions; on a competitive mark and better ground should suit so definite player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

(5)

16th Feb 2024

Standard

0m 7f 0y

17:30 Dundalk (AW)

Mere Accountant

10st 0lb

J: Shane B Kelly

T: J P Murtagh

prominent, soon went second

7/1

5th

11

(12)

2nd Feb 2024

Standard

1m 0f 0y

18:00 Dundalk (AW)

Mere Accountant

9st 9lb

J: Wesley Joyce

T: J P Murtagh

midfield

16/1

6th

12

(6)

29th Nov 2023

Standard

0m 7f 0y

16:25 Dundalk (AW)

Mere Accountant

9st 11lb

J: Shane B Kelly

T: J P Murtagh

Won a C&D maiden just over a year ago; consistent enough on turf since without winning and was only beaten 2l over 1m here last time; this trip should suit better and is down 2lb, so a chance.

9/1

Form: 61

Last run: 58 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Raced keenly and met some trouble in running on Dundalk debut in February and following month landed similar contest back at 7f under a positive ride, still a bit green; turf debut and not certain to appreciate return to this trip so could be vulnerable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(4)

7th Oct 2024

Yielding To Soft

1m 0f 30y

15:30 Killarney

Sea Chariot

9st 6lb

J: Colin Keane

T: John Joseph Murphy

Two 2023 wins on AW; excellent second on good ground at Navan last time; does not need to improve much to win a turf handicap but the prospect of testing ground is a concern.

5/1

2nd

11

(19)

29th Aug 2024

Good

1m 0f 20y

16:30 Navan

Sea Chariot

9st 10lb

J: Shane Foley

T: John Joseph Murphy

held up in rear

10/1

3rd

2

(16)

5th Aug 2024

Good

0m 7f 0y

15:50 Naas

Sea Chariot

10st 2lb

J: Shane Foley

T: John Joseph Murphy

Dual AW winner last year (7f-8f) and ran a solid race at Killarney last time; can improve from that but needs more down 2lb.

10/1

Form: 81-

Last run: 263 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Form of his Gowran maiden win (7f, good to firm) last summer has worked out well (second now rated 106, third 97); this trip could be his limit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

3

16th Dec 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 30y

13:05 Fairyhouse

National Emblem

11st 0lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Cian Collins

towards rear

10/1

4th

4

11th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 0f 190y

12:35 Down Royal

National Emblem

10st 10lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Cian Collins

Promising Gowran maiden winner (Gd/Fm) as a 2yo for Jessica Harrington but has gone backwards this year; questions to answer making hurdling debut for new yard.

22/1

Form: 61- D

Last run: 170 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Came on nicely from debut run to win 1m Dundalk maiden in December in a race which is working out well; could make up into a smart handicapper this year although may want further in time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

(4)

25th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

18:07 Newcastle (AW)

Kalikapour

9st 10lb

J: Gianluca Sanna

T: John Wainwright

No win since December 2024 (1m4f); weakened from 2f out on recent stable debut at Redcar (1m2f; 14-1, beaten 15l by Woodleigh); possibly needed that first run for 278 days but others are preferred.

25/1

8th

2

(4)

25th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 1y

Class 6

17:18 Redcar

Kalikapour

9st 9lb

J: Gianluca Sanna

T: John Wainwright

Ex-Seb Spencer; dual AW winner who ran a sound race when fourth in Doncaster handicap last August (1m2f, good to firm; cheekpieces first time); no headgear this time and may need the run after 278-day break.

10/1

3rd

2

(6)

20th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 6

15:15 Carlisle

Kalikapour

9st 11lb

J: Gianluca Sanna

T: Seb Spencer

Got back on track in refitted cheekpieces/tongue strap when fourth of seven in 1m2f Doncaster handicap 18 days ago; he needs considering.

7/1

Form: 7127-6

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Won Roscommon maiden and finished second in Curragh nursery last year on contrasting ground so last month's seasonal return over C&D was disappointing; back on better ground here but Foley seemingly prefers National Emblem.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

6

(14)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:50 York

Spirit Genie

10st 13lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Jennie Candlish

Five-time winner on a handy mark but it's been a quiet start to this season and, even if back on song, looks vulnerable to stronger stayers over this far; the return of a visor might be no bad thing.

14/1

8th

2

(10)

12th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 4

13:30 Chester

Spirit Genie

11st 1lb

J: Mr Jamie Neild

T: Jennie Candlish

C&D scorer who made a promising return from a poor draw when seventh of 22 in 7f York handicap four weeks ago; figures on a handy-looking mark now and he's interesting.

10/1

7th

5

(21)

15th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:45 York

Spirit Genie

9st 9lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

Ended winless 2025 campaign with a placed effort in an above-average seller; starts his 2026 season off 8lb below his last winning mark but chance partly depends on the weather as he's best on ground softer than good.

20/1

16/1

Form: 357-54

Last run: 32 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Pick of juvenile form came on heavy ground when third in a 7f Cork maiden; opening handicap effort last month at Gowran was okay but others look better handicapped here and possible ground concerns.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

(1)

22nd Jun 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

18:15 Leopardstown

Long Count

9st 2lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: J S Bolger

in touch with leaders on inner

9/1

9th

11

(1)

21st May 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

16:45 Naas

Long Count

8st 8lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: J S Bolger

Pick of juvenile form came on heavy ground when third in a 7f Cork maiden; opening handicap effort last month at Gowran was okay but others look better handicapped here and possible ground concerns.

16/1

4th

5

(9)

19th Apr 2023

Soft

1m 0f 0y

18:45 Gowran Park

Long Count

9st 8lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: J S Bolger

Pick of juvenile form came on heavy ground when third in a 7f Cork maiden, a short head in front of today's rival Pigeon House; two subsequent runs below that level; should be better for his run in a 1m maiden at Navan three weeks ago.

10/1

OUR TIP

9/1

Form: 319-

Last run: 252 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Improved to win Down Royal maiden last summer (7f, good) but wasn't up to the task in Group 1 Moyglare subsequently; could have more to offer now her sights have been lowered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(3)

26th May 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

18:00 Curragh

Amazing Show

9st 9lb

J: Mark Enright

T: G M Lyons

Won 7f Down Royal maiden before being given an ambitious task in Group 1 Moyglare Stakes; big price when ridden by Colin Keane on handicap debut and now rejected by the champion jockey; blinkered now.

20/1

10th

3

(10)

21st May 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

16:45 Naas

Amazing Show

9st 9lb

J: Colin Keane

T: G M Lyons

Improved to win Down Royal maiden last summer (7f, good) but wasn't up to the task in Group 1 Moyglare subsequently; could have more to offer now her sights have been lowered.

9/1

9th

1

(1)

11th Sep 2022

Yielding

0m 7f 0y

15:00 Curragh

Amazing Show

9st 2lb

J: Colin Keane

T: G M Lyons

prominent early, midfield after 1f, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong

33/1

11th
9 (9)
Encosta

10/1

Form: 3214-

Last run: 217 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
All four starts last year over 7f, including Down Royal maiden win and good fourth in very valuable auction contest here, both those efforts on softer ground; earlier form on better ground, slight reservations about this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

5th Jul 2025

Good

2m 1f 40y

18:00 Bellewstown

Encosta

11st 5lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Noel Meade

Two Flat wins and placed seven times in that sphere; ran creditably against the former Ebor and Irish St Leger winner Sonnyboyliston in a Killarney maiden hurdle.

3/1

2nd

12

31st May 2025

Good

2m 0f 100y

14:30 Listowel

Encosta

11st 5lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Noel Meade

Dual Flat winner who has shown ability in two runs over hurdles; will need further progress to be a factor here but that's possible on just her third run over timber.

10/1

2nd

12

31st May 2025

Good

2m 0f 100y

14:30 Listowel

Encosta

11st 5lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Noel Meade

Dual Flat winner who has shown ability in two runs over hurdles; will need further progress to be a factor here but that's possible on just her third run over timber.

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast €17.35
Tricast €170.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

National Emblem

POSTDATA:

Fort Vega

TOPSPEED:

Betterdaysrcoming

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Broadhurst

The Irish Sun:

National Emblem