28th October - Nass Review (AW)

28th October – Naas

Going: Soft (Times show Good to Soft)

The going appeared a bit loose on top, rather than sticky, throughout the day at Naas, and I think this resulted in a few performances being slightly quicker than you may expect on the advertised soft going.

The first race saw an important performance from Catch Me, a pre-race favourite for the Cheltenham festival and an odds on shot for his debut. The suggestion from Edward O’Grady was that he needs to sharpen his jumping and also that extra distance will most certainly be in his favour. I always think that at this time of year there is plenty of opportunity to be stung on short priced classy flat performers and tend to try and avoid them as betting prospects. Catch Me proved very worthy in my opinion. The time of the race wasn’t bad, although nothing to go overboard about. However, it appeared that pace of the race was not fantastic at times and at a few points the race slowed. As they came into the straight Barry Geraghty took the initiative on Catch Me who visibly quickened up to a much more realistic pace, running on at the finish in good style. I would be encouraged to think that extra distance, and a faster pace would improve Catch Me. Those filling the places should find opportunities if not shooting too high.

The second race of the day provided a similarly encouraging win for the progressive second season chaser Southern Vic. Over an inadequate trip, I thought he oozed class, struggling ever so slightly with the muddling pace, he settled and then beat a fair field. The runners in behind weren’t of the class that he may face in the near to distant future, as he is sure to go on to better things, but they did provide a fair challenge. The comment that I suggested about Zum See’s last run is best befitting those in behind, himself included, when stepped into better company, they appear just short of what is required, although Macs Flamingo and Lakil Princess have more time on their side than Zum See.

Leading Run’s winning streak came to an end, as he appeared flat and a bit worn out. Fear’s over the last run that I had with regards the time of the race and standard of the performance were put right however as this was more realistic. Le Toscan who had been behind Leading Run last time out came through and left the rest well behind. The soft going was highlighted as a big positive and this is a comment that can once again be directed at Eternal Lady. The Boxer Roche should improve for the run, but still has a little to find.

Best World put in a good performance to land the handicap chase. The race was well contested and the lightly weighted Tony Martin runner ran on to snatch the race from Bruach Na Habhann, who had looked all set to score two out. Tony Martin has obviously worked the oracle on Best World, running for him for the first time. With no significant previous form, this looks like a Tony Martin special. I’d imagine the horse would probably be no value next time out, but this was a good run and I’d be inclined to avoid betting on and against Best World when next seen. Chevaux Loco, who had ran well last time, finished in third, firming up my opinion on the race. Panaconi has caught my eye twice now, and I think there is a weak race around a tight track for him somewhere down the line.

Take nothing away from Finger Onthe Pulse, this was another good performance, but quite where they go next and how they go about it would be my main worry. I am not suggesting that the horse isn’t running well, but one thing I think must be recognised is that on the last two runs in handicap company, Tom Taffe has placed his other runner Emotional Moment in the same race. As a much more highly rated horse, this has meant that Finger Onthe Pulse has been running with a lighter weight on his back, something I think has been fairly crucial for him on ground softer than ideal. He finished tired, something that Tom Taffe picked up on, and will now be rested. I’d not be totally surprised to see him turn up on King George day, as Tom Taffe raced Tumbling Dice in a similar race on that day nearly a couple of seasons ago and with a mention of a run in Britain this got me thinking.

Katowice’s win may come as no real surprise if you delve a little further into the form of her relatives. She has been running consistently at this level of late and Henry De Bromhead has trained two of her relatives to success, with most of their form coming on softer going. This was Katowice’s first run on a softer surface and although this race was by no means brilliant, they obviously understand that the going plays a part with her and I could see her landing another race at some point if conditions were favourable. Last time out winner Low Expectations was so far off the pace that he could never land a blow. This was a very average handicap.