DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
MONDAY APRIL 28
6.10 NAAS
For most punters, flicking the switch from jumps mode to the Flat isn’t always easy, especially with Punchestown still to come, but attentions are focused on the other main Kildare venue and NOBLE NATION (best price 10-3) rates a solid choice to bolster the betting funds prior to the big week ahead.
Gerard O’Leary’s gelding signed off last season with a smooth success at Sligo and he was extremely well supported to carry on where he left off over today’s C&D on his first race for 228 days ago.
Travelling powerfully throughout, the four-year-old eased his way to the front with two furlongs to run and with just gentle encouragement, he sauntered clear for a comfortable five length success.
How much he had in hand is anyone’s guess but chances are he still has a bit to play with even allowing for a shot across the bows by the assessor and despite today’s test being a totally different one in terms of quality opposition, the powerfully-built son of Sioux Nation has the scope to back up the view that he belongs at a higher level.
NOBLE NATION – 1-point win@10-3
7.40 NAAS
SCOTT KEY (NAP) (best price 7-2) made a mockery of his current rating at Gowran last week and with connections keen to strike while the iron is hot, Andrew Slattery’s inmate deserves to be kept on side in his bid to make a successful quick turnaround.
Shaping nicely over Cork’s straight seven-furlong track on his seasonal bow, he left the impression there could be more to come given a stiffer examination and he didn’t waste too much time exercising that view.
Despite completely missing the break at the Kenny venue, he overcame a poor early track position to ultimately win with bundles in hand and the time figure and final three furlongs splits hinted it was a performance of a horse who belongs at a higher level.
A well-built, scopey sort with a potential of more to come, he will obviously need to break more alertly than he did five days ago, but providing he does, Scott Key has all the tools to continue his progression through the ranks.
SCOTT KEY – 1-point win@7-2