The Padraig Roche trained Win some, lose some will likely be a warm order under Mark Walsh, who has a sensational record in this typically competitive handicap hurdle.

Walsh brought home the winner four times in a row from 2016 to 2019, all in the colors of JP McManus, and they could have another well-handicap bloke in front of his mark. The five-year-old was victorious at Clonmel last time out after appearing to flounder approaching two outs and making an error, but he picked up well from there, rising late to win a shade comfortably.

An 8lb increase will see him competitive again and good ground is imperative to his chances.

Happy Jacky has had a phenomenal year for trainer Mark Fahey, winning two 3m hurdles this summer and Ulster Cesarewitch on the flat. The ten-year-old had another run when he met at Gowran Park last month, whose form looks strong given he had to concede more than 20lb to two progressive rivals.

The drop-in isn’t ideal but it seems set up to dictate from the front and it won’t be easy to get past him.

Last season’s winner Espanito Bello is back for another shot with a higher mark of 9 pounds after beating the opponent Gaoth Chuil last season. All five of his wins came at this track and he made a satisfactory reappearance when beaten 15 lengths by French Dynamite over obstacles on his return. However, it could probably use some rain.

Mrs Beeton traveled like a dream at Punchestown before getting crushed by D Art D Art and is a huge player, especially if he has decent pace to aim for. It won’t be easy as she will have to deliver late but will love the pitch and is ahead of her target.

The angle in each direction is The busy foolwho ran promising races in first company behind Zefiro Dodville, when he could have won had he not been left in front of three, and Magnificent Tom.

He won in good fashion on his handicap debut at Tipperary, beating a rival who then finished second in a handicap at the Punchestown Festival, and should be there if he is ready to rock on his return.

Currently updating

The land is good, good to yieldable in places (hedge) & good (chase). Watering continues with dry weather.

What they say

Mark Fahey, trainer of Happy Jacky
Peter Smithers gets on very well with him and he has been very consistent this season. He ran well at Gowran last time over three miles and the turnaround is probably a bit short for him, but Naas is a tough track so hopefully this can level him out.

Barry Connell, coach of Espanito Bello
He will run in anything we can find at Naas as he seems to be 10lbs better there and he is a very versatile horse. I thought he ran well on his reappearance at Punchestown. He took a good beating for winning this race last year, but he should be competitive.

Philip Rothwell, coach of The Busy Fool
I hope the ground gives way because I wouldn’t rule it for good. He’s stepping up his journey, which hopefully suits him and we’d like to think he can be competitive. His early form worked well, as did his handicap win, so we’re looking forward to getting him out there.

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