The Naas Hunters Chase, which takes place on Sunday 26th of January has received an entry of 16 and it looks set to be a competitive contest.
Billaway made a very promising return to action on his seasonal debut when he was only beaten by one-length to Dylrow in the Down Royal hunters chase at Christmas. The eight-year-old was a 17-length winner at the Downpatrick hunter chase course back in March.
Casey Jem, who last term, was in the Anthony Black yard and is now with Willie Mullins has won three out of his four starts under rules. The son of Jeremy pulled up on his final outing of the season in May at Stratford but could well return to his winning ways here if lined up.
The David Christie-trained Dylrow had a flying start to the season when winning his point-to-point at Kirkistown by four lengths back in November and he followed up this success when landing the Down Royal hunters chase at Christmas in the hands of Wexford-native Jordan Gainford.
Edwulf, the 2018 Irish Gold Cup winner at Leopardstown, made his return to the point-to-point field a winning one in October when landing the open race at Loughrea for Enda Bolger. He has since moved on to the Joseph O’Brien yard and placed third for him when running at Down Royal.
Samurai Cracker was another who was successful over the Christmas period when coming home four-and-a-half lengths in front of Winged Leader in the Limerick hunters chase. The son of Mr Dinos was runner-up on three occasions between the flags and finished an eye-catching second in November at Kirkistown when beaten only a short head by On The Sod. The six-year-old also found success when winning his point-to-point at Mainstown in January by two lengths.
Black Hercules, Eddies Miracle, Fennos Storm, and Ucello Conti are others to feature as possible runners for Sunday’s three-mile contest which is due to be the last of seven races in Naas.
For a full list of the entries please click here.
