We kick off the weekend with racing in Naas

In the opener, the 4yo rated hurdle, we are represented by HIGHLAND CRYSTAL. Unbeaten in her two starts to date, including a listed contest at Newbury, she looks like the leading market contender in this contest but will be carrying top weight. Jack Kennedy rides.

In the auction novice hurdle we send out DUNLEER CRYSTAL. He took a step forward the last day to finish second in a 2m1f auction maiden hurdle. He should appreciate the step up again in trip here today and Jack Kennedy is booked to ride.

In the 2m2f maiden hurdle we run JALON D’OUDAIRIES. Third in the Grade 1 champion bumper at Cheltenham last year, he has finished second on both occasions over hurdles this season and bids to get off the mark here with Jack Kennedy in the saddle.

We saddle two newcomers in the bumper. ONE TO WITNESS is a half brother to Midlands National winner Idas Boy. A smart individual at home, he will certainly learn plenty from today’s run and is the mount of Harry Swan. TODO BIEN was an €175,000 purchase at the Tattersalls Derby Sale for Gigginstown House Stud. Another, who is showing plenty of ability at home and will be ridden by Josh Halford, claiming a valuable 7lb.

Our final runner of the day is LAST ROUND in the hunters chase. A winner at Limerick over Christmas for Josh Halford, he was 3rd behind Lifetime Ambition last time out. This looks a much hotter contest for him today but he should give a good account of himself under Josh Halford.