Angus McNae: my four best bets at Naas on Friday

Cumberland River won at Limerick off a mark of 104 on his handicap debut over hurdles and can win again despite an 8lb rise, with cheekpieces fitted for the first time.

He won with a bit in hand at Limerick and looks the type to keep on improving in this sphere for a while yet for Gordon Elliot, who can do little wrong. 

Saint Baco impressed when winning on his debut over hurdles for Willie Mullins at Navan. He comfortably beat Lazare De Star, who was an impressive Leopardstown winner over Christmas.

Many of Mullins's horses have needed the run on their seasonal debuts, so it is encouraging that he was able to win first time up, and there is sure to be a lot more improvement stepping up in grade in this. 

This Mare shaped as if needing the run on her first start over fences for Willie Mullins at Fairyhouse and she looks sure to take a big step forward here.

She was typically keen on her chasing debut and paid for her early exertions in the closing stages with a bad mistake at the last when getting tired. She was Grade One-placed over hurdles and, with a run under her belt, a return to anything like her hurdling form will be good enough here. 

McLaurey has his first start in a handicap over fences after shaping well in both of his starts this season. He was forced wide and wasn't given a hard time when third at Fairyhouse last time out where he jumped soundly and travelled strongly.

He was a useful handicap hurdler and a mark of 131 over the larger obstacles is one he is capable of defying.