Cheltenham Trials Day at Naas: Dinoblue the headline act
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 3 Feb 2026
Dinoblue will be the headline act at Cheltenham Trials Day at Naas on Saturday.
The top-class mare is set to line up in the BBA Ireland Ltd Opera Hat Mares Chase, the Listed race she won so impressively last year on the way to landing the Mares Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Dinoblue is as short as 6-4 with some firms to win back-to-back Mares Chases next month, and she will face a maximum of six rivals in what is expected to be her final prep race before the Festival.
Willie Mullins has dominated the Opera Hat Chase in the last decade, winning it eight times since 2016, and he will be hoping Dinoblue can continue his love-affair with the Listed prize.
Among her potential rivals is the Gavin Cromwell-trained Bioluminescene, who boasts a rating of 142 and was a Grade 2 winner at Limerick the Christmas before last, so she will be no pushover, especially given her preference for a soft surface.
Dinoblue again has Naas in her sights (Healy Racing)
The Ian Donoghue-trained Break My Soul, Je T'Ai Porte, Kilbarry Saint, The Great Nudie, and Uhavemeinstitches completed the seven-strong field at the five-day stage.
The opening SR Ventilation Supporting Kill GAA Rated Hurdle for juveniles is regarded as the key trial for the Fred Winter at Cheltenham, with both Band Of Outlaws and Aramax doing the double in 2019 and 2020. Indeed, Brazil won it as well on the way to beating Gaelic Warrior at the Festival in 2022.
The standout name among this year's entries is undoubtedly the unbeaten Highland Crystal, who made it two from two over hurdles with a stylish victory at Newbury in November, and she is as short as 20-1 to win the Triumph Hurdle next month.
Gordon Elliott said of Highland Crystal: "She is a lovely filly and one I've liked from the minute she came into the yard. She's getting better with every run and strengthening up all the time, so hopefully she can continue to progress, and we can think about having a crack at some of the spring festivals."
Other notable entries are Kilmeaden, who was Donnacha O'Brien's first jumps winner when scoring at Punchestown, the Charles Byrnes-trained Munsif and Saratoga from the Paudie Roche stable.
The concluding QuinnBet Hunters Chase will be worth a watch. Cheltenham Festival winners Its On The Line and Billaway have won this event in recent years.
The first of seven races goes to post at 1.05pm, with live music taking place towards the end of the day and continuing after racing. For more details vist naasracecourse.com.
Related posts
Five horses to follow at Leopardstown on Monday
Irish Gold Cup: Fact To File leads home 1-2-3 for Willie Mullins
Dave Nevison's Tuesday tips: bets at Taunton and Carlisle
Historic success for Aamilah Aswat at Kempton
Frankie Dettori bows out after riding Classic winner in Brazil
Todays top offer
Bet £10 get £30 in free bets with BetVictor
T&Cs Apply
Featured offers
Bet £10 get £50 in Free Bets with Boyle Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets with Betano
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with TalkSportBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Get £50 in free bets when you bet £10 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved