Horse racing tips: Lawlor's Of Naas pick and more from Johnny Ward

One might have been concerned that, with so many alternative races over Christmas, the Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle (2.00) - the track's sole Grade One race - might disappoint.

And it never seems to disappoint. Again, we've three each-way places and some potential stars. They might not be stars just yet, but proper horses contest this every year.

This is what jumps racing ought to be all about: dry, cold, winter weather at a top-class track and a healthy crowd. 

Enjoy.

He was unsurprisingly well-backed at prices when tipped here at Leopardstown and, though he was lucky to be placed, there was a lot to take from that run given he had no handicap experience and he lost so much ground at the first.

Having won a messy maiden hurdle, this winning pointer finished a pretty close third in the Royal Bond when he simply lacked sufficient speed. That's probably the second-best form on offer, yet he should have the guts of a stone's worth of improvement.

He's 8/1 and he is Henry de Bromhead's only runner.

 Pride Of Place is fascinating here as the sponsor's only runner. 

JP McManus' conditionals series sponsors this race and the accommodation in its title, the Adare Manor, is McManus' hotel in Adare, Co Limerick. I am told a recent friend has eyes on getting married there, though he'll need a few quid.

Like so many young McManus horses, Pride Of Place is out of a good mare formerly in these colours, Give Me A Break, whose best performance was when winning a hurdle race at Naas off 117. 

Getaway is the sire so there’s already plenty to like, but this one has been wildly eye-catching the last twice too and the maiden run is working out extremely well.