Johnny Ward's Irish Angle: Conversant looks big at 40-1 in Naas handicap
By Johnny Ward
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
After the highs of the Grand National, it feels as though the Flat is now taking over, with Gleneagles winning with his first runner on Friday and American Pharoah having his first on Saturday.
The Naas offering on Saturday is excellent, with Romanised, Latrobe and Flag Of Honour back in action, and some interesting maidens.
Because of alternative Flat meetings elsewhere of late, Dundalk seems a little down on numbers on Sunday, while Tramore stages a run-of-the-mill card, with Cheltenham heroes being paraded there.
Saturday:
Johnny Ward
Finished: 1stSP: 9/10
A sign of the times that Ryan Moore is not in Newbury but in action for his boss at Naas, starting off with Monarch Of Egypt.
This is out of the classy mare Up, who won three times for Aidan O'Brien, including at Group level.
It is likely Coolmore will be keen that American Pharaoh's first runner here is a winner and the vibes are strong about this colt.
Johnny Ward
Finished: 10thSP: 33/1
A gamble on a Denis Hogan-trained horse went awry Friday at Limerick and it will be interesting to see if there is money for this four-year-old.
The grey won easily off a rating of 64 when trained by David O'Meara but is now down to 63.
He took the eye over an inadequate trip at Navan last time and has easier ground here.
Johnny Ward
Finished: 4thSP: 7/2
Future Proof had cheekpieces on for the first time when declared at Cork but scratched last weekend.
Headgear ought to be no harm as he drops back in distance having been hurdling well as a juvenile, but it is very interesting that he now wears blinkers.
He looks pretty straightforward and, well-drawn, has an excellent chance here for Noel Meade and Declan McDonogh.
Sunday:
Johnny Ward
Finished: 3rdSP: 13/8
This horse was a shade disappointing last time at Limerick, but he may have resented the deep ground and his previous Navan run gives him an excellent chance.
This trip looks pretty ideal and he ought to be an each-way price. He also has plenty of time on his side.
Johnny Ward
Finished: 1stSP: 8/1
Once a stablemate of Load Up Time, King's Song is now with David Broad, who is very capable, and his fourth when not really getting home in the Ulster National gives him a major chance in a modest race here.
Blinkers should be no harm and he will relish this terrain under Denis O'Regan. He could now be very well-treated and is no back number yet.
Johnny Ward
Finished: 11thSP: 11/1
Heir Of Excitement goes well on a quick surface and, while he was disappointing at Leopardstown, he looks worth another chance.
Joseph O'Brien steps him up in distance, which is well worth a shot, and he is well-handicapped at this stage.
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