King Cuan can win at Naas on his way to bigger things
IT'S an all-juvenile card at Naas this afternoon and King Cuan can land a big pot in the featured Goffs Sportsmans's Challenge.
Paddy Twomey's charge looked a touch unlucky when sent to post favourite on his debut at the Curragh and duly put that right with an impressive win at Cork eight days ago.
It's questionable what the Tasleet colt beat then, with his main rival disappointing, but he couldn't have done it in much better style, cruising to a four-and-a-quarter length win.
Twomey revealed that he rated him up with his best two-year-olds after that victory and nominated this prize as his target.
It's easy to see why given the prize-money on offer, with €100,000 in the pot, and he could well be a stakes level performer in time.
He has ground to make up with Nemonte, having been fourth to that rival first time up, but he did get stopped in his run that day and is fancied to improve past that rival now.
Joseph O'Brien's charge has won again since and wasn't disgraced when sixth in Listed company at Leopardstown recently.
She is rated 90 now and has to rank as a major danger.
Jakajaro has the top mark of 93 in the field and looks like another for the shortlist.
The Too Darn Hot colt has been running well in nursery company and wasn't beaten far when fourth at the Curragh last time.
It's a competitive race but King Cuan could be a bit better than this level and is fancied to land the lion's share of the money.
Aidan O'Brien has a serious team of two-year-olds this term and could have a good day at the Kildare venue.
All eyes will be on Gallantly in the finale as he is rumoured to be the horse Seamie Heffernan was talking about when he revealed “that the best of the lot hasn't run yet” when asked to name his top two-year-old from Ballydoyle.
The son of Frankel is the first foal of French 1,000 Guineas winner Precieuse and holds an entry in the Group One Dewhurst Stakes and the Futurity Trophy next month.
Another well-bred colt who has some fancy entries is Military, who makes his debut in the second race.
The Siyouni colt cost £375,000 as a yearling and is the first foal of Hostess, a Grade Three winner in the US.
In the opener, Blue Point filly Sweetest can make it third time lucky after a couple of solid placed efforts.
She has been collared late on both starts, when going to post odds-on, and can get the job done this time.
GARY CARSON'S NAAS SELECTIONS
(next best in brackets)
1.55 Sweetest (Vivienda)
2.30 Military (Mr Saturday)
3.05 King Cuan (nap) (Nemonte)
3.40 Buddy Batt (Glamorously)
4.15 Guest Star (Enthralling)
4.50 Bright Stripes (Ocean Odyssey)
