Rising star Merdeka heading to Naas

Merdeka, an emerging star from Tom Taaffe’s yard, will seek to give Kicking King’s trainer some timely compensation with success in the Grade Two Woodlands Park 100 Slaney Novice Hurdle at Naas on Sunday.

The six-year-old has been touted as a possible Gold Cup contender for the future and beat some promising sorts when taking a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse last month in great style.