Friday racing preview: Classical Creek can go with the flow at Naas

Elliott has won five of the last eight renewals of this Grade 1 contest.

Fri, 09 Jan, 2026 - 07:49

John Ryan

Take a chance on the Gordon Elliott-trained Classical Creek in the Ballymore Novice Hurdle on today’s rescheduled card in Naas.

Elliott has won five of the last eight renewals of this Grade 1 contest and, in Classical Creek, who will spear-head a three-strong Cullentra challenge, he has a realistic contender for further big-race glory.

Winner of a point-to-point at Tattersalls and a Down Royal bumper on his racecourse debut, the Walk In The Park gelding then finished third to stable-companion Kalypso’chance in a listed bumper in Navan.

Returning to action, he made a very pleasing start over hurdles when landing a Navan maiden in convincing style last month.

That form was let down by runner-up Fillyoureye in Cork on Saturday. But Classical Creek impressed in Navan, has proven his effectiveness over two and a half miles and, open to improvement, should have every chance today.

Willie Mullins also boasts an impressive record in the race and relies, this time, on Saint Baco and Sortudo, winners of maiden hurdles at Navan and Cork respectively.

Paul Townend’s mount Saint Baco looks the pick of the pair, having outpointed Lazara De Star in a Navan maiden, form boosted when the runner-up bolted-up at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Sortudo, who will be ridden by Patrick Mullins, beat another of today’s rivals I’ll Sort That in a Fairyhouse bumper last spring and readily brushed aside Jalon D’oudairies (beaten since) on his hurdling bow in Cork.

He merits plenty of respect and, on a line through Jalon D’oudairies, is closely-matched with Denis Hogan’s Frankie John, who battled well to beat the Cullentra gelding at Leopardstown last week.

Receiving 8lb from chief threats Bossofthebrownies and Flicker Of Hope, 138-rated five-year-old Kurasso Blue appeals in the EASYFIX Equine Novice Chase, a true test of stamina over an extended three miles.

Trained by Gordon Elliott, Kurasso Blue bumped into Eagle Fang on his fencing bow in Thurles before overcoming Ballygunner Castle in Punchestown and, expected to improve, might have the edge.

Later, Dundalk will stage its first meeting 2026. And Joseph O’Brien might land both three-year-old maidens on the card.

The No Nay Never colt Goldinthesea, an eye-catching third behind experienced rivals Golden Trigger and Watch Tower on his debut over seven furlongs four weeks ago, should improve sufficiently to take the Group Dates Available At Dundalk Maiden.

And Arrietty, who will also be ridden by Scott McCullagh, might make it third-time-lucky in the View Restaurant At Dundalk Fillies Maiden.

Fourth to Green Carrera on her debut, this daughter of Lope De Vega travelled over to Wolverhampton for her second start, in late October, and chased home Tryst.

O’Brien’s filly is preferred to Astronomically, runner-up to Prevalance on her second start.

SELECTIONS

NAAS

12.43: Future Prospect

1.13: Harpy Eagle

1.43: Classical Creek

2.13: Hartford

2.43: Kurasso Blue (Nap)

3.13: Karamoja

3.43: Battle Of Ridgeway

Next Best

12.43: Newbrook Diamond