All you need to start your weekend as flu forces focus on Naas

The grip of equine flu and blackout in Britain means Naas stands as the sole provider of racing in Ireland on Saturday.

There is a good mix of handicaps and conditions contests across the eight-race card, headlined by the Listed 2m mares' chase (2.10).

However, the 2m novice hurdle (2.40), which features likely types from the yards of Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott and Joseph O'Brien, might perhaps be more informative.

Going report

Naas (first race at: 12.40)
Hurdle course: good, good to yielding in places
Chase course: good to yielding, yielding in places.

What to back

Tom Collins looks to Naas for his best bet.

What to read

Nigel Twiston-Davies slams BHA handling of equine flu outbreak

Look forward to the Listed mares' chase at Naas

What to watch

Tom Collins, David Jennings and Paddy Power's Niall O'Reilly join Maddy Playle to preview this weekend's Irish action.

Newmarket trainer John Berry takes us through the equine flu veterinary procedures.

The best of Racing Post Sport

Our team look forward to all the upcoming Six Nations action this weekend.

Final thought

Konitho won very easily on his Irish debut over course and distance at Naas last month and shaped as if he could be yet another useful juvenile recruit to the Jospeh O'Brien stable. His main rival in the 2m contest at 2.40 could come from stablemate Band Of Outlaws, who lost his maiden tag at Limerick in December.

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