Key questions as star Envoi Allen puts reputation on line in Lawlor's Of Naas

2.20 Naas
Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) | 5yo+ | 2m4f | RTV

Can Envoi Allen justify his big reputation?

Envoi Allen, general 7-4 favourite for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March, tops the bill at Naas on Sunday, when he will put his unbeaten record on the line in this Grade 1 event.

The winner of his only point and four bumpers, the exciting six-year-old is two from two over hurdles and seeks a second top-level success over obstacles following his victory in the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse last month.

Davy Russell's mount, who is second favourite with the sponsor at 6-1 for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle and a best-priced 16-1 for the Unibet Champion Hurdle, is stepping up in trip and trainer Gordon Elliott believes the extra distance will play to his strengths.

Envoi Allen: impressed at Fairyhouse on his last startCredit: Patrick McCann

Elliott, who landed the prize with Death Duty in 2017 and Battleoverdoyen a year ago, said: "It was always the plan to send Envoi Allen up in distance at some stage this season and we decided on this race for him.

"He's been in good form since Fairyhouse and we're going to learn more about him. He has a range of options later in the season but we'll get this race out of the way before we make any plans."

The Royal Bond form received a boost when stablemate Abacadabras, runner-up at Fairyhouse, went on to land the Grade 1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting.

Elliott is also represented by Conflated and said of his chances: "He'll need to show a lot of improvement but he's well and takes his chance."

Can Mullins upset the Elliott apple cart?

No winner of this race has gone on to novice success at the festival since Mikael D'Haguenet scored for Willie Mullins in 2009 and Ireland's champion trainer is represented by Elixir D'Ainay, who struck in a maiden hurdle at the course in November.

Elixir D'Ainay: represents Willie MullinsCredit: Caroline Norris

Mullins, who is bidding for an eighth win in the race, said: "We've been very happy with Elixir D'Ainay since his maiden win. We think he's progressed and the extra furlong will suit him.

"Envoi Allen is a worthy favourite and will be hard to beat but our horse is very well and it's all to play for."

Is Poet another star for the Mulryans?

Longhouse Poet, owned by Sean and Bernardine Mulryan of City Island fame, renews rivalry with Elixir D'Ainay, to whom he finished second at the track.

The six-year-old has since won at Navan and trainer Martin Brassil said: "Longhouse Poet won his maiden nicely and while we are probably going in at the deep end with him in a Grade 1, we're going to find out his level.

"Naas is a good staying track and he seems to be that type of horse who wants a two and a half mile test on that sort of track."

Can O'Brien duo spring a surprise?

Midnight Run, last in the Royal Bond after blundering badly two out, and Anything Will Do, who is on a four-timer, represent Joseph O'Brien.

The trainer said of the pair: "Things just didn't work out for Midnight Run at Fairyhouse but he won his maiden well at Cork and is in good form. It looks a very strong race but we're hoping for a good run.

"Anything Will Do is taking a big step up in class but he has been doing everything right and deserves to take his chance."

Midnight Run: one of two runners for Joseph O'Brien in the Lawlor's Of Naas Novice HurdleCredit: Alain Barr

French Dynamite, who scored on his hurdles debut over two miles at Thurles in November, represents Mouse Morris, who won the race with Venalmar (2008) and Rule The World (2013).

Robbie Power, who takes the ride again, said: "It looks a very good race but French Dynamite impressed me at Thurles and I'm looking forward to sitting on him again for this step up in class.

"He won his only point so the extra distance should suit him. He's a lovely horse and this will give us an idea of where we go for the rest of the season with him."

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