Key stats for the opening day of the Irish Flat season at Naas

The evidence of Naas being one of the most rapidly progressive tracks in Ireland was pegged into light when the racecourse deputised for many big races during the Curragh redevelopment.

Crowned leading racecourse of the year at the HRI awards last season, Naas is a Group 1 track in all but name, with Saxon Warrior, Magical and Japan just a few top-notchers who have won races there in recent times.

One of the main things to bear in mind when betting at Naas is the draw bias on the sprint track.

Last season it seemed to be more pronounced than ever with wide draws at a serious disadvantage, especially at the beginning of the season.

It will not come as any major surprise to see that Aidan O'Brien has been the dominant force at Naas throughout the past five seasons.

O'Brien has sent out 70 winners from 315 runners, with Ger Lyons the next best having recorded 34 winners from 209 representatives.

Jessica Harrington has had 22 winners throughout the same period. Jim Bolger, who began last season with a treble at the track, has trained 20 winners there, while Dermot Weld has been responsible for 19.

Former champion jockey Colin Keane has been the go-to man at Naas over the past five years with 40 winners. Of the riders in action at Naas on Monday, Chris Hayes is one who operates well there, with 17 winners throughout the same time.

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