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Mullins bidding for another staying handicap on the Flat with Royal Illusion

Royal Illusion and Joey Sheridan pull over eight lengths clear of the Irish Cesarewitch
Royal Illusion and Joey Sheridan pull over eight lengths clear in the 2019 Irish CesarewitchCredit: Patrick McCann

2.00 Naas
Naas November Handicap | 1m6f | 3yo+ | RTV

Given his stranglehold on the big staying handicaps on the Flat in both Ireland and Britain, it is slightly surprising to see that Willie Mullins has only won the Naas November Handicap once in the last decade – Clondaw Warrior in 2014.

Just as was the case in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket last month, Mullins only throws one dart at the board. He only needed one at Newmarket as Great White Shark powered up the hill to hand him a third straight success in the race and he might only need one here too.

Royal Illusion was sent off 4-1 favourite in this race last year but proved disappointing in ninth, and again failed to live up to market expectations in the Irish Cesarewitch where she finished sixth before being disqualified after Joey Sheridan forgot to weigh in.

But, if the Royal Illusion who showed up in the 2019 Cesarewitch – a race she won by eight and a half lengths – she is going to take some stopping under Seamie Heffernan off a mark of 94.

Last year's winner Jukebox Jive is back for more. He stayed on strongest of all to win this race last year at 20-1 from Buildmeupbuttercup but could never get competitive in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket last month, when backed at massive prices all the way down to 18-1.

The ground may not have been soft enough there so the tougher the test this turns into, the more it will suit.

Ado McGuinness has had a terrific season and victory for Politicise would sugarcoat it. He is chasing a hat-trick following a hurdle win at Listowel and a Flat handicap at Gowran Park so it would be foolish to think he can not have a big say off his revised mark.

Noel Meade could have four runners if the reserves Red Gerry and Dinard Rose get in, but perhaps his best chance of success is with De Name Escapes Me, who has been threatening to land a big staying handicap like this for some time. He could prove to be the value option.

What they say

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Jukebox Jive
The Cesarewitch over at Newmarket was a funny sort of a race and he was never travelling. I'm putting it down to the ground. He really does need it up to his knees to be at his best so the dry week we have had here is not really going to suit him. We're putting cheekpieces on in the hope they might sharpen him up a bit.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Cerberus
His last couple of runs on the Flat have been very good. We think the course and distance will suit him, and he will handle the soft ground. We think he should run a big race in what is a very competitive handicap.

Aido McGuinness, trainer of Politicise
I'm expecting a big run. He's got a nice, light weight and a good pilot in Wayne Lordan. I hope he'll go in the ground and, if he does, he should have a great chance.


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Deputy Ireland editor

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