Dinoblue heads Cheltenham Trials Day entries at Naas Dinoblue is the headline act among the seven entries for the BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Mares Chase at Naas on Saturday as she bids to repeat last year’s win in the Listed contest. Trained by Willie Mullins for JP McManus, the daughter of Doctor Dino took this two-mile test 12 months ago on route to landing the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Among her potential rivals are Bioluminescene and Uhavemeinstitches who both also carry the green and gold McManus colours, while Break My Soul and The Great Nudie are also among the septet. The opening SR Ventilation Supporting Kill GAA Rated Hurdle has proved a key trial in the past for the Fred Winter at Cheltenham with Band Of Outlaws, Aramax and Brazil all winning here and following up at Prestbury Park. Highland Crystal could bid to complete a hat-trick over hurdles after a stylish victory at Newbury in November and trainer Gordon Elliott commented: “She is a lovely filly and one I've liked from the minute she came into the yard. “She's getting better with every run and strengthening up all the time, so hopefully she can continue to progress, and we can think about having a crack at some of the spring festivals.” Other notable entries include Kilmeaden, who was Donnacha O'Brien's first jumps winner when successful at Punchestown, the Charles Byrnes-trained Munsif and Saratoga from the Padraig Roche stable. The concluding QuinnBet Hunters Chase has been won in recent years by subsequent Cheltenham Festival winners Its On The Line and Billaway, and this should prove an informative heat with Panda Boy, Hunters Yarn and last year’s winner Ryehill all among the entries. The first of seven races on ‘Cheltenham Trials Day’ goes to post at 1.05pm with live music taking place towards the end of the day and continuing after racing. Hospitality is sold out, but Punters Packs are available for groups of ten or more and early bird general admission tickets can be purchased for just €15 at naasracecourse.com.
