Nas Na Riogh Chase preview Conor O'Dwyer is realistic about the chances of Folsom Blue in the Woodlands Park 100 Club Nas Na Riogh Novice Chase at Naas on Sunday. The seven-year-old got off the mark over fences at the fourth attempt with a dour staying performance in a three-and-a-half-mile handicap chase at Punchestown three weeks ago, earning him an 8lb rise in the weights to a mark of 134. However, that rating is still 16lb below the standard set by fellow Gigginstown House Stud-owned runner Mozoltov in this weekend's Grade Two contest and Folsom Blue is also coming back a full mile in trip. O'Dwyer would be happy to see his charge pick up a small share of the 40,000 euros on offer before running in one of the Nationals in the spring. "It's not ideal as it's only two and a half miles and we're 16lb wrong with Mozoltov, but it fits in nicely for him to have a run," said the trainer. "There is nothing else for him and there is no point staying at home when there is prize-money like that on offer. Also, you never know in a three-horse race. "I was thrilled with his last run. It was a good effort for his first handicap and he jumped very well. He's not the biggest but he loves really soft ground and the further the better. "He could come back to Naas for the Leinster National on March 9 and I also have the Midlands National (at Uttoxeter) after Cheltenham in the back of my mind. "The Irish National is an option, but the ground could play a big part there as it's not until April 21 and it could be gone by then." The only other runner is Ted Walsh's mare Summer Star, who was a well-beaten sixth on her chasing debut at Naas in early January.
