Samcro given Naas option Samcro is the star name among 42 entered for the Lawlor's of Naas Novice Hurdle on January 7. Gordon Elliott's unbeaten former pointer has created a huge impression in his short career so far and is one of eight contenders for his trainer, with Royal Bond-winning stablemate Mengli Khan also in the mix. As ever, Willie Mullins is well represented, with no less than 19 entries. Next Destination, who could meet Samcro at Navan this weekend, looks the champion trainer's main hope along with the likes of Real Steel, Getabird and Whiskey Sour, who has run just once over hurdles but won twice on the Flat at the Galway Festival during the summer. Noel Meade is well represented with six entries, including Moyross who is unbeaten in two starts over hurdles, while Joseph O'Brien has four entries to choose from, notably Royal Bond Novice Hurdle runner-up Early Doors and Navan maiden hurdle winner Speak Easy. The sole British entry is Kerry Lee's Storm Control. Tom Ryan, Manager of Naas Racecourse, said: "Now in its fourth renewal as a Grade One contest, the Lawlor's of Naas Hurdle has become a real highlight of the National Hunt calendar. "The first three renewals have been really exciting, and with the continued valued support of Lawlor's we look forward to making the 2018 event even better."
