Naas stages season opener

A field of 11 juveniles are set to go to post for the first two-year-old race of the Irish Flat season at Naas on Sunday.

The five-furlong contest traditionally opens the campaign, but has this year changed venues due to the redevelopment of the Curragh.

Jim Bolger has a fine record in the race, most notably striking gold with multiple Group One winner Dawn Approach in 2012, and is this year represented by Verbitude.

A son of former Bolger inmate Vocalised, market support for the youngster would be ominous for his rivals

Kevin Prendergast saddles Pivotal colt Moonlight Bay, while Royal Diplomat - a son of Zebedee - represents Adrian Keatley and Pat Smullen.

The Weatherbys GSB Goes Online Maiden looks an open affair, with a maximum field of 20 set to go to post.

Aidan O'Brien's Alphabet perhaps sets the standard on previous form, but there are plenty of interesting newcomers in opposition.

Maarek is one of a number familiar names on show in the Naas Racecourse Lauches The 2017 Flat Season Handicap

The Group One-winning sprinter is getting on in years at the age of 10, but trainer Evanna McCutcheon is pleased with his condition.

"He's 10 years young and back for more," said the Fethard-based trainer.

"Every year we say he isn't getting any younger, but he seems in good form at home.

"On paper, last season wouldn't look as good as the years before, but if you look how far he was beaten in some races, rather than his finishing positions, he still ran some good races.

"Realistically, at his age, he's probably not going to be competing in those top races any more and it would be nice if we can keep him to sprint handicaps this season.

"We'll run him in Naas, see how he goes and make a plan from there."

Maarek's rivals include Great Minds, An Saighdiur, Mizaah and British challenger Tatlisu.

Bolger's Vociferous Marina heads the weights for the Palmerstown House Madrid Handicap and was impressive when last seen scoring at the Curragh in September.

Her biggest rival could be Dermot Weld's Gowran Park scorer Zelaniya.

Another full field has been declared for the concluding Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden over a mile.

Aidan O'Brien runs Inca Gold, Orderofthegarter and Pocketfullofdreams, while Willie McCreery's Tommy Hallinan also brings sound placed form to the table.