8:30 Naas
A small but competitive field of four lines up for the 7f contest at Naas on good ground. The KTB Fit ratings point to a tight contest at the top, with Suzie Songs narrowly heading the numbers on 65, followed closely by Fort Vega on 63 and Phenomenal Filly on 57, while Dark Willow trails on 31. Useful performers predominate among the principals, with recent form and course records likely to prove decisive in what looks an open-looking heat on paper.
How the race shapes up
The pace shape is unclear with low confidence, as there is simply not enough run-style evidence across the four runners to form a firm view. Phenomenal Filly is the only one with a defined prominent style, tending to race handily or close to the lead, but limited data overall makes it hard to predict how the race will unfold. The key question is whether the lack of established pace will allow the prominent runner an uncontested lead or if the others can find a rhythm from off that pace in a small-field affair.
The KTB Fit ranking
- 1Suzie Songs KTB Selection65/100Useful performer who has won on this ground and at today's trip.
- 2Fort Vega63/100Useful performer who has won both starts at this track including over today's trip.
- 3Phenomenal Filly57/100Useful performer who has shown her best form over this exact trip including a win and a recent second.
- 4Dark Willow31/100Dark Willow is a limited performer who has shown little spark in 13 starts and arrives here on the back of a string of modest efforts.
The contenders
Suzie Songs KTB Fit 65/100
Suzie Songs is a useful performer who has won on this ground and at today's trip. She ran creditably when fourth here on her most recent start and the yard's solid 15 percent strike rate at Naas adds encouragement. First-time headgear is now fitted after two modest efforts this year. The three-year-old has the benefit of a recent run at the track and her official figures of 127-04 underline a solid level of ability. Trainer G M Lyons and jockey Colin Keane combine with a 20 percent strike rate from 3487 rides and the yard's 15 percent record at this venue from 883 runs is another positive. She has two wins from four starts on good ground and three placings, while her sole previous course visit yielded a respectable fourth.
Fort Vega KTB Fit 63/100
Fort Vega is a useful performer who has won both starts at this track including over today's trip. Solid recent form of 125-23 shows consistency and he acts on good ground with two wins from seven attempts. The six-year-old boasts a perfect one-from-one course record at Naas which stands out in a small field. Trainer Ms Sheila Lavery and jockey Rory Cleary have a modest 4 percent strike rate from 135 rides together, and the yard's 5 percent record at the venue from 187 runs is worth noting against the horse's own strong course record. He has shown placed form on his last two starts and remains a major player given his liking for the track and the going.
Phenomenal Filly KTB Fit 57/100
Phenomenal Filly is a useful performer who has shown her best form over this exact trip including a win and a recent second. First-time headgear is now added after four runs which is a small sample for both going and overall profile. The three-year-old has been competitive on good ground with one placing from two starts but is yet to win on it. Trainer P Twomey and jockey W J Lee team up with a strong 28 percent strike rate from 624 rides, though the yard's 14 percent record at Naas from 49 runs is more modest. She usually races handily on or close to the lead according to the limited evidence available, and her recent form of 515-2 confirms she is capable at this level.
The rest of the field
Dark WillowKTB Fit 31/100
Dark Willow is a limited performer who has shown little spark in 13 starts and arrives here on the back of a string of modest efforts. The yard has a 0% strike rate from nine runs at Naas while the horse has failed to win or place in seven runs on good ground and has been beaten all six times at this trip. First run at the track adds another unknown.
KTB verdict
Suzie Songs is the KTB Selection and looks to have the best blend of recent track form, ground versatility and yard record in a race where the principals are closely matched on ratings. She has already shown she can act around Naas, has won over the trip on good ground, and the first-time headgear may bring about the required improvement after two modest efforts this season. Fort Vega is the obvious danger given his unbeaten record at the track and consistent recent form, while Phenomenal Filly cannot be dismissed with the addition of headgear and her prominent running style. Dark Willow brings the weakest profile and looks up against it on all known form.
KTB Selection Suzie Songs
Morning odds
Best available price per runner, captured 00:00 UTC, 22 Jul. These are a morning snapshot and will have moved — see the live racecard for current prices.
| Runner | Morning price | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Suzie Songs | 10/3 | Coral |
| Fort Vega | 11/4 | Bet365 |
| Phenomenal Filly | 4/5 | Bet365 |
This is the narrative read of the 8:30 Naas. For the live card — runner-by-runner stats, the full Fit Score breakdown and current odds — see the Naas racecard. New here? How KTB works explains the Fit Score and why we publish both.
Questions about this race
Which horse has the strongest course record at Naas?
Fort Vega has won both starts at this track including over today's trip and boasts a perfect one-from-one course record.
How many wins has Suzie Songs recorded on good ground?
Suzie Songs has two wins from four starts on good ground.
What is the trainer strike rate at Naas for the yard of Phenomenal Filly?
Trainer P Twomey has a 14 percent strike rate at Naas from 49 runs.
Which runner is making its first appearance at Naas?
Dark Willow is having its first run at the track.
How many of the principals are wearing first-time headgear?
Two principals, Suzie Songs and Phenomenal Filly, are fitted with first-time headgear.
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