Christmas Hunter Chase winners Dylrow and Samurai Cracker are amongst the final field of eleven runners for the Naas Hunter Chase, with a host of other contenders who all bring solid form to the race.
The Willie-Mullins-trained Billaway comes into the race fresh from a promising return to action on his seasonal debut when he was only beaten by one-length to Dylrow in the Down Royal Hunter Chase at Christmas. Noel McParlan was aboard the eight-year-old at Down Royal, but Paddy Mullins will take the reins back here.
Casey Jem is another Willie Mullins contender and he won the Cork Hunter Chase in April of 2019 when beating Hi Murphy by nine lengths, while in the Anthony Black yard. The son of Jeremy pulled up on his final outing of the season in May at Stratford but could well return to his winning ways in this eleven-runner field.
Dylrow had a flying start to the season when winning his point-to-point at Kirkistown by four lengths back in November and he followed up this success when landing the Down Royal Hunter Chase at Christmas in the hands of Wexford-native Jordan Gainford. Barry O’Neill will be in the saddle this time around.
Edwulf, who placed third for the Joseph O’Brien yard when running at Down Royal in December was last seen winning under rules when taking the 2018 Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown. The son of Kayf Tara made his return to the point-to-point field a winning one in October when landing the open race at Loughrea for Enda Bolger.
Samurai Cracker is the other previous Hunter Chase winner, having beaten Winged Leader by four-and-a-half lengths in the Limerick Hunter Chase. The son of Mr. Dinos was runner-up on three occasions between the flags, while the six-year-old also found success when winning his point-to-point at Mainstown in January by two lengths. Noel McParlan is set to take the mount.
The line-up for the three-mile contest is completed by Ajijic, Coastal Tiep, Duty Calls, Salsify, Staker Wallace and Val De Ferbet.
To see a full list of the declarations click here.
