Koby’s & Caroline’s Sunday Selections for 25th January 2026

Koby’s Selections from Sha Tin & Caroline’s Selections from Naas

Sha Tin

The Centenary Sprint Cup (Group 1) 07.00
Ka Ying Rising/Fast Network/Helios Express – Combination (nb)
Can the super Ka Ying Rising equal Silent Witness’s record of 17 wins straight up at Sha Tin on Sunday night? Too right he can – shucks – I’d bet my last dollar he’s winning this. Atta canter! Ka Ying Rising shoots outta Gate 4, with Helios Express coming from 1 and Fast Network in 2, so all the pace is in on the inner, and you can bet Zac Purton is sitting pretty on their shoulders coming round the home turn, poised to make the killin move! And once he goes, Ka Ying Rising, he goes, and they ain’t gonna be staying with ‘im, no way! But man, this superstar is winning this his races at odds of 20/1 on or more, so how we gonna make some Bucks from that? I’ll take the forecast, that’s what JC said to look for, and she’s my dame when it comes to Sha Tin, so it’s Ka Ying Rising with Fast Network in behind. And then, maybe you chance the big bet, yo go all in if you think Helios Express can get third? Jeez, what a race!!

The Stewards’ Cup (Group 1) 08.05
Voyage Bubble/Romantic Warrior forecast (nap)
You don’t all need no brief on Romantic Warrior, this is the one that JC has been telling yorl about since Guyath hung up the horseshoes in 2020. She’s right on it man, this is the best galloper I’ve seen in a while, but this ain’t so straightforward as yorl might think it is. No way, coz Voyage Bubble is on the scene now, and at this 1 mile trip, Romantic Warrior could be vulnerable to his main rival, who gets a draw inside him. So here we go – all the pace is going to be on into that first turn, and I’m gonna say that if Voyage Bubble gets first run into the turn, then Romantic Warrior, that could be the end of your Triple Crown. Only two to battle this one out man, so if you’re playing safe it’s the Reverse Forecast – Voyage Bubble – Romantic Warrior. But if you fancy taking it on then Voyage Bubble – Romantic Warrior Straight Forecast? You gotta have balls for that one bro!

Naas

Naas Racecourse Business Club Limestone Lad Hurdle (Grade 3) 1.25
Karbau
Now then, I’m of the opinion that once again, Willie Mullins has timed his season to perfection. With the Dublin Racing Festival over next weekend, and the Cheltenham Festival right around the corner, now is the time that he wants his string to shine. So, with all the trust I have in Willie Mullins, I’ll take him to give us a winner in the Limestone lad with Karbau, and although we’ve not seen him since April, he does at least get his preferred heavy ground here. Henry de Bromhead’s Workahead hasn’t been seen since running no sort of race in the Supreme Novices’ at the Cheltenham Festival, but makes my list, while Gordon Elliott’s Farren Glory has much the same challenge, not being trackside since the Boyne Hurdle last February, so David Kelly’s Glen Kiln may be the main threat. But I’m as sure as a gun that Willie Mullins has all in order, so Karbau it is for me.

Finlay Ford At Naas Novice Chase (Grade 3) 3.25
Flicker Of Hope
Well now, maybe Willie Mullins won’t have it all his own way on Sunday at Naas when Mark Fahey’s Flicker Of Hope takes the Finlay Ford Novice Chase. It is Argento Boy that is out for Closutton, but he hasn’t really convinced over fences yet, so for me, it has to Flicker Of Hope to upset the apple cart. Bossofthebrownies completes my three, but my thinking is that on this ground, the in-form Flicker Of Hope has it all to lose.

Clinton Higgins Chartered Accountants Novice Handicap Chase 3.55
Bridie’s Beau
Just in time, the important trainers are getting it all together, and Gavin Cromwell is right in the middle of that street, so Bridie Beau is my pick for the closer here at Naas. I do think that Bridie’s Beau is still unexposed over fences, and I’ll bet that there’s more to come just when the form needs to count. I would be thinking that Henry de Bromhead’s Raglan Road will be the one to make it a contest, but Bridie’s Beau gets a 4lb pull, and that could just tip the scales for me. Bridie’s Beau to win from Raglan Road, with Martin Brassil’s Built By Ballymore also in the frame.