Horse Racing Tips: Katie Midwinter's best bets on Sunday including 25/1 Naas fancy

• Katie Midwinter has a couple of selections at Naas

• Unexposed gelding makes each-way appeal

• Talented performer could land the feature

Naas, 14:27 - Back Catch The Beast E/W @ 25/126.00

Sporting a first-time tongue-tie, Catch The Beast returns from a 245-day absence in this competitive two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle.

He hasn't been seen over timber since finishing fifth in a Listed handicap at Cork in the spring of 2024, performing with some credit under J J Slevin on that occasion to be beaten four-and-a-half-lengths by Lucky Zebo from a mark of 122. 

The seven-year-old is 3lb lower here following three disappointing efforts over fences in which he finished down the field behind Mistergif at Fairyhouse when sent off at odds of 200/1201.00, before being pulled up at Punchestown and falling here. 

This is only his 13th career start and the return to hurdling should allow him to be more competitive and get back on track following a disappointing period over the larger obstacles. 

From a workable mark, with proven form in softer conditions, he shouldn't be discounted at a price of 25/126.00 and holds each-way claims if ready following a break for owner-trainer Edward Cawley.

Naas, 15:02 - Back Ile Atlantique @ 5/23.50

Willie Mullins-trained Ile Atlantique must bounce back from a couple of outings in which things didn't pan out favourably for him, unseating in a Fairyhouse Group One before falling in the Champion Novice Chase won by the reopposing Champ Kiely at Punchestown. 

He had previously been well beaten by Majborough at the Dublin Racing Festival, but had landed Grade Two success over this course-and-distance in January, beating subsequent Grade Two winner Firefox, as well as Inthepocket, in comfortable fashion by five-lengths. 

The seven-year-old, who shaped with great potential as a hurdler, including when narrowly denied at Grade One level at this venue, was likely to be most effective over the larger obstacles and is better suited by softer conditions. 

This assignment should suit in familiar surroundings. He has form figures of 221 at the track, beaten only a head and a neck by Stellar Story and Readin Tommy Wrong respectively, and should be able to put in a competitive effort. 

Paul Townend is aboard Champ Kiely, with Danny Mullins taking the ride on Ile Atlantique, which makes him slightly more enticing at the prices in this tight contest. He could be the one to side with for team Closutton and makes the most appeal, with the scope for further progression in only his sixth chase start.

Now read Sam Turner's latest tips here!