Gowran
We’re off to Gowran Park this Saturday afternoon for what looks like an informative eight race flat card with plenty of interesting back-end maidens; hopefully one or two stars of the future may lie in waiting.
Racing opens with the older horses’ maiden with plenty of animals apparently drinking at the last chance saloon. Eagle Canyon is a case in point, having his fifteenth start today and still seeking that elusive first success. Fred Fenster is another who has a mantelpiece full of silver and bronze medals, but they one they both have to beat could well be the highly rated Weld trained filly Solar Verde. Carrying the famous Abdulla colours, and twice a beaten favourite, she will not get many better opportunities than this to open the bank account.
Moving onto the apprentice handicap, where the ex-Bolger-trained Manaaqeb can go well for her new stable. Others to factor in include the pacey Beauty Express and the well-drawn Jumbo Steps.
The nine furlong handicap affords a nice opportunity for the in-form Mamma Rosa to follow up a recent Listowel success. Meanwhile the Sligo winner Leroy Parker is a rare runner on the flat here for Noel Meade, a point that might be well worth considering.
The featured group three fillies’ race is next up and it should be noted that Michael Bell sends Babycakes over to contest this valuable contest. Handaasa carries the Maktoum colours and takes a big drop in grade and could go well at a nice each-way price.
Next up is the nursery handicap, a race where most of the big stables are represented. Preference here is for the O’Brien-trained Fort Sam Houston, an expensive failure at Listowel but surely capable of better. Representing the Aga Khan, Afraz could be leniently treated in this contest.
A tricky looking one mile handicap follows where Truly Genius and Golden Shoe are speculative choices against the field in a race where each way looks the only way.
Division one of the one mile maiden is a fascinating affair. Market reference is essential, especially when assessing the chances of a few likely looking newcomers including the Ballydoyle entry Noah Webster and the Oxx runner Call To Battle.
The marathon eight race card draws to a close with div two of the maiden. Once again, following the market could hold the key to solving this contest. Tibet, Zalantoun and Key To The Dance are all seeing action for the first time, but will all need to be well forward to see off Amhrasach ,the Bolger entry who should go close despite a poor enough draw.
Call Star Sports now for all the latest betting information from Gowran Park. Remember, if you are in the market for a spread bet, speak to one of our experienced team of traders who will supply you with all our latest positions on the favourites’ index, winning distances, SP totals and much much more. It’s good to talk!