Gowran Park: Preview and Tips for Saturday’s Eight-Race Meeting
Mark Walsh on board Kel Histoire but the Kildare jockey has picked the ride on Kawaboomga in Saturday's Red Mills Trial Hurdle Photo: Patrick McCann
Racing is back at Gowran Park this Saturday for another competitive eight-race card. There are three Graded contests featured; a pair of Grade Three hurdles and a Grade Two chase.
Read on for a preview of and tips for the Gowran Park card, courtesy of BOYLE Sports, who provide all the latest horse racing odds.
We begin with a two-mile four-year-olds’ maiden hurdle (12.45). With today’s heavy going, this will be a stiff test for the numerous newcomers, hence it may be best to side with a previously raced horse. Willie Mullins’ Madness d’Elle looks a good option, after finishing second of 15 on testing going last time at Punchestown. Gordon Elliott’s Manoir De Mirande, though, is fresher and looks a big danger.
Race two is the first of our Graded races; the Grade Three two-mile Trial Hurdle (1.20). Mullins and JP McManus run a duo here; Kawaboomga and Kel Histoire, the first string being Kawaboomga, as ridden by retained rider Mark Walsh. Though he has better form credentials, he lacks the previous run this season of his stablemate. Based on current ratings, though, Mullins’ Gigginstown-owned Storm Heart could outclass the rest, but is better over further. Kawaboomga could be worth a go.
The third race is a three-mile Grade Three Novice Hurdle (1.55). With three last-start winners in the mix, this is a hot race. Changeyourstars looks overpriced and could be able to pick up a place, but Bally Free looks the best of the bunch, although the recently added cheekpieces are not so encouraging.
Race four is a two and a half mile handicap hurdle (2.30). Grandero Bello is interesting, stepping back into hurdle company having lost some of his sparkle over fences this term. Gordon Elliott’s Grimaud makes some appeal, though, down in the weights having fallen last time out. His ability on heavy ground is helpful and he has five pounds in hand from his rider.
Following is a mares’ bumper (3.05). Natures Odyssey is the only newcomer, given five pounds by her rider. The best previous form is brought by Willie Mullins’ Luciole Des Bordes, who was second last time out. Given seven pounds by her rider, though, is Nan’s Choice, who was very promising on debut on heavy ground at Limerick and could be the winner.
The sixth race is the Grade Two two and a half mile chase (3.40). Impaire Et Passe should be the best of them, but has to give weight away to the others. Gordon Elliott’s Sa Fureur can handle this ground and should go well. He could get closer to the favourite than the market suggests.
Second to last is a two and a half mile beginners’ chase (4.15). Champagne Jury handles ground like this well and could be interesting, but if De Capo Glory can convert his hurdle rating to the larger obstacles, he could be the one to beat here under a seven-pound claimer.
The finale is a two and a half mile handicap chase (4.50). John Ryan’s Mount Frisco looks handy on a new low mark and could run a big race, while Klass Langy’s mark is also looking attractive noe too for Joseph O’Brien.
12.45 - Manoir De Mirande
1.20 - Kawaboomga
1.55 - Bally Free
2.30 - Grimaud
3.05 - Nan’s Choice
3.40 - Impaire Et Passe
4.15 - De Capo Glory
4.50 - Mount Frisco e/w
