Hi all,
Three competitive handicaps at Gowran Park have tempted me in today.
Gowran Park
2:05 – The inform Ger Lyons yard saddle Split Passion who must be respected. Flying Rock didn’t get the clearest runs when 4th of 8 here over a mile last time and should be there or thereabouts again. Preference though is for Yermanthere has shaped with enough promise on three starts in maiden company to think he can win a race or two. Handicap debut off a workable mark and can go well.
1pt win – Yermanthere – 12/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
3:05 – No Show a good 3rd of 20 at Naas in April, bounced back to form after a couple of poor runs when 4th of 17 here over slightly further three weeks ago. Has been a given a chance by the handicapper and shouldn’t be far away. Blankiedoodie returned to form when a 2-length 3rd of 14 at Bellewstown 8-days ago. The 8-year-old isn’t the most consistent of horses but he’s now 12lb below his last winning mark and has the able assistance of Dylan Browne McMonagle in the saddle. Phoenix Open returned to form when 2nd of 15 here two starts back and showed he remained in form when 4th of 14 at Dundalk over slightly shorter last time. On a handy mark when all the cards fall right.
1pt win – Blankiedoodie – 5/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
3:35 – What A Feeling put in a career best on RPR’s when just touched off at the Curragh 19-days ago. Up just 1lb for that effort and should go close again. Court of Appeal had Kaaranah ¾ length back in third when winning a Leopardstown handicap two starts back. The latter gets a 4lb pull in the weights here so there shouldn’t be much between the pair again. Court of Appeal has since gone on to finish a 3-length 8th of 15 at Navan 4-days ago. In third and 2 lengths ahead that day was the Red Heel. On a strict interpretation of that form the filly should finish ahead again but Court Of Appeal was very unlucky in the run. He was still going well two out when not getting a run and had to be switched at the furlong mark. He finished with plenty of running left and can finish ahead of his old rival with more luck in running.
1pt win – Court Of Appeal – 5/1 @ Paddy Power
Cheers
John