Irish Racing Review: Gowran Park, April 28th 2013

Gowran Park Racecourse

Gowran Park – Sunday, April 28^th

7f Maiden

This form came out of nowhere with Tobann and hard to know whether to trust it; was ponied to the start and head a bit high, not the only wide-margin winner on the day. Silver Lightening’s debut form not worked out and looks limited while Scotland Forever was keen and had the head a bit high too. Hard to like this form and Cocktail Hour has become disappointing; PC Henry in fairness would have more improvement in him than most given the length of time he’s been off. Drifting Mist was one that when with promise on the AW and now has a mark; her trainer very much one with an eye to handicaps.

7f Handicap

Handicapper can’t put Ondeafears up much for this and she could be a Halford improver; shaped like wouldn’t mind 8f here (off it early, came home well) as did LTO though failed over that trip in youth and not bred for it. This might have been an improved effort from Core Element off stable switch; fought on well and new trainer an upgrade on old. Flic Flac hard to win with while this suggests Bunairgead is too high on 92; her maiden win not worked out. Nini Ok travelled nicely (more suited to sprint trips) but never wins while this trip would have been on the sharp side for Maude Adams though her LTO win not really worked out.

1m Handicap

Hurricane Sky got a pig of a ride over this course last July when heavily backed and his form with Daigreen worked out well in this context; he is one that will like further (by Hurricane Run, dam by sire with SI of 11.6f) but picked up well in the closing stages having been off it early in the manner of one that is well-treated. The second Only Exception wants dropping in trip and might even be a sprinter; shaped that way last year and has a race in him off this mark; wide draw here, had to be used to get early position and trapped wide yet still looked like winning this for a long time. Smoke Charger was keen but has had plenty of chances at this point. Certainly promise from Zelos Dream on first start for new yard; he looked like one that could win off mid-50s mark last summer and has now dropped to 51; could improve for this. Confident Cub is hardly well-treated off his revised mark.

1m Handicap

Quite impressed with how Benalex Park travelled and Conor King certainly looked competent for a 7lb claimer; the 0-70 he was fifth in last time is working out quite well. Busalla is keeping a bit back for himself as was Mamma Rose down the field. Killena Boy is better than the bare form; made effort soon enough and led until under 1f out; sixth doesn’t do him justice and has competed well here off a right hike in the weights. Dragon Khan has ability and recent acquisition for JP though type to be overbet. Carvelas is completely out of form and was off it after a couple of furlongs.

1m 3yo Handicap

Action took place up to stands side of the centre which is unusual for flat racing at the track. Much improved effort from Lucky Kitten, first time blinds, off a mark that looked stiff on maiden runs. Lake Louise improved from debut run (that form starting to work out) while Kiss Goodnight went well off a mark that looked very harsh; her breeding (by Papal Bull) suggested this trip would suit and her best previous effort came over a mile too. Terrible ride on Snake And Ladders; missed break but put into race too early, mid-race move on outer to lead into straight, ask for effort too soon, did well to finish so close, better than form. Miller Beach not build on debut promise.

1m1f Listed

Caponata, typical Weld older horse, tends to have them ready FTO, talking post-race about Group 1 races; looked very promising last year before losing form. Good effort from We’ll Go Walking, pulling clear with winner on just second start. 107 flatters Aloof, that figure achieved in a bad Group 3. Cleofila could prove difficult to place and no surprise to see the two 3yo fillies from last year that ran in pattern races as juveniles well-beaten as that looked a poor crop; Coolibah was awkward under pressure and may have a kink.

1m1f Maiden

Suspect things have fallen right for An Saincheann, eased to front 4f out, unchallenged and never had to get into fight as nothing got into it; looked ungenuine last year and probably still the same even allowing for application of hood; one to be against NTO; may have ability but kinky. Sharp Crisp air an early knock to form of the Kerisa maiden at Leopardstown while Teochrios showed HC in fourth and would be one to oppose in maidens.

1m1f Maiden

Early pace looked slow with a few keen; Safe Home has done very well to come from off it on debut and this was a fine performance. Ghaamer travelled well and should improve for this, won’t mind drop in trip and should win his maiden. League Of Nations looks limited while Manalapan not build on debut promise; Stephen Hero one with HC down the field.