UK Horse Racing Tips: Gowran Park

OUR ROXANE romped to a 10-length win at Limerick over the Christmas period and looked to have enough in hand on that occasion to suggest a 10lb rise wouldn't be enough to stop her if in the same form. Only a neck separated Knockraha Boss and Capture The Action when they finished first and second respectively at Tramore on New Year's Day and they are entitled to be thereabouts once again, with Shantou Sisu and An Marcach others to note.
Prediction : 1st Our Roxane 2nd Knockraha Boss 3rd Capture The Action

Bumper winner AIONE looked in need of a greater test of stamina when second on his hurdles debut at Fairyhouse, but Willie Mullins' seven-year-old is given another chance to get off the mark over 2m4f, with underfoot conditions in his favour. Henry Brown looked useful when taking a Fairyhouse bumper in October and is respected on his hurdling bow, while West Cork Wildway is a dual winner in the pointing field and another of interest.
Prediction : 1st Aione 2nd Henry Brown 3rd West Cork Wildway

APPLE'S JADE left two disappointing runs behind her when blitzing the field to take the Grade 1 Frank Ward Memorial Hurdle by a whopping 17 lengths at Leopardstown. Gordon Elliott's star mare arguably needs a trip to be seen at her best these days and this assignment looks perfect to quash any doubters who may think her best days are behind her. If it wasn't for a famous last-hurdle fall at Cheltenham in March, Benie Des Dieux would be unbeaten in eight starts for Willie Mullins and she is of real interest on her first outing of the season. Stablemate Penhill is likely to get better with every run as he works his way back to his Grade 1-winning best.
Prediction : 1st Apples Jade 2nd Benie Des Dieux 3rd Penhill

ELEAZAR DES NEIGES has stepped forward with each start over hurdles and appreciated going back up in trip when scoring at Limerick over the Christmas period. The six-year-old now goes handicapping where he could prove capable of further improvement for a stable enjoying a fine season. Abraham went up 12lb for an impressive victory at Naas on his first start for Martin Brassil earlier in the month and he is likely to be competitive along with Impatient Partner, who is of interest back in distance on his handicap debut.
Prediction : 1st Eleazar Des Neiges 2nd Abraham 3rd Impatient Partner

ACAPELLA BOURGEOIS improved significantly from his hurdles return at Navan to finish runner-up to Gold Cup hero Al Boum Photo at Tramore on New Year's Day and he boasts strong credentials, despite carrying top weight, now back in handicap company. His trainer, Willie Mullins, has landed this prize three times since 2014, with each winner carrying 11-6 or more, and the 10-year-old threatened to be a top-notch performer earlier in his career. Stable companion Chef Des Obeaux ran a fine race when fifth in the Paddy Power behind Roaring Bull, having made a significant error three out, and he could have further progression to come, along with Smoking Gun, who won a beginners' chase at Punchestown on New Year's Eve, and Moyhenna, who was in contention when falling at Limerick last time.
Prediction : 1st Acapella Bourgeois 2nd Chef Des Obeaux 3rd Smoking Gun

Coquin Mans represents powerful connections and, despite disappointing on his chase debut at Fairyhouse, must be respected because he's a Grade 2 winner over hurdles. Stable companion Antey is another to note, likewise Chosen Mate, but this can go the way of CAPUCCIMIX, who unseated his rider at the first at Leopardstown over Christmas but had previously shaped with plenty of promise when second at Navan behind subsequent scorer Cash Back.
Prediction : 1st Capuccimix 2nd Coquin Mans 3rd Chosen Mate

Those boasting racecourse experience don't set a very high standard, so expect one of the newcomers going to post to come home in front. HOMME D'UN SOIR represents the potent Gordon Elliott/Jamie Codd combination and makes plenty of appeal on pedigree as he is out of a well-related French dam by Hurricane Cat, who won a Group 3 on the Flat. The market should tell us more, but he gets the nod ahead of Quite Incredible and Light Brigade.
Prediction : 1st Homme Dun Soir 2nd Quite Incredible 3rd Light Brigade