UK Horse Racing Tips: Gowran Park

GRIMAUD won twice on the Flat in France and has been placed on all three hurdle outings since joining current connections. He wasn't helped by a mistake at the last when beating all bar the odds-on Fishery Lane over 2m4f at Fairyhouse and should be suited by this drop back in trip. Captain Ryan Matt probably came up against a useful sort when no match for Karbau at Punchestown, while Fierce Handay was noted staying on in a Navan maiden that has been working out quite well and any market move would be significant. Bop Wont Stop showed promise when third to Pure Steel at Cork, but has disappointed twice since.
Prediction : 1st Grimaud 2nd Captain Ryan Matt 3rd Fierce Handay

WHIMSY won three times on the Flat, including over 1m6f at Carlisle last summer, and has made the frame on her latest four starts over hurdles. She likes to be up with the pace and while reluctant to line up at Punchestown last time, only went down by half a length to Adela Icon, with the pair pulling well clear of the remainder. Innatendue has been placed on a number of occasions and now has her first run for Henry de Bromhead following an eight-month break. Limerick bumper winner Neon Diamond attracted the attention of the stewards at Clonmel last month, while Long Gone and Hurricane Bailey are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Whimsy 2nd Innatendue 3rd Neon Diamond

BAL KAUTO gets the vote, despite being off the track for nearly two years since completing a hat-trick in the space of just over three weeks. The Declan Queally-trained gelding landed a 2m3f Limerick handicap hurdle before two easy wins over fences, and his timber mark remains at a lowly level. Market support would greatly increase confidence, while others to consider include Love Me and Love Like This. The former won a 23-runner Navan handicap over this trip and has been given a break since disappointing at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting. Aboy Joey and Glorytogod Tom are others for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Bal Kauto 2nd Love Me 3rd Glorytogod Tom

KINGKONG CIERGUES merits plenty of respect after being pipped by a head in Fairyhouse. He races off 2lb lower with Tiernan Power Roche's claim factored in. Knockbrack Rambler is up in class after obliging at Limerick over Christmas. Given that the third home has come out and won twice, he should be a factor in this company. Joya Del Mar showed good improvement to chase home the winner at Fairyhouse and she could build upon that. Ray Hackett had a winner at Thurles during the week and his Roc My Haarth has stronger claims than most, while Doyen Flyer and Cosmo Renfro aren't out of it.
Prediction : 1st Kingkong Ciergues 2nd Knockbrack Rambler 3rd Joya Del Mar

The form of ONE LAST TANGO's close fourth in a similar grade at Leopardstown over Christmas is working out very well. He was then pipped by a neck at Down Royal in January and gets in off a lovely light weight in this race. Lazer Wolf won at Clonmel in December and ought to be involved. Champagne Mahler is another lurking at the lower end of the weights and there was promise in his runner-up effort on his handicap chase debut at Fairyhouse. Grange Walk's third place at 50/1 in a valuable handicap chase at the Dublin Racing Festival in Leopardstown was a notable effort.
Prediction : 1st One Last Tango 2nd Lazer Wolf 3rd Champagne Mahler

EARLY DOORS took the notable scalp of a prolific winner when successful in an Oldtown point-to-point and looks the one to beat. He was runner-up on the 'track' at Listowel last June and was well clear of the remainder. Big Interest is up-and-coming in this discipline and there was plenty to like about how he posted an easy success at Down Royal over Christmas. He found life tougher when fourth in Naas, but another big run looks on the cards. My Best Valentine has been enjoying herself in point-to-points to earn a shot at this company, while Dorking Cock shouldn't be ruled out.
Prediction : 1st Early Doors 2nd Big Interest 3rd My Best Valentine

An interesting bumper and KSAR FATAL looks dangerous on his racecourse debut for Willie Mullins. Donnchadh Doyle trained him to win a point-to-point at Curraghmore in October and the runner-up has since proved good enough to land a maiden hurdle at Punchestown. King's Bucks is another point-to-point winner who is starting out on his racecourse career with Henry de Bromhead. He is an obvious threat. Chasing Blues made plenty of money at the Derby Sale a couple of years ago. He is related to several multiple winners and is an intriguing runner for Gavin Cromwell. Powerful Paddy kept on for third in a Fairyhouse bumper and that experience will stand to him.
Prediction : 1st Ksar Fatal 2nd Kings Bucks 3rd Chasing Blues