UK Horse Racing Tips: Gowran Park

STORM PIECE showed plenty of promise in three maiden outings last year and handled testing ground when again filling the runner-up spot on his reappearance over this trip at Naas last month. The Ger Lyons-trained colt had Iron Fist nearly five lengths back in fourth and may now have most to fear from Kilmood Susan. She moves up to this distance for the first time after finishing well over 6f on soft ground at the Curragh and receives plenty of weight, especially when factoring in Nicola Burns' 7lb claim. Gran Habano certainly won't lack for experience and has placed form on the turf and all-weather, including when third to The Liffey Swim over a mile here last time.
Prediction : 1st Storm Piece 2nd Kilmood Susan 3rd Gran Habano

DANCE FOR CHESTER relished testing ground when landing a gamble on his reappearance for Mick Mulvany over 5f at Naas last month. The son of Ribchester, who has since joined Stephen Thorne, had Historical Fact about seven lengths back in fifth, with James The Second in rear, and finished strongly up the hill to suggest he can stay this trip. Weegeebear rates an obvious threat having won two claimers this year, including over a mile here last week. Kilgharrahs Love showed her best form on heavy ground last year and was placed behind Chica Guerrera over C&D in the autumn.
Prediction : 1st Dance For Chester 2nd Weegeebear 3rd Kilgharrahs Love

Although a long-standing maiden, DEUTERONOMY ran arguably his best race to date at Leopardstown earlier this month, getting no luck in running inside the final furlong and eventually having to settle for third. Still towards the bottom of the handicap and with Nicola Burns claiming a valuable 7lb, he should give a good account of himself if handling the testing ground. A case can be made for many others in this competitive heat, with dual course winners Lisabetta and The Fog Horn both of interest. Racing on turf for the first time, Still She Blooms and Happy Henry warrant respect, while Navan third Navorrosse and Superior Force are others for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Deuteronomy 2nd The Fog Horn 3rd Navorrosse

Proven on testing ground, handicap debutant MATAARIKI gets the nod in this competitive affair. The Joseph O'Brien-trained four-year-old won on debut here this very day 12 months ago and was a good third on her penultimate start at the Curragh. Disappointing in Listed company at Chantilly in November, she could prove nicely treated off a mark of 84. O'Brien also saddles Shavasi, who can't be discounted, while top-weight Indigo Five is sure to prove popular after her win at the Curragh. The Johnny Feane-trained six-year-old appears to go on any ground and she should give a good account of herself, with Wesley Joyce claiming a valuable 5lb. Three-time winner Bellaphina, Paul Flynn's Fast Tara and Naas third Sara Valentina are others for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Mataariki 2nd Indigo Five 3rd Bellaphina

An excellent second to subsequent Group 1 winner Scorthy Champ on debut, DAHLIA NOIR has been a shade disappointing since. Starting off in handicap company, she was a solid fifth on her return to action at Leopardstown last month and, back in calmer waters, she looks the one to beat. While the ground is a bit of an unknown, it's worth noting that her dam won on soft. Joseph O'Brien saddles three of the 16 set to take part, with Dylan Browne McMonagle opting to partner debutant Shrihara. Upped to a mile for the first time, Its All Peachy should be able to make an impact with Colin Keane aboard. Lady Lilac, Echinacea and Restful are others for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Dahlia Noir 2nd Its All Peachy 3rd Lady Lilac

The Joseph O'Brien-trained ANNIE'S ANGEL may be able to defy top weight, minus leading apprentice Wayne Hassett's claim. A maiden winner at Galway on her second start, the Dark Angel filly enters handicaps off a feasible mark and, also proven over a mile on heavy ground, there is much to recommend her. Cork third Scott Key would be a serious contender if the ground dried out. Untried on softer than good/yielding, the gelding should go close if handling the surface. Bishopton should have no issues with either trip or ground if ready after an absence.
Prediction : 1st Annies Angel 2nd Scott Key 3rd Bishopton

Nicola Burns can add another winner to her tally, with DUMB LOVE holding strong claims. The Gerard O'Leary-trained mare looks very well treated off her present mark of 56 and, when taking into account the additional 7lb that Burns takes off her back, the five-year-old really catches the eye. Proven on heavy ground and over an extended trip, she showed her well-being when finishing third over hurdles at Cork in January. Elle Dorado Rock won on his most recent start on the Flat, but that was on the Polytrack at Dundalk. If handling conditions, he should make his presence felt. Your Honor is another to consider under Ben Coen.
Prediction : 1st Dumb Love 2nd Elle Dorado Rock 3rd Your Honor