Gowran Park preview

It’s the marquee day of the year at Gowran Park, with the historic Thyestes Chase – backed for the first time by Tendrleen this year – topping the bill on a seven race programme. A full compliment of eighteen are set to face the starter in the day’s feature, with the market headed by the in-form Beroni and Paddy Power Chase casualty Lochan Lacha – both of whom are trained by men with a good record in the race.

Despite a 20lb hike for his Troytown Chase romp the first-named, part of a five-strong raid by local handler Willie Mullins, is probably the one to beat but in truth there are plenty among the big field who could be fancied to go well. Good Fella and Checkpointcharlie are two at bigger prices with the potential to figure if at their best.

Mullins and Ruby Walsh will be expected to begin the day with a winner courtesy of costly Leopardstown faller Secant Star. The French import faces a couple of interesting newcomers in the opening juvenile hurdle but still appears certain to go off very short.

The Alo Duffin Memorial Hurdle has attracted a disappointing turnout of just four runners, three of whom – Powerstation, Oscar Dan Dan and former Gold Cup hero War Of Attrition are closely matched on running at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Categories: Horse racing