Johnny Ward's best bets for Gowran Park on Saturday
By Johnny Ward
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Images of the chaos wrought by storms on Friday may be a trailer for our future with climate change influencing racing quite a bit already.
The high winds led to Dundalk's meeting being postponed but, hopefully, Gowran will be fine on Saturday. It’s a really good card, albeit without any obvious stars running. Be lucky.
3.30 Gowran: Melon
Johnny Ward
Finished: 1stSP: 2/5
It is hard to get your head around how bad Melon's win record is: one victory outside of what would have been obligatory successes in a maiden hurdle and a maiden chase; and just one win since November 2017.
I've never thought of him as ungenuine and, given his form over three miles, this could be his ideal trip. Patrick Mullins has said as much this week.
He's one of a surprising number of doubtful characters in a five-runner Grade Two but he will win this if he runs his race. It’s as simple as that. The yard could hardly be in better form.
4.40 Gowran: Carrigmoorna Pine
Johnny Ward
Finished: 6thSP: 9/2
This is a good little race for the grade. That's Lifebuoy emulates stablemate The Little Yank in having her 20th run in the past ten months, essentially breaking all the conventional norms.
Brandy Harbour renews rivalry with Hollybank King and should ensure a good pace. That will suit Silver Klass, who landed a gamble at Fairyhouse but may prefer better ground.
Carrigmoorna Pine ran an absolute blinder without rewarding each-way support at Naas last time. He looks exceptionally well-handicapped off the same mark given his hurdling form and his superb ability at a fence.
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