Mick Fitzgerald’s Gowran Park Racing tips

13.03 – Coral River
13:38 – Falcon Park
14.13 – Asterion Forlonge
14:48 – Nick Rockett
15:23 – Ocastle Des Mottes
15:58 – Machismo
16:28 – Reckless

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.

13.03 – Coral River

The opening race looks a weak enough contest and trainer Tom Mullins and his nephew Danny can team up with Coral River. He’s been runner up in three of his four bumper starts including to the heavily backed Don’tstopthemusic at the Punchestown Festival. Based on his Punchestown form and other bumper runs he might have a squeak, despite disappointing on hurdles debut at Naas earlier this month.

13:38 – Falcon Park

Paul Hennessy’s runner Falcon Park is a bit of a winning machine and has won his last two starts at Punchestown and Clonmel. He had been jumping fences when trained by Emmet Mullins last season, but seems to have found his mojo again over the smaller obstacles. Respected.

14.13 – Asterion Forlonge

Willie Mullins’ runner has had long spells over fences but was second in the Grade 1 Stayers Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival. He finished sixth to Home By The Lee at Leopardstown over Christmas on his first start back over hurdles and can improve on that run now. Buddy One is interesting but also has been jumping fences – which he hated – and he might still be thinking about that on his return to hurdles. The safer option for now is Asterion Forlonge.

 

14:48 – Nick Rockett

The feature race is the Thyestes Chase and I love Nick Rockett’s chance in this 3m 1f test. He’s already been placed in big races over this type of distances and trainer Willie Mullins’ record in the race is second to none. He was a decent fourth in the Paddy Power Chase at Christmas on seasonal debut and looks one of the main players.

15:23  – Ocastle Des Mottes 

He never really looked like a hurdler last season, despite starting favourite for the Betfair Hurdle last February on his debut run for Willie Mullins. He looks more at home over fences and finished second to Ballyburn at Punchestwon in November. Chasing will be more the game for Ocastle Des Mottes and JJ Slevin made a good start to life as retained rider for Simon Munir & Isaac Souede with Matata at the weekend in Windsor.

15:58 – Machismo

Gordon Elliott’s six-year-old was a good winner last time in a maiden hurdle at Tramore and can follow up here under Carl Millar in this opportunity handicap hurdle. His sire Ocovango liked some give in the ground so the going should be perfect for Machismo.

16:28 – Reckless

The debutant in the Gigginstown House colours was a €160k store horse and has been well touted by connections. Reckless should be good enough to make a winning debut in the concluding bumper.

Mick Fitzgerald’s Gowran Park Racing tips

13.03 – Coral River
13:38 – Falcon Park
14.13 – Asterion Forlonge
14:48 – Nick Rockett
15:23 – Ocastle Des Mottes
15:58 – Machismo
16:28 – Reckless

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at the time of publishing but subject to change.

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