The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Chase is the feature race on Gowran's seven-race card and it is expected to prove a competitive contest.< Footy Facts was the best of these over hurdles, earning a rating of 144 in that sphere, and he looks an exciting recruit to the chasing game judged on his seven-length victory in similarly testing conditions at Thurles earlier in the month.
After only three starts in this code, and with confidence sky-high, many will fancy the Robert Tyner inmate to add to his tally under a penalty.
There are some interesting rivals in opposition, however, not least the Willie Mullins-trained Financial Reward who overcame lack of match practice when scoring over fences on his seasonal bow around a fortnight ago.
Clonmel winner Follow The Plan Tony Martin's Drumconvis and chase newcomer Indian Pace add further intrigue to the main event.
Action commences at 12.35 with the Green Fee Vouchers 3YO Maiden Hurdle and Admiral Barry is expected to prove a warm order, having improved so much on his initial hurdling display when second to Yield For No One at Punchestown last weekend.
Noel Meade has an interesting candidate in the Porters Saddlery Maiden Hurdle in the shape of fair bumper performer Lifes Star but Persian City and Superior Ben have the advantage of previous hurdling experience.
The latter's close-up second to Fisher Bridge at Punchestown last month reads particularly well.< Another Ambition has been given a chance by the assessor and is likely to appreciate the return to two miles in the Thomastown Handicap Hurdle, while the Gowran Park Racing Club Handicap Hurdle could be dominated by the top two in the weights - the returning Cloth Fair and Dusty Sheehy's mare Bandearg
It would be no surprise to see easy Thurles winner Island Life defy a 12lb higher mark in the Irish Racing Yearbook Handicap Chase and the betting should help sort out the Duninga Gallops (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race, with particular interest in Killeenmore and Angela's Lashes
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