Gowran Park Betting: All I'll have on Kicking King today is a watchful eye

General / Wayne Bailey / 24 January 2008 / Leave a Comment

Wayne Bailey takes a look at today's racing from Ireland...

Once again, we're back to the beautiful surroundings of Gowran Park for some more, all-important Cheltenham trials.

The ground at Gowran has been described as heavy, although not half as heavy as your wallet would be if you've been following Noel Meade at this course! With a 24% strike-rate at Gowran and a profit of over £300 to £10 stakes in the past five years, it's worth noting any of his runners today.

Having said that, I'm actually going to oppose Meade's Clarazar in the 13:45 in favour of Kazal, who should go off overpriced, as punters will be put off by his last two runs (unseated rider and fell previous). He was chasing on those occasions though, and he's back to hurdling today which is his true forte. Heavy support is expected for Sweet Kiln, and while Bowe's nine-year-old can claim credit for beating Sonnyandjoe, Jazz Messenger and Rosaker in her time, I simply feel she is poor value against a competitive field (currently 2.0) and I'm happy to take her on with a win/place bet on Kazal instead.

There's good prize money offered for the Grade 2 Normans Grove Chase at 14:15, and the one we're all waiting to see is Kicking King, who counts the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Punchestown Gold Cup and the King George among his twelve wins (from 23 starts). While it's tempting to have a bet for sentimental reasons, I think I'll sit this race out. He hasn't been out in over two years because of a tendon injury - so being realistic; we've no way of telling how he'll run. Besides, Taffe's comments yesterday hardly inspire huge confidence, when he stated, "Thursday is all about match practice and starting off again". There's also the not-so-small matter of turning over Nickname with Ruby on board. Nickname has everything in his favour here and should have plenty in hand to take this, albeit at a very short price.

Handicaps are all about value, and the aforementioned Noel Meade may provide just that in the guise of Mattock Ranger, competing in the Grade A Ellen Construction Thyestes Handicap Chase at 14:45.

There's the added benefit of Paul Carberry on board, and when you consider the fact that Carberry has a 33% strike rate in chases here (which equates to a profit of £175 to £10 stakes) you can understand why the current price of 17.0 seems a tad bit high. With four places up for grabs, a win/place bet seems the sensible option. The obvious big dangers are Newbay Prop and No Full, so for those who like to take less risk, dutching all three is a very viable option.

There are two names on my 'horses to avoid' list, namely Lothario at 12:45, and Entara at 16:25. Their trainer (S.J. Mahon) hasn't had a single winner here out of 41 runners over the years. I'm not a fan of having big liabilities so I won't risk laying as their prices are sure to be high, but I'll be pretty amazed should either land first prize today.

National Hunt flat races (a.k.a. bumpers) are usually tricky contests, but I'm happy to side with Willie Mullins' Drive On Regardless in the last race of the day at 16:25. He's had a shaky start to his career, but Mullins seems to have him in order now, and the word is that he's been working well at home. Farmaland is also an interestingly entry. He performed well on the point-to-point scene last year, and should have a decent chance at landing some place money at a nice price.

As usual, your thoughts are always welcome. If you've spotted something we've missed, make sure you post a comment. We welcome feedback of all kinds.