THE pick of the races at Gowran Park last Sunday was the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies’ Handicap won by Sh Boom (93).

Gary Carroll was once again this season seen to good effect as he delivered the Ger Lyons-trained filly late on to deny front-running Acquiescent in a good time with an equally good closing sectional.

The daughter of War Command had to work hard early from a wide draw and was also forced wide entering the straight so is probably value for a little more than the head by which she eventually prevailed.

A glance at her back form also points to the fact she may well have benefitted from the better ground on which she has performed to her best in the past.

The overall race time and the closing sectional of 35.45 seconds was the fastest of the older horse races and only slightly slower than the opening juvenile race won by Hadman (70) (34.65 seconds), albeit that race was slowly run.

Zawara (93) (35.75 seconds), who is rated 98, ran the closest race time to Sh Boom when winning later on the card and adds further strength to the view that the fillies handicap was above average so it may pay to follow the front five on their next assignment.

A case can also be made to add Music To My Ears (84) to the list as this looked an exercise for a race further down the line.

She was second in the Premier Handicap for fillies on Derby Day last year and holds an entry again this year. Joseph O’Brien’s filly was second in the Curragh race last year to subsequent group winner Sonaiyla.

Silent Film (94), Saturday, June 12th, Sandown: Overcame a sluggish start to register a first win of the season.

The closing sectional of 48.85 seconds was by far the quickest on the round track, the next best being 50.40 seconds posted by Trais Fluors who won the 0-100 handicap.

Run To Freedom (92), Saturday, June 12th, Sandown: He was run down by Silent Film late on with the pair having a nice break on the rest of the field.

The son of Muhaarar was making his seasonal debut and raced freely early, as is the case with many of Henry Candy’s horses he is likely to improve for the run.

Mr Wagyu (85+), Saturday, June 12th, York: He is in the form of his life at present and can defy the rise in grade that is coming his way.

The overall race time was slightly slower than 90-rated First Folio (35.85 seconds) but the closing sectionals of 35.40 seconds were faster, while the John Quinn-trained gelding gave the impression he still had plenty left to give if needed.

Passion And Glory (98+), Monday, June 14th, Lingfield: He won very easily in a fast time and looks booked for a step up in grade. The son of Cape Cross holds an entry in the John Smith’s Cup at York for which he will need a rise in the handicap to get in so this victory might have been just the job.