TOMORROW’S Gowran Park fixture has taken on an altogether greater significance with the massive Tote Pick 6 rollover which could break new ground with the pool expected to hit seven figures.
The previous high watermark for the Pick 6 was a pool of €727,000 on the Friday evening at this year’s Galway Festival, but this could be left in the shade by tomorrow’s pool.
The smallest field in the six-legged bet is the 12-runner Group 3 so punters have no shortage of options to choose from for their various combinations.
With this in mind, playing for a 50 cent-unit is the recommended staking plan and it provides a very minor degree of security in that punters don’t have to ‘bank’ on any one horse over the six legs.
First up is the one-mile fillies’ maiden where a duo of Qatar Racing-owned runners are put forward. Wayside Flower hasn’t run since May but her first two efforts are strong pieces of form and, if she can cope with this longer trip, she might fend off Dreamy Gal. The latter stepped forward nicely from her first run to chase home Winter at Dundalk last month.
COLTS
Three horses are suggested against the field in the colts’ maiden. Rekindling is an automatic choice following his good second to Capri at Galway and the form of that race is working out notably well.
World War, who was second at Leopardstown first time out, must also be included and a mention also goes to the newcomer Rich History. His trainer, Dermot Weld, used this race to launch the career of Harzand 12 months ago and this colt boasts a tremendous pedigree as he is a half-brother to Free Eagle, Sapphire and Custom Cut.
In the Group 3, Laganore warrants inclusion. She has to prove herself at this level but she is the top-rated runner in the field and can more than hold her own in a not especially strong edition of this race. Discipline is also selected having turned in a nice effort to win a Naas listed race in June.
The two divisions of the 45-65 rated handicaps have the potential to spell the death knell for many. However, the first division doesn’t look especially strong and Modern Tutor will take beating as he looks to follow-up last week’s Down Royal triumph. Set To Fire, who has run a number of solid races in defeat, is another solid option.
The second division looks a good deal trickier. The course winner Snap Click is chosen in the hope that the ground dries out over the course of the weekend, and Annagassan has some respectable efforts to her name. The trip is a concern for her but she is still earmarked for inclusion.
As the last leg, the apprentice handicap is the day’s pivotal contest. The multiple course winner Enough Is Enough has to be included even though the trip is a worry. A slightly less obvious candidate is No Approval, whose fifth on his handicap debut at Roscommon is a good effort.
Selections
Leg 1: 4 & 16
Leg 2: 7,8, & 14
Leg 3: 4 & 9
Leg 4: 1 & 2
Leg 5: 4 & 15
Leg 6: 3 & 8
Cost
2 x 3 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = €96 (apply 50 cent unit which brings the cost down to €48)