DON’T be surprised if both Gowran Park and Navan this weekend, along with Punchestown and Thurles midweek, attract larger than usual crowds. With good race-going weather conditions forecast, and time running out to get a run into Cheltenham hopefuls, it is likely that we will see more than a few clues for the great festival in the Cotswolds delivered today and tomorrow.

Gowran is centre stage today and takes that place even with Presenting Percy missing. What a draw he would have been for the Grade 2 Red Mills Chase, but it is still a hugely intriguing contest, four going to post for a race that will feature live on ITV Racing’s coverage this afternoon.