2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Gowran Park tips: Plaza Athenee can make it third time lucky
Gowran Park hosts a seven-race card and Plaza Athenee can build on two promising efforts by getting off the mark in the sixth race, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden.
John Murphy's three-year-old filly, unraced at two, made her debut in a Curragh maiden in late June and there was distinct promise despite her being beaten more than 10 lengths into sixth place.
On her second start, in a maiden at Killarney's July meeting, she was sent off the 3-1 favourite but had to settle for second place behind Drama Queen. Only touched off following a protracted duel with the winner, who is now 90 rated, it was a significant step up on her debut effort, and more can be expected.
Today's two-furlong shorter trip is of little concern, and she can take this en route to better things.
It could be a good day for her rider, Colin Keane, as he also holds leading claims aboard Continuite in the feature, the listed Darley Irish EBF Hurry Harriet Stakes.
The Juddmonte filly was placed on both starts at two and while she was off for 10 months prior to her recent return to action, over a mile at this venue, it didn't show as she stretched clear in the closing stages to win as she pleased.
A full sister to Time Lock, who has won two Group 3s and a listed race over 12 furlongs, the selection ought to appreciate the step up to almost 10 furlongs, and while she is conceding experience to most of her rivals, she will take a great deal of beating.
Easy Mover ran a fine race in defeat in the listed Corrib Fillies' Stakes at Galway and on that evidence she should appreciate the step up in trip. She appeals as the danger and best each-way alternative to the selection.
Tickling can get off the mark for her career by taking the finale, the Curragh To Curragh Charity Cycle August 30 Handicap.
Mark Molloy's filly showed precious little on her first three outings but there was a marked improvement on her first foray into handicap company.
Slow to find stride that day, she was under pressure from a long way out and didn't enjoy the best of runs through the field, but was noted staying on really strongly to finish a close fourth behind Galaxy Wonder. She can only continue to improve and with James Ryan in the saddle, she can have a big say in the outcome of this race.
Thegooseiscooked is sure to be popular amongst punters and has obvious claims, but may find one or two too good once more.
