14:48
Gowran Park
Odds correct as of 10:16am 22nd Jan
Gowran‘s best National Hunt meeting of the season takes place on Thursday and the big race of the day is the Grade 3 Thyestes Chase. It’s a prestigious handicap that has produced two Grand National winners so far this century and a field of 18 has been declared this year. Here we take a look at some of the main contenders and offer up a free 12/1 tip. Why not check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
13. Where It All Began
Gordon Elliott’s most fancied runner is on a nice mark but struggled in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow last time out. He’s entitled to take a step forward and it’s easy to see why this horse is popular.
6. Yeah Man
Trained by Gavin Cromwell, he ran well to finish third in the Troytown at Navan on seasonal debut and shaped as if he would improve for the run. This horse has loads of stamina although he doesn’t look particularly well treated.
2. Nick Rockett
Willie Mullins’ gelding was a fair novice last term and his best effort came when third in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown. He ran well enough first time out this season, finishing fourth, but a 2lb rise looks fairly harsh.
9. Shannon Royale
Mark Walsh rides for Gordon Elliott here and this horse beat a couple of useful types when winning a beginners’ chase at Punchestown last month. Second to Dancing City before that, he could be improving and therefore looks dangerous.
18. Will Do
Connections will probably be surprised that he remains a maiden over fences, as he’s been a little disappointing so far this season. Sam Ewing rides but he’s probably not Gordon Elliott’s best chance.
3. Favori De Champdou (free tip)
Perhaps not always the most consistent, he’s a very talented horse on his day. He has won two graded novice chases, one of which came by a margin of 14 lengths. Significant improvement is anticipated now, after appearing to need the run at Leopardstown recently.
5. Glengouly
Conditional jockey Sean Cleary-Farrell takes 7lb off here and Willie Mullins’ nine-year-old was second in this race last year. Glengouly is entitled to be in the mix with that in mind.
17. Bushmans Pass
Oliver McKiernan’s runner progressed nicely as a novice last term and there could be more to come this season. This is his first start for 306 days however and might be one for another day.
The big three have dominated this race in recent years, with Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott and Henry de Bromhead winning eight of the last 10 renewals between them.
Don’t be afraid of a short one, as the biggest priced winners in the last decade were 16/1 so massive outsiders have a poor recent record.
Only two of the last 10 winners have had marks in excess of 150 so you might want to oppose top weight Coko Beach.
If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.