Niall Cronin’s Racing Tips – Sunday 19th June

As the top hats and tails are put away for another year, Gowran Park stages an eight race flat card on Sunday and it’s a tricky afternoon.

Not an Obvious Choice
Being a maiden from 28 starts doesn’t make Athassel the most appealing bet of all time but down to the basement rating of 45, he may never have a better opportunity to finally break his duck.

Thomond O’Mara’s charge ran well at a decent price last weekend at Cork and makes a quick reappearance now with Wayne Lordan booked to ride.

Having been tried at all distances from a mile to a mile and six, it’s hard to say what his best trip is but he has consistently ran well at a mile.

If Athassel can get the better of top weight Fiosrach, his long overdue success should be this weekend.

Prendergast v Prendergast
The www.gowranpark.ie Handicap over seven-furlongs is tightly compressed with only 10lbs separating the top and the bottom of the 11-runners with the three-year-old Mizaah the likely favourite for Irish Guineas winning trainer Kevin Prendergast.

However, it could be Patrick Prendergast who holds the key in this one. Canary Row began his season winning off a mark of 82 at Limerick with a nice ease in the ground.

Dropping back a furlong shouldn’t be an issue for a horse who won over five-furlongs as a juvenile.

Having some juice in the ground seems to be the key and his run at the Curragh last time out was a creditable one. This looks to be a slightly easier contest so hopefully he can return to winning ways.

Recommended Bets:
Canary Row – 3.15 Gowran Park
Athassel – 4.45 Gowran Park

*Prices correct at time of publication.