7:05 Gowran Park – McEnery Cup Handicap (1m4½f, Good)

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Race Overview

This €22,000 handicap has drawn a small but competitive 7-runner field, featuring a mix of proven handicappers and lightly raced improvers. With no obvious front-runner, the early fractions could be steady, making tactical position crucial.

Historic Gowran 12f+ handicaps on good ground show a slight edge to those drawn low/mid and able to race in the first half of the field.


Contenders

Fleetfoot – OR 94 – Draw 3

  • Profile: 13-run Flat career: 3 wins, 7 places, peak RPR 102.
  • Positives: In-form – Curragh win (1m4f, June) and 4th of 18 in valuable Galway Festival handicap. Proven at trip and ground; adaptable tactically.
  • Negatives: Now 5lb higher than Curragh win; needs to sustain form in smaller-field tactical race.
  • Verdict: Solid, consistent performer; statistical top RPR (102) in field this year.

Puturhandstogether – OR 82 – Draw 7

  • Profile: Fred Winter winner over hurdles, G1 placed; Flat C&D winner in 2023 (RPR 102).
  • Positives: Returns to Flat off same mark as last run in this code; well treated vs hurdle rating (141). Proven at trip and track; trainer 81% RTF.
  • Negatives: First Flat start in 12 months; might prefer stronger gallop than forecast.
  • Verdict: Well handicapped; serious player if fit.

War Rooms – OR 96 – Draw 5

  • Profile: Dante 3rd in 2024 (RPR 106); consistent in 14f conditions races this year; 7th in Royal Ascot 1m4f handicap.
  • Positives: Class angle; trainer 50% RTF. Handles good ground.
  • Negatives: Winless in 9 since debut; not certain to be fully effective in tactical small field; best form at 10-12f.
  • Verdict: Dangerous on class but vulnerable to turn of foot.

Boxing Great – OR 80 – Draw 4

  • Profile: 3 career starts – placed in two turf maidens (RPR 96); 2nd over 1m5f at Down Royal latest.
  • Positives: Unexposed; proven at trip and ground; possible improver on handicap debut.
  • Negatives: Faces much tougher opposition; needs to improve 5-8lb to win.
  • Verdict: Dark horse; value each-way contender.

Gambino – OR 82 – Draw 1

  • Profile: Won only start – C&D maiden in April (RPR 93).
  • Positives: Low draw; potential front-runner in pace-light field.
  • Negatives: Massive jump in class; stamina unproven at this trip under pressure.
  • Verdict: Could get tactical advantage but vulnerable late.

Saturn – OR 93 – Draw 6

  • Profile: 4 wins from 11; peak RPR 101; 1m6f winner in April.
  • Positives: Strong on best form; handles good ground; record fresh is decent.
  • Negatives: Two heavy defeats since April; confidence to be rebuilt.
  • Verdict: Capable if bouncing back but risky on current trajectory.

Soaring Monarch – OR 87 – Draw 2

  • Profile: 5 wins from 31; peak RPR 106 (over C&D).
  • Positives: C&D form; 7lb claim helps; handles good ground.
  • Negatives: Winless since Sept 2024; last win over 10 months ago.
  • Verdict: Place claims if race collapses late.

Tactical View

  • Likely Leaders: Gambino, Fleetfoot.
  • Trackers: War Rooms, Puturhandstogether, Boxing Great.
  • Closers: Saturn, Soaring Monarch.
  • Impact: Modest early pace likely – favours those handy with turn of foot.

Key Stats Edge

  • Top 2025 RPR: Fleetfoot (102)
  • Top TS Recent: Fleetfoot (82), Saturn (83 in April)
  • Trainer Hotlist: Joseph O’Brien (Puturhandstogether, 81% RTF), Gerard Keane (War Rooms, 50% RTF)
  • Unexposed Improvers: Boxing Great, Gambino, Puturhandstogether (Flat)

Private Tissue (101% Book)

HorseOdds
Fleetfoot3/1
Puturhandstogether7/2
War Rooms4/1
Boxing Great8/1
Gambino8/1
Saturn10/1
Soaring Monarch14/1

Verdict & Smart Plays

  • Main Bet: Fleetfoot – in form, best adjusted RPRs, tactical draw.
  • Saver: Puturhandstogether – thrown in vs hurdles form, course/trip suited.
  • Value EW: Boxing Great – h’cap debut, unexposed, could step up.

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